Many
people have rituals and routines to not only get through the day, but to
perform at a high level. Athletes are
known to do things in an almost superstitious way. Actors often prepare for a role in a certain
manner. Do writers do something to put
their minds at ease to help them focus on either writing or book marketing?
We
all have habits – good and bad – that help us pursue or evade certain
activities. Many of us like to feel our
backs against the wall with deadline pressures in order to perform at our
best. Others like the advantage of a
head start on things. What can an author
do to help them perform at their best?
Some
people need a distraction or a competing challenge in order to focus on their
writing or marketing while others can’t absorb one more chore, demand, or
activity. Some like to work under noise
and a crowded environment while others can’t be disturbed and need to be in
isolation. Knowing what works for you –
and seeking to create the optimum circumstances for your success would seem
imperative.
There
are a number of writers burdened by OCD-type activities, where they simply
can’t function until they go through a systems check. Even more seriously, some authors are
unproductive unless they pursue their addictions – take drugs, consume alcohol,
eat junk food, look at porn, gamble.
Some need distractions, like playing video games, having a TV or radio play away, or to be in a certain setting – bookstore, library, coffee shop, a
special room in the house, etc. But it
may not all be addiction and distraction.
Some writers feel compelled to clean their house, get organized, finish
chores, address obligations and get all other needs out of the way before
tackling their craft. Some may even
enjoy things at a heightened level, such as sex or a night out on the town, as
they take the steps in their mind that would ease them into writing and
promoting.
For
me, I almost never can write in my house or in too quiet of a space. I like to be in public – on a train, in a
bookstore, at a Starbucks, or surrounded by people and nature (Central
Park). I naturally want to write so I
don’t stall or get caught up in something that sabotages me. In fact, my writing may undermine my efforts
to get other needed tasks done. When
given a choice, I write. There’s nothing
else that compares to the wonderful feeling of creating, of writing away the
world’s shortcomings, and of exploring myself through the words that flow
outwardly.
I
don’t know what writer’s block is. I
have too much to say, too much to learn that I can’t afford to get caught up in
feeling no inspiration, no thoughts, no avenues worth exploring. The day my
mind feels like a blank slate is the day I am dead or ravaged with injuries or
a disease that I would pray would take my life.
One’s
writing instruments – pen, laptop, desk top, or other tools – may also
play a part in a writer’s ability to function and focus. Same goes for the pad or notebook that one
might write on. Or his or her desk or immediate
workspace. Everything needs to be right
– the lighting, the temperature, the mood.
So
much goes into the writing and book marketing process. Do you have rituals or habits that surround
your artistry? We all do. Be aware if yours are helpful or harmful to
your writing – and your life.
I
will put down my favorite silver-colored pen and close up my favorite
binder. I had my coffee to wake me
up. I read my newspapers to get ideas
flowing. I wrote on the way to work, on
the train. My work is done – until I get
the urge to write again, which should be in 30 seconds.
Please
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