Blog #2 Heather Cook

My Three Writing Habits.

1. Find an obscure location: When I write, I like to be seated in a spot that is specifically designated for writing, though I usually cannot write creatively when I’m seated in a conventional desk or table. Instead, I like to go outside and sit on the deck, on the ground leaned against the garage, or really just anywhere that I can breathe fresh air. Like I said before in my “I am a writer” blog, the outdoors inspires me, so anywhere outside that is unusual, yet pleasant, is where I choose to write. Sometimes I climb my tree Larry with a notebook and feel the rhythm of words travel onto the page. Other times, I'll just sit in the maple tree and think about my next work. My favorite time to sit and think/write is during summer thunderstorms. To the left you can see the view from Larry's branches. If I am trapped indoors, I try to find a secluded place. If there is a strange corner in the house, such as in an attic or basement, I’ll go there to write.

2. Avoid complete silence: Although I typically cannot write near people who are talking, I’ve found that I cannot write in complete silence. To remedy this, I’ve learned that movie soundtracks put me in the right mood to write. My favorite composers are John Williams, Danny Elfman, Carter Burwell, Bruno Coulais, Michael Giacchino, and Alexandre Desplat. Some of my favorite soundtracks are from the movies Coraline, Twilight, Meet the Robinsons, Harry Potter, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

3. Don’t cage the writing: When I’m in the composition process, I try not to have too much in mind for the plot. I will have a general idea of what I want to write, such as the particular genre and the types of characters, but I will not have a firm plot planned out. Although it is difficult, I try to let the characters evolve and behave in unpredictable ways. If by the end of the story the main character has done something I didn’t think he/she was capable of, I know I’ve successfully accomplished my goal.