Weird traditions while writing?

Smartiez101 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:57:27 -0600

Do you wear or carry anything special while writing? Is there something that helps you get through writers block or to try and fix a plothole? Do you mutter words under your breath or something? What are weird traditions do you have? For me? I have a new tradition of wearing my pink, fuzzy bunny ears while writing. Whenever I hit writer's block, I turn them on and they start flashing blue, red, and green. It actually can help me sometimes, as odd as it sounds. Of course, the bunny ears make an awkward conversation peice. xD Especially to non-writers. 0.e

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Ominous Rain — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:24:42 -0600

Whenever I have writer's block, sometimes I will go to my 'Paint' app on the computer and draw out the scene. Unfortunately, I can't draw at all on it and it comes out horrible. But! It does help me envision the scene and do something that works...I don't know why...

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Kiwi-kauri-kid — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:21:52 -0600

The least-weirdest thing I do is pull different faces, trying to work out the sorts of expressions my characters have in the scene (and, of course, how to describe them). The thing that gets me the most looks? When I stand up and act out the scene. As every single character. Thankfully, I do most of my writing at home, but there was one incredibly awkward situation that I got into when I was doing this at school once x3

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Solarstar — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:48:57 -0600

I have had a running in joke since my second NaNoWriMo. Each year, I somehow include some mention of the romance novel Bedded By Her Lord (a copy of which was left at work by someone who will not fess up to it and had become a running joke there). Past appearances: 2008 - found in private library 2009 - Only book in the house where a group of zombie apocalypse survivors had gathered 2010 - Being filmed as a movie (or at least pay cable) 2011 - Purchased by old woman who pays in change (and short changes the sale)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

KatiePoet — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:28:11 -0600

I act out my scenes also (in the bathroom, my husband might think I'm going nuts)... and make faces. To beat writer's block? I'll go for a walk/run, play out the story in my head while I exercise. I also like to talk to my characters, usually while driving. This is all probably pretty usual stuff, though.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Angryman — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:37:31 -0600

I'm so busy looking for inspiration, it gets... strange. Last night, I had my neighbors over, and the son and my dad started talking about hunting. I thought, "What if there was a professional sniper that's amazing at their job, but sucks at regular deer/elk/bear hunting?" Not as strange, I try imagining myself in my characters' shoes. I want to feel what they are feeling in any given moment. Embarrassed, cold, and madly in love with someone are probably the ones I feel the most of.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Saffers — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:22:24 -0600

I always set aside a special pencil or pen devoted to a certain story, and try to write with just that. Of course I did so much writing that my pencil broke halfway through my story and I had to get a new one. :(

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Webgoji — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:50:14 -0600

If I'm really getting after it? I take Ibuprofen. Not really a tradition as much as a necessity for the carpal tunnel . . .

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Piper the Perfect — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:39:30 -0600

↑This! I make different expressions. Worst thing is that I write in the living room, so I make faces and my brother is like. "What did your characters do this time?" So I have to take time out of my flow to tell him. "Nothing." And then try to keep the flow that is evaporating, as much as possible.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

madelinehayes — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:26:07 -0600

I always play 21st Century Breakdown by Green Day. Like, at first it started out as just writing music but then it turned into something official that MUST be done. And, like, I'm not allowed to listen to anything else until that record's played all the way through. It actually goes like this: 1. Skrillex 2. 21st Century Breakdown 3. whatever I'm in the mood for Always Nice Sprites first AND THEN 21st Century. This cannot be changed. Ever.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

audiii — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:54:24 -0600

I spray Playboy New York Cologne on my wrist right before I write. Whenever I get stuck, I sniff my wrist. Insta-Inspiration! And then I rock out to We Came As Romans or The Maine or Mayday Parade....basically whatevers in my ipod xD and i talk to myself. all the time. "gosh darnit why wont Ian just tell her he's in LOVE." (i bet you my family's heard that 1000x of times...) and i always act out scenes. In public. During math. While taking a test. You can say that didn't go very well with the teacher.... LOL

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Smartiez101 — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:58:07 -0600

lol. I also act out the dialogue while walking my dog. Whenever I walk past someone, they tend to give me or my dog a glance. xD In my room I might act out a scene or say some more dialogue to make my scenes fit together. xD At the computer I'll mutter to myself. 'Hey, why is he acting like such a sissy? He's supposed to be the villain!' and then, right after it, much louder: 'HEY!! MR. J!! GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!! SERIOUSLY DUDE?' XD I'm sure second floor loves hearing thus.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Unforgivable — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:01:12 -0600

