My Three Most Important Writing Habits:
1. Good Music to Go the Distance- This seems silly, but I find that I become more deeply involved in my writing and less prone to distraction when I have good music playing softly in the background. My favorites for this kind of writing are Bon Iver, Damien Rice, William Fitzsimmons, and Bat for Lashes. After about twenty minutes, I hit what I like to call the "sweet spot." Where the music has faded into my subconscious and become somewhat of a soundtrack for what I'm writing. I also find that when I'm in certain moods and looking to write in certain moods, nothing will help me along that path better than music that fits that mood. If I'm looking for melancholy, I cannot listen to anything upbeat (Jack Johnson and the like.) What comes out doesn't ring true. If I can't have a good thunderstorm, music keeps me going.
2. Be Still and Listen (And Avoid the Backspace Key)- Sometimes this is incredibly challenging, but I have to learn how to make myself shut up and let the story tell itself. If I think I'm doing a poor job of it, I have to realize that this is what revision is for, but in that moment to be still and let the words out. I'm currently breaking my fingers of their love affair with the backspace key. Too often I delete because I don't like one word in a sentence, or I want to add one detail. Again, forcing myself to keep going has become the only option; otherwise, I'll forever be stuck.
3. Community of Support- I have found a group of people in this program that have become my touchstones for writing. Whenever I have a question, an idea, a moment of hesitation I turn to them for support. This opportunity is a precious treasure that never fails to amaze me. Workshopping, while daunting and scary at first, has become a learning experience that I look forward to. How else can I get my stories into the hands of ten to fifteen other writers and hear feedback? For those people who I've grown close to, I value their encouragement when I'm down. Without that, I may have thrown in the towel long ago!
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ReplyDeleteHi Kristi. I love Be Still and Listen. I'm a terrible perfectionist, and I've slowed my work down a great deal with the delete key. I'm working on writing the first draft as it is, and THEN revising. Of course, sometimes you get off an tangent, and then you do have to back up.
ReplyDeleteI try really hard not to read as I type. It is difficult, especially when I get interrupted and have to re-read my last thoughts to regain my momentum. However, if I am successful in not reading it, I find I can get more done and the story comes together quicker.
ReplyDeleteGreat words, Kristi. I agree with you about the community at KSU. It was what I was hoping for in this program and then even much, much more.
ReplyDeleteI loved your thoughts on the music. When I run, the music becomes background to my thoughts, too, and it pushes me forward. I'm definitely going to try this in my writing. Sandy and I did that in our condo in Puerto Rico. It was really nice to have the music playing and it made the time, and writing, pass so quickly. Thanks for sharing!
Kristi,
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to read about people's habits. If I have music on, it can only be instrumental. I find myself singing along and can't get into my writing. However, I like the idea of selecting music to fit the mood you're trying to create. I might give that a try sometime.
I also completely agree about the community of writers from this program. I've never had other writers read my writing - just family and friends. It makes a huge difference to have people who understand the effort and the craft of writing to give you feedback. Looking forward to reading more stories from you!