I’m sure many
authors have their own quirks, superstitions and/or must-haves in order to
write. I can be counted among that ‘many.’ I’ll start with quirks.
If someone were
to come up behind or near me when I’m writing a novel, I have a tendency to
either close my laptop or turn the screen off if I’m on the P.C. I know, it’s
not like they could read it that fast, but I don’t want to take that chance. I
want them to read it when I’m ready
for them to, not a moment before. Another oddity for me is I tend to look off
into space while I’m typing. Most often, it’s above, as if I’m looking at the
ceiling. People ask me what I’m looking at and think I’m weird, but in fact,
I’m actually visualizing what I’m typing. It’s sort of like being in New York
City and suddenly stopping on the sidewalk and looking up. People will stop and
try to look at what you’re looking at. Before you know it, you have a group
looking up. It’s the same when I’m typing and looking skyward. If anyone is in
the room, they will always look up to see what I’m looking at. It’s funny. You
should try it sometime.
My #1 must-have
when writing is quiet. I can’t concentrate well if I have the television
running and/or people talking. If they’re in the room I designate I’m writing
in, they must be quiet. If they can’t be, I pick up and leave (after I get them
all to look at the ceiling). Coffee is another thing I must have. I get a nice
steaming hot cup of coffee and sit down at my computer. Before you know it, I’m
focused on my book and it is hours later when I take a sip of a not-so-good,
very cold cup of yuck. I do it every time. So, I get up and start all over
again. If I’m drinking a hot cup of coffee (or warm), I know I’m not focusing
on my writing. Maybe that’s more of a quirk than a must-have. Either way you
look at it, caffeine kick starts and then keeps my brain into high gear.
I would love to
hear what your quirks and/or must-haves are. Send a message to me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/starr.reina#!/starr.reina)
or comment here on my blog.