I have quite a few traditions whenever I write. I always always ALWAYS listen to music - and it has to be 'Two steps from hell', rock or jazz. I won't accept metal, hip hop, country or any other sort. It has to be one of those three, and it needs to be the at perfect volume. I also need to have internet when I write. Really, I hate writing for too long at a time, so I frequently (every 5th minute) check facebook, the forums and facebook again, and then return to writing. I write the best when I have food/candy or/and something to drink by my side. I think the best when I'm chewing. I also need to have my notebook nearby so I can write ideas down that aren't supposed to be mentioned in my novel just yet.. I also draw the scenes I'm describing if I'm having a writer's block. It happens all the time and then instead of staring into the air or checking the internet, I pick up my sketchbook and draw the scene. It's not too pretty, but it helps me visualize. Or else I turn up the volume of epic music in my living room, where the view is amazing, and I dance around until I know just what I'm supposed to write next. ;D I'm so odd..

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

roruna — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:41:34 -0600

hot chocolate and mocha featured heavily during nanowrimo this year. Whenever I sat down to write, I had some form of chocolatey drink within reach. I always listen to music when I write, often just one song that suits the mood of the scene is left to loop eternally. The nano stats page MUST be up so I can see my progress. (don't know how I'm going to do without a progress chart for the rest of the year, actually.)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Kittycat4ever — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:34:09 -0600

I sometimes talk out loud when I'm stuck and some how that can sometimes get me unstuck. I also have to be sitting down, with my back agenst something. And I write best when it's quite and i'm eating. When I used to handwrite my books I ALWAYS used blue ink. ALWAYS. To this day I still carry around blue ink pens. Oh, and I like having a pillow or something to throw or punch when needed.... Which can be often............ =) Oh, and the weirdest of weird as I mutter song lyrics. Random, doesn't-even-go-with-this-scene song lyrics. My Nano novel song lyric that i said over and over was "Bless your soul you got your heads in the clouds" from Adele. Of course it ended up being intergrated into my novel of course. Yeah, I'm a little weird. =D

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Lainylovesyou — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:42:52 -0600

lol I have a specific mechanical pencil dedicated to each outlining notebook. :)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Lainylovesyou — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:46:49 -0600

Heh... this is sort of embarassing... Sometimes, when I wanted to keep powering through, I would do driink a ton of water and then do continuous word wars/sprints... and when I had to go to the bathroom, I would tell myself I had to get 1,000 more words first. (Amount varied.) It's obsessive and weird but totally motivating... X) And sometimes I would sit in the middle of the room and just start freaking out over how much I loved/hated the scene I was writing. I don't know why, but telling everyone made some difference.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Saspirilla — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:13:25 -0600

*blinks* Are we the same person?

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Clairabel — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:24:46 -0600

I did that too! "Can't go to the toilet until I've finished my target! Come on woman, keep going!"

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

roruna — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:03:54 -0600

hmm... possibly.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

the_truthful_lie — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:22:35 -0600

I make faces when i'm thinking, especially when i trying to come up with words to describe things. I also talk out loud, and replay conversations in my head whilst bored during classes or on the bus. and i often try to get the characters to have weird conversations that have nothing to do with the story when i have writer's block. i always have about 3 bottles of water near me, and there's generally background music, and it's general just the radio or something i dont really listen to, just so that there's something playing. but sometimes, on the odd occasion i like to listen as my fingers click across the keys on the keyboard. i like to write in the dark. i dont know why, but whenever someone turns the light on i stop writing until they turn it back off, or i got and turn it off.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

myviolettears — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:28:28 -0600

Having a drink of Pepsi. Not coke, Pepsi. When I hit a block I get up and act out that scene. Luckily I go to my room if I'm at home and if I'm at school, I make an excuse to leave the class so I can mutter it to myself. If I need inspiration I'll listen to music but I have found myself writting without.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Saspirilla — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:28:26 -0600

Replace "second floor" with "the rest of the family who live in the same house" then you have me. Tee hee.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Generalist — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:46:32 -0600

I use a clipboard for my writing, one that is aluminum and has a special vinyl drafting board pad to protect the pages beneath. I tend to press down hard, so the pad is needed to protect the page I'm writing on and the pages beneath. It also provides a bit of weather proofing for the pages that have been written and the blank pages I carry. Each page gets a header with the year, day of year and time of day it was started, so I know what got written when. It allows to sort things when needed and can be used as a way of tracking words per hour. I also try to create a sequential document number for the story so I can do a rough approximation of words completed. Pens, in recent years, have been Bic Round Stics. The translucent grey ones are nice because I can track how fast the ink goes down. Sometimes, if I know that I'm going to be writing a lot, I'll put a line at the ink level and a date beside it. There have been instances where I'd drained an inch or more of ink in a twenty four hour period. Outside of my 'standardized' and always available writing 'hardware' I don't have that many special habits or traditions to help me overcome problems. The creative juices flow too fast to worry about writer's block or plot hole fixes. If anything, I have too many options and not enough time to play with them all.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Jennifermwcg — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:31:02 -0600

XD I go to random rooms/places while I write, whenever I need a change of scenery. Some of the oddest places I've written: -Underneath the kitchen table - In a cabinet - Behind a couch -Sitting on the edge of the bathtub. - Underneath my bed - The top shelf of the linen closet. As well, I act out scenes or mutter lines to see if they make sense.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

golfgal08 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:26:09 -0600

I usually, but don't necessarily need to listen to music while writing. More often than not, it's soundtracks from movies, because then I don't get distracted by lyrics. When I'm writing action packed scenes, I tend to default to Hans Zimmer or John Williams. When I get stuck and I'm typing, I'll close my eyes, try to envision the scene, and then keep typing. It's nice being able to type without needing to see the keys or the screen. This doesn't work so well when I'm writing by hand, of course.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Smartiez101 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:21:34 -0600

at school if I reeeeeally have a bad writer's block and want to feel production, I'd probably just take a pass to the bathroom or some other class I don't even need to go to and talk out the scene on the way there. At least, I should. :/

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Smartiez101 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:22:02 -0600

*productive Must. Have. Edit. Button. o.e

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

ElliMelody — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:52:47 -0600

I have pens that I prefer to use while writing. I died inside when my favorite writing pen, a duct tape flower pen I made at summer camp, ran out of ink not even halfway through nano....I had to get a znew one from a friend, but now I found a new favorite.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

ElliMelody — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:56:51 -0600

I've done that before. in fact, i finished a test early once and while waiting for the teacher to come pick it up, I managed to write a good 2 paragraphs on my test....It took a moment for the teacher to wrestle the test out of my hands and quell my protests of 'wait, this is too good not to rewrite in my notebook!' Sometimes, I will say something a character is saying when I write,e specially if i'm trying to get a direct idea of how I should describe their body language or the reactions of the characters. I did that in chemistry once, while the teacher was instructing the class right in front of my front row desk, and her and my lab partner froze and stared at me for a moment, laughed, and the class was left with confused looks on their faces. It was something totally random too.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

ElliMelody — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:59:08 -0600

Yeah, my chemistry lab partner has learned to ignore half the stuff I say when my notebook is on the desk. 'm known to blurt out random notes, like "stop confessing your love that isn't supposed to exist!" or "No, snarked is not a word, why the hell is my character snarking?" Although frankly, I think she enjoys it XD

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

ElliMelody — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:03:18 -0600

i do so too. If I want to write a character in a certain setting I have access to, I'll go there. Places I've gone: -Park -Living Room -School(after classes ended) -The backyard tog et eaten by my rambunctious dogs(The character was gettign attacked by hyperacctive dogs, so it fit) -my closet(I wouldn't ask....) -My sisters closet -Under my sister's bed -On the kitchen table(as in, on top of) -In a band instrument locker(I needed an enclosed space.)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Prudence Fang — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:20:13 -0600

There are certain things I have to write certain ways. For example, settings must be written either looking out a window or outside in a scenic space. Otherwise it doesn't 'count'. I don't know why, but it bugs me. I have to write characters in my room or in the other bedrooms in my house. It doesn't matter. But it has to be a room with a bed. Plots must be written in the office or in the living room, depending on the story. And I have to sit in certain places too. Beanbag: Characters Floor: Characters Office chair: Plots Couch: Plots Lawn chair: Settings Metal folding chair with Sharpie marks: Settings (But only when it's on the balcony or by the downstairs window)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Sunerun — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:16:58 -0600

I also do facial expressions and acting out the scene in my head/whispering under my breath, plus I like to have a cup of tea or hot chocolate handy ^_^

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Lissa03 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:15:09 -0600

I don't really have any writing rituals except listening to music. When I was doing NaNoWriMo, I had several more - I'd update my wordcount and refresh my stats page constantly (every 100 words or so), and that was sometimes the only thing that kept me going. When I first started writing regularly, I kept a record of how much I wrote every day, so I could keep my motivation. I haven't done that in a few months, but I might start doing it again. However, I always imagine the scenes in my head. I tend to get very strong visual images of characters and settings. I also imagine my characters talking inside my head. Sometimes they come to me and give me instructions. It's usually the more outspoken characters who talk to me freely, but I've had a few brainwaves where I could HEAR the more introverted characters speak to me, and it's been wonderful. I was having trouble feeling one of my characters because she was so withdrawn and shy and passive; it felt like she hadn't fully come into her own yet. But one day I woke up with a sudden brainwave that she loved this girl and needed to be with her. Very different from the other couple I've been writing for a while, where I had to keep forcing them together until it felt right. I feel like I don't really know my characters until I feel I can talk to them like real people. I'll have to try some of the techniques other people use, like writing in different locations. I write on the subway sometimes, but I've never tried writing anywhere else. Too bad it's far too cold to write outside now.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

SaphireTategami48 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:00:54 -0600

I like to curl up somewhere warm and wear showy clothes. Usually I sit in a tight corner of my couch. I'm usually left alone there, surprisingly enough.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

SaphireTategami48 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:01:33 -0600

I also like listening to horror-ish music or at least fast music.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

I_Just_Want_To_Fly — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:12:07 -0600

When I am writing, I will ALWAYS listen to music that looks like the scene. For example: For the moon landing scene, I listened to Exogenesis Symphony by Muse, since it sounds like a strange and mysterious planet waiting to be explored. Plus, it's silver, and the moon is gray, so... Also, I often pace around my room and silently pretend I am my MC, in my scene- while listening to Muse, her favorite band, in skinny jeans and a T-shirt, like she always wears, and my hair either loose or in a braid- whatever it is in that scene. Sometimes, if she's flying, I'll dig out my fake wings and put them on just to complete the look.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

I_Just_Want_To_Fly — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:40:53 -0600

Also, the music MUST be by Muse. Otherwise it's in the Avatar soundtrack, or it's one of two songs: Paradise (coldplay), or Hedwig's Theme. :D

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

velvettouch_connectingdots — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:40:54 -0600

I need to have music blaring in my eardrums. It doesn't matter what it is, I just need some background noise. Nowadays, I also need my notebook and my pens. I can't seem to write on the computer anymore.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Another Anonymous Person — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:55:47 -0600

No music. TV on, but on mute. No sounds. Door shut, blocking out outer sounds. Comfy pajama shorts. Tank top. Pink Toas, New Mexico hoodie pulled over. (And no, I didn't mean to put tacos. Taos is a city.) Fake nerd glasses to make me feel intelligent. everything thrown off of my bed except a few pillows and my laptop and my stupid laptop charger that always has to be plugged in or else.... Yep, that's pretty much it! Unfortunately, my nerd glasses broke and I'm not even close to finishing my novel. -.-

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Steampunk avi8or — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:38:20 -0600

Must wear snuggie (see my profile for more info on my snuggie writing)!!! Must be sitting on my mom's old chaise lounge or the old off white chair at my dad's house. I like old furniture :3 No dogs are allowed onto said chaise lounge while I write Can't be wearing any rings Only acceptable music is Doctor Horrible soundtrack

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Andrew_Hennin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:24:39 -0600

My tradition? I burn stuff. Chocolate, paper, and feathers fallen on the ground generally make up my fire. Something about staring into fire just works up my brain.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

caina421 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:07:11 -0600

I lay on the ground when I'm stuck. On my back, arms crossed over my chest. It works itself out by the time I get up! I cannot be in my bedroom. I definitely think of things there, but once I start writing - I have to be at my desk. I also act at lot of things out, and draw out scenes sometimes. I usually don't have music, since it fades into the background, and I'm usually eating something...

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

LEwolfwriter — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:21:01 -0600

I once reinacted a whole swordfight scene... in the shower. Okay, maybe more than once. I also do a ton of expressions when I type scenes.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

maggiep — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:58:47 -0600

Not really weird, but-I always hafta wear pj's. Ive tried jeans or other clothes and theyre just not comfy. Not comfy means get distracted trying to get comfy. Thus why Im always in pj's. Some sort of beverage, always-hot tea, coke, or caramel macchiato. depends on mood and what im writing. I have to have music playing, Pandora has become my bestest writing buddy(next to pj's and beverages mentioned). I have Enya's and Balmorhea's stations on shuffle. They both play great soundtrack music that fits scenes well.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

I_Just_Want_To_Fly — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:49:30 -0600

Also, I think one of my other strange traditions is that each book title must be one word. It's been like this ever since I started writing stories in second grade and shall STAY that way, even if it drives my teacher crazy on my creative writing report. Inksplatter, for example. It's technically two words smashed into one but me likey. :D

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

PlasticSmoothie — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:25:21 -0600

To quote my mum: 'Why do you keep wandering around like that? I know you say it's because it helps you think, but... It makes it seem like there's something wrong with your head'. Whenever I'm envisioning scenes, I can't just simply sit still on a chair. I have to move at the same time, and so I often end up going over to my window, stare out, go back and stare at the computer screen and then back to the window again. I've done this ever since I could walk. :p

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

RebeccaMolloy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:14:56 -0600

I have to always be wearing my orange and black stripy fingerless gloves! I just don't feel writerly without them. I try and write at the dining room table as much as possible as I don't have a desk in my room and the one in the spare room has this computer on it, meaning there isn't enough space for me to sit there and write. I also lug my CD player downstairs so I can have some music on. There always has to be music on while I'm novelling, preferably something that somehow fits the story at least a little bit. I have to have my water bottle nearby as well so that I can keep hydrated. One of my biggest problems is that I get sucked into writing and forget to eat and drink properly.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

karygurl — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:42:32 -0600

I wear a writing hat. It's just a newsboy hat that happens to look good on me (most hats don't so I treasure this one), and three years ago I put the pin from the Young Writer's Program on it and declared it to be my writing hat. Now I put the new pin they come out with every year on it, and I wear it every time I sit down to write. It's a signal for my husband to leave me alone because I'm "in the zone," which is definitely a good thing!

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

ALynnL07 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:47:32 -0600

I listen to video game OST music that I think will go with my scenes. This sometimes leads to me looping songs over and over if I take a while to change the tone of the scene.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

DerangedPickle — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:11:50 -0600

[quote=Sunerun] I also do facial expressions and acting out the scene in my head/whispering under my breath, plus I like to have a cup of tea or hot chocolate handy ^_^ [/quote] I do that too, it helps write a character if I give him/her a voice and it helps me make everything about them. Also I don't really know if this is odd but I need to listen to insanely loud music while writing, and of course my trusty dog on my lap really helps.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Apiecalypse — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:53:11 -0600

When I get really into my characters' emotions I tend to pull the faces they're making, which is a bit weird to explain in class when I'm grinning maniacally or look very intense and sad for "no reason".

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

MarielofRedwall — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:39:32 -0600

I do the same thing tool; when it's hard to describe my character's expressions, I look in a mirror and begin making different expressions.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

S.E. Marshall — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:36 -0600

I usually turn some weird music on or something while I'm writing and sometimes I walk around my room acting out the scene as I try to get the plot right. Even in the shower, if I have specific dialogue, I'll repeat it in the shower over and over again and end up forgetting it later. There's a lot of little things I do as well but since I haven't written for a while, I can't think of any more.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

S.E. Marshall — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:33:13 -0600

[quote=KatiePoet] I act out my scenes also (in the bathroom, my husband might think I'm going nuts)... and make faces. To beat writer's block? I'll go for a walk/run, play out the story in my head while I exercise. I also like to talk to my characters, usually while driving. This is all probably pretty usual stuff, though. [/quote] Hee hee, I talk to my characters too. I think I scare my dad a lot though when I do this. Don't know why. I assure him I'm just trying to figure out how my character would say this or that but he never believes me.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Syrina — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:04:59 -0600

This past NaNo my ML gave us all goodie bags, and one of the things in them was a rock painted to look like an owl. I named mine Herbert and he is my writing buddy. I also have a stuffed triceratops named Rhinocerous that was a prize from a word war in 2010. He's my other writing buddy. They are nearby when I'm writing.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Another Anonymous Person — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:44:24 -0600

I'm going to have to try that out!!!! Sounds brilliant! =D

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Another Anonymous Person — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:48:19 -0600

I do the same thing when I'm writing AND reading. When they say that they frown, I frown. When I write that they formed a bubble in their mouth, I do too. I catch myself doing this so many times that I finally gave up reading and writing at school so that I wouldn't look weird, haha =)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Another Anonymous Person — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:52:55 -0600

I can't wait 'till I can drive so I can do this, too. It sounds fun =)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

epic mcgowan — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:17:06 -0600

When I have writers block, I go this little jazz bar/coffee shop and sit on a couch with an apple cider and discuss the problem with my muse. Out loud. Even though he lives in my head... Whenever people give me funny looks now, the baristas just look at me and say, "Oh, that's our pianist (I play piano there sometimes) and local writer. We feed her once in a while and she's happy as a clam." The other thing I do is yell "I just figured out ____", grab my nearest friend(s), explain the scene, and make them RP it with me. Good times.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Fiona W — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:02:55 -0600

—During Nano 2011, my first Nano, I acquired 4 Alupen styluses in the colors of green, blue, red, & pale pink. —I assigned them to the 4 elements: Earth (green), Water (blue), Air (pale pink), & Fire (red). —I wrote all 53K words of the first novel on my iPad2 with those styluses. —At any one time, I use the stylus appropriate to that section of the novel. —I have kept up this habit for all my writing since NaNo, casual or serious. For example, right now I feel a need to get more grounded, so I am writing this posting with my Earth (green) stylus. Am I a freak...or what? I have looked high & low, and I have yet to find a single person who wrote their whole Nano with a stylus, pecking out the words one letter at a time, instead of typing or writing by hand. Something about having an Alupen stylus in my hand makes me feel intelligent and focused, and I am very fast at pecking out the letters with the stylus. I feel a deep connection with scribes of old, such as those in Sumeria, where the very first writers ever used styluses to make impressions in clay, and then later in wax tablets. (Maybe I should be writing "stylli" instead of "styluses," but "styli" looks funny to me.) If you habitually write with a stylus on any kind of device, instead of typing or writing by hand, please drop me a Nanomail so I will not feel so alone. =smile=

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

epguinn — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:43:09 -0600

I have conversations with my characters while I'm not writing (usually when I'm in the car). It helps to sort out what's going to happen during my next writing session. (I never have detailed outlines, usually just a vague overview). When writing, I always have a hat or hairband on to keep my hair out of my face. The last thing you want if you're on a roll is for any excuse for your fingers to leave the keyboard. In the event of writer's block, I take a break. I save what I have, walk away from the computer, eat something, maybe watch a little tv or something, then come back to it. 1,667 words a day is a lot easier sometimes if you don't do it all in one shot.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

N-K-W — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:56:51 -0600

I have a piece of wood named 'blocky' on his back in sharpie it says 'writers block' so whenever I get stuck I put blocky in a timeout corner or chuck him out of the house, it freaks my cat/family out but the second blocky gets in my way and is removed I get a burst of inspiration. :D

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Mikiki — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:24:17 -0600

Sometimes I stand in front of my mirror and act out a scene in my story, but I do it in a hushed voice because someone might hear and think I'm crazy. I also lay in bed and think for a good half hour about my story without doing anything. AND I pretty much have to start out with a million first sentences when I'm starting a story just to get it right, or else I lose faith in the story and abandon it because when I get something wrong I'll think, "Well, it doesn't have a good starting sentence, anyways, so why bother?" Plus it's practically a tradition to eat sunflower seeds when I'm writing. Over summer break I wrote a lot, and I consumed a ton of salt and probably about a million sunflower seeds. *Yum*

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Horselover150 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:47:49 -0600

Usually I have trouble falling asleep at night, so I think out my story Of course, this probably doesn't help make me fall asleep, but oh well. Usually, if I get writer's block, I just pick up my current reading book and read a chapter or two(when I can't put it down it ends up becoming a distraction and not a help) and then I keep writing. I often steal some ideas and names from the books that I read. XP

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

CaveatLector — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:26:44 -0600

It's hard for me to focus when I'm listening to music, because I get too much into it... So I have a few movies that I always have on in the background when I'm writing: Pirates of the Caribbean (the first three movies), two dark comedies called 'De grønne slagtere' and 'Adams æbler' (Danish movies), and The Devil Wears Prada. These aren't my favourite movies, but they're great for writing, for some reason. I think I know these movies by heart soon... To clear a block, I either take a long walk with some music on for inspiration, or I go somewhere else and write.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Lisa.Vail — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:48:09 -0600

I Skype-chat with my boyfriend. He normally tunes out, because I speak as I type and ask him to help me spell words. :)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Lisa.Vail — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:50:26 -0600

That is so cute. I'm going to have to make a Writer's Block, methinks.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

LilyLariaLaton — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:12:50 -0600

I will argue with my characters. Like legit, "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!! YOU ARE SUCH AN IDIOT!!!!" But they end up doing what they want anyway >_< I have to have music going. Lyrics don't bother me if I know them. If I have the lyrics memorized I can tune out the words and concentrate, but I instinctively try to learn the words if I don't know them, and if that happens? Bye, Bye concentration! NormalyI go with my Owl City albums since I know like every word, or just instumental. I have a real fondness for "Only the Beginning of the Adventure" from the LW&W soundtrack. If I am writing not on my computer it has to be with a G-2 pen. Or a pen chosen for that book. I can't just pick any onld pen out of a drawer and use it though. I will say everything I write, and if I'm in a place where I can't say it I will still mouth the words:P

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

CalicoRain — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:15:57 -0600

I have a habit of sitting/moving like my characters as I write so I can describe them better. And I talk to my characters when I'm really tired; the normal question is "What the Hell was that?" When I get writer's "pause" - I listen to music (any kind will do), clean something, watch TV...Anything to take me away for a little while. And my cat always knows when I start getting stressed or lost (regardless of what I'm writing) so she'll bring me one of her toys and we'll play fetch for a little while. It sounds crazy but it helps me think through a scene. She's my real life plot cat. LOL.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

izzyhindle — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:49:16 -0600

I included little things that were recurring in the story. The theme of the story was footsteps, of course, so I constantly included that. But I also incorporated the numbers 612 at random points throughout the story. It has meaning that no one else will ever understand but me and a few people, but it does slightly have to do with the story. I promise! I also totally make facial expressions when I write. All the time.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

roruna — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:38:08 -0600

I've also recently developed the habit of bribing myself with chocolate. My husband bought me some chocolates for Valentine's day and the only way I've been getting any significant amount of writing done is by telling myself that if I can reach 500 words I could have a piece.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

demonic_rose — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:10:06 -0600

i either doodle and draw characters in some cools scenes and have had some decent results and i have had this obsession with getting an awesome pirate hat to wear while writing but my mom wont let me get one so im trying to sneak one in anyway. cause when i wear an awesome hat i feel adventurous defiantly going to have to get one before next nanowrimo. :) what can i say? i love pirate hats.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

LadyMage — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:40:29 -0600

I absolutely must be alone while writing, preferrably in the dark, or with very little light. Since I had done my best writing at night (I used to work night shift at a front desk, which nearly always involved my laptop coming with me), I got used to it, and I have to recreate the "nighttime" setting for writing. I shut all lights, draw the curtains if I'm in a hotel, turn on a single small lamp...and the muse comes a-knocking.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

N-K-W — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:39:24 -0600

haha thanks!

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

rcwr_ro — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:53:54 -0500

I have my very own writer jumper (nicked it from my dad actually) so it's really baggy and for some reason gets me in a writerly mood. I have a playlist of lyric-less songs to listen to, and I'm another one of the ones that speaks (and has argued and lost) with my characters. If I'm not listening to music I MUST have my skullcandies on. I may try something like Blocky in the future :)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

skinwalker — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:16:54 -0500

I'll repeat something over and over if I can't think of what should happen next, and if that doesn't work, I'll yell at my characters and argue with them. Those are always the moments when family members walk into the room... I also usually have to have music blaring in my earphones and I have to have the lyrics memorized or I'll try to learn them and then I'm not concentrating anymore (I have an awful attention span) The latest problem I've had is when handwriting parts of my novel, I HAVE to use black pen. It was a sad day when I ran out of ink and had to use blue :(

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

arualo — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:45:25 -0500

I don't think it's that weird but I can't write without any music in the background. I get many of my moods and inspirations from songs. A weirder thing might be that when I'm writing, I always have to have something else to do if writing gets frustrating. For example, when I write, I have at least one website open where I can escape to and then wait for the ispiration to get back. I get anxious if I have nothing else to do while I'm writing! I also tend to write gibberish if the story doesn't get anywhere at that moment. Many of my stories have something like "gpfjgsdfijsdpågvkö" in them at some point :D I don't like to write if I don't feel comfortable enough. I have to find the perfect position in my chair. It might take some time!

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Lacey Fay — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:52:26 -0500

I have to go for a walk when I get writer's block. I cannot do anything else. I need to plug in my headphones, go for a walk, and think about something else. I'll run through other scenes that I'm not working on in my head, figure out silly reasons a character would be singing a particular song, and thinking about other stories and characters. I'm gone about an hour, I ALWAYS have to stop at this one swing for at least twenty minutes, and my the time I get back, I've usually got something to write again. Works every time. I don't know what I'm going to do when I move next week and lose my swing. O.O

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Lacey Fay — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:56:13 -0500

Also, if I'm stuck on something, I listen to Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell. I also listen to this before I have tests or exams or if something with a slow build of excitement is happening. Oh, and it has to be the version with the guy opera singing at the beginning. I've listened to the other two and they do not work.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

skymessenger — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:25:28 -0500

This only applies to NaNo month but..... Right before the NaNoWriMo, I went to a japanese grocery store (Mitsuwa in Chicago) and got two eraser/figurines; an orange Neko cat and a blue hamster. In honor of the upcoming writing I was about to do, I named the cat NaNo and the hamster WriMo. During the month I set both on the desk and wrote away. Whenever I grew tired or felt I couldn't go on, I'd pull out the mario lifemushroom figurine (another Mitsuwa item) and get a drink of water. Then I'd write more until I get tired again or I dont have any more time to do so.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

maggiep — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:43:26 -0500

Thinking cap. Literally, I wear a hat. It started because my ears were cold, so I found my hat with the braids on the side and put it on. Within a half hour, the wheels were spinning and I was getting all these ideas. The hat has stayed now. Even if it is goofy looking.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

42n8 Me — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:04:56 -0500

In bed, in the wee hours, I write in my notebook with a mechanical pencil. My bedroom light is on a dimmer, with a remote switch which I keep on the night table with my writing stuff. I keep the light set to a very low level, so there's just enough light for me to see, but not enough to wake my husband. During the day, as I type my scribblings into the appropriate word doc, I sometimes pause and act out a response or a line. Sometimes I gaze out the window next to my desk, and am transported into the scene I'm working on. This enables me to better see what's going on, and to know what will happen next. I like to have 'new age' music playing softly. Sometimes music that would fit the scene, as if it were the movie soundtrack. I have either water or a latte on my desk. If I get stuck, I think of a question or two regarding the stuck area; then I pace around my garden, notebook and pencil in hand. When inspiration hits me, I stop dead in my tracks and scribble down the answer. No magic feather, or lucky socks. But, I do limit my gaming breaks to little rewards for having reached a certain goal within my writing session -- the number of words written, or pages edited. I keep a record of each, which I update a couple of times a day.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Cameron Paul Wiggin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:07:50 -0500

I lay down on my bed with my left shoulder holding my weight as I type on my I-pod. It usually takes a bit to get writting because my bed is cold and it distracts me. When it is warm however, anyone at my house knows I won't come out for a good solid two hours. Sometimes, to get me going before laying down, I imagine what was happening in my story whenever I have time to do so. It's almost like dreaming, but without the sleeping part.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

thrilleraddict — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:48:53 -0500

I think I make different expressions while I write, maybe mouth the words. LOL

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Mle123 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:33:01 -0500

I have soundtracks for each of my characters which I play, I also attempt to write scenes when I'm feeling in a similar mood myself so if the character is in love I try to write that part when I'm feeling particularly romantic. I have no idea why but it works for me. I also have to have food and drink right next to me or I don't eat as I'm too busy writing.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

biki576 — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 23:34:39 -0500

When I'm having problems envisioning where to go next, I act it out in my bedroom. Alone. Doing everyone's voices. Sometimes I get really into it...running around shouting...

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Meli's Abstract Tree Theory — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:44:25 -0500

Recently I've started hiding in the corner of my closet to write while wearing a three-cornered (somewhat pirate-like) hat and my purple cloak.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Angryman — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:12:34 -0500

I would like to add on to my writing traditions: I tend to write at night when I won't be as distracted from my writing (I usually get interrupted during the day). I also feel that I write better when I'm feeling emotional.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

myviolettears — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:50:24 -0500

When I'm at home I lie in my bathtub and write on my laptop with rainymood playing. Sometimes if there is a song that sums up the scene perfectly I play that along with rainymood. Why my bathtub? Because no one goes into the bathroom. (Our toilet and sink are in a separate room). My dad always interrupts me when I'm in my room so if I'm not in there he leaves me alone. I tend to wear my reading glasses so I feel smart and my blazer, to complete the smart look. I always act out the next scene once I've finished the one before so I know what to write but if I get stuck I act out the scene again and again until I can write it.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

RoboPhantom — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:22:53 -0500

I mimic my character's facial expressions. If a character is feeling particularly serious, I frown; if they're in pain, I grimace; if they're nervous, I chew my lip, etc. I'm sure it's pretty funny to watch me write exceptionally emotional scenes. x3 I also have to listen to music. It helps me drown out background noise and focus. They have to be songs I'm familiar with, though. If a new song comes on, I'll start paying more attention to the lyrics than what I'm writing and that's just asking for trouble.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Alexys — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:21:22 -0500

When I get stuck I pace around the room talking to myself to figure out whatever needs figuring out. With a lot of gesturing of course. I also like to sit down on the floor and spread out all my notes and plot outlines around me when I'm thinking or when I need to revise something when I'm writing. It leaves me with a lot of tidying up to do afterwards, sadly, but it works for me as a visual representation of my mind. During the writing process I like to have classical music playing and have a cup of tea or coffee at hand. Coffee in the morning and tea during any other moment of the day. And I ignore my phone or anything else that indicates someone is trying to contact me, I get grumpy when I'm disturbed =').

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

J.E.Blackworth — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:59:55 -0500

I write best when I'm sharply dressed. Also, whenever I finish the first draft of a story, I listen to Ennio Morricone's "Rabbia e Tarantella" (the end credits music to Inglourious Basterds). It's got such a victorious feeling to it it's absolutely necessary every time, as if to congratulate myself.

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

Thrae Elddim — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:09:54 -0500

I couldn't write when the sun was up. At all. That's part of why I've been labelled the unofficial town vampire: they never see me during the day!

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

maggiep — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:08 -0500

That's awesome :)

Re: Weird traditions while writing?

elvendork — Sun, 20 May 2012 20:48:40 -0500

My roommate is starting to believe I've gone round the bend. To gear up for Camp I've been writing out character profiles in the closet, because it's both clean and private and I can blast music. Which wouldn't be too weird if I didn't do my best writing between 8pm and 3am. While wearing my fedora, red writing robe, and black fingerless gloves over my pjs. It's probably for the best that I move out in a week.