Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thursday's Thought: Should We Prepare Before Writing?

Many writers have to take about an half hour of "preparation" before actually putting ink on paper (or fingers on keys). This may involve reading a book, listening to inspirational music, or writing prompts.

For me, I love "getting into the zone" before beginning my writing for the day - but I also tend to get a little distracted during this time. However, reading a book (or even a writing self-help book) does help clear my mind when it's time to write, and the words seem to flow more naturally.


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What do you think? Is "preparing" before writing necessary? Or do you think we sometimes use it as procrastination before getting to the real thing?

13 comments:

  1. Intesting topic! I don't really prepare or plan before I write. I usully start with an idea, and a basic plot in my head, then just go from there. I think this is just a preference about organizing thoughts. I don't think it's necessary. Nice post! :)

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  2. I don't really try to "get in the zone" cause I don't really plan to write...I just get an itchy feeling like, "I HAVE to write right now..."

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  3. You might prepare a bit, but don't you think your writing might be a litte "artificial" if you had a routine? I think the urge to write something down is what makes it good...

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  4. I think it's a good concept, but definitely not how I work. With a full-time job and a toddler, I have to dive right in.

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  5. I always take a moment to pray and try to connect.

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  6. Nice topic. I find myself writing better if I just sit down and do it though.

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  7. I don't prepare on purpose. Most days, I'm walking around, and my characters are having convos in my head. And I'm like the next time I see a computer...

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  8. Some days I'm already in the mood and the weather helps enormously. Other days just going for a walk will spark a piece of writing. Reading something can set my mind off on another writing tangent, too. :O)

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  9. Def have to clear my mind and reading dow help to get me in the mood to write. So does just zoning out while I clean

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  10. I think praying is important, too, and I like to listen to music. It reminds me of the people I hope will read what I write. Not writing on a hungry stomach helps too. :)

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  11. It depends on the day for me. Sometimes I just really get in the zone and other days I struggle with writers block. So...hmm, I am not really sure how to answer that.

    I am new to your blog and following you. I would love if you stopped by my blog and followed me.

    Blessings,
    Maggie
    www.foreverfindingmybliss.blogspot.com

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  12. informative post, thanks for sharing.


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  13. Shelley: My mind is too scatter-brained to just sit and write. I have to be inspired beforehand, or at least have a "miniature" outline of the story written down.

    Ellyn: I know what you mean. But sometimes too many things are on my mind, and I have to get inspired first, and "get into the zone". Otherwise, my writing may jump from topic to topic about whatever is on my mind... =)

    Kath: I don't think so. I wouldn't really call it a "routine", just maybe trying to get inspired before you begin writing for the day. For example, instead of just sitting at the laptop and forcing the words out but they just want come, instead read a book or listen to music. That way the words will flow on their own.

    VICTORIA SAAVEDRA: Yes, I definitely think it's a great idea to pray before writing. I recently ran into a "writing prayer" that Karen Kingsbury wrote, that I think is beautiful (http://www.twitlonger.com/show/6kagsl).

    Madeleine: That's how I am. Some days I'm in a day-dreaming mood where I am full of ideas, then there are days where I've been so busy recently, I haven't had much time to think about writing. Then I read a chapter in a book, and the words automatically start coming.


    Katy Kauffman: Yes, I very much agree, especially the not writing on a hungry stomach part... or not writing without coffee. =) I found a "writing prayer" Karen Kingsbury wrote, which I think you'd enjoy (http://www.twitlonger.com/show/6kagsl). Music is a very big help for me, also. Especially Christian inspirational music.

    Maggie: Same here, it usually varies from time to time. I am now following you, too. =) Thanks for stopping by!

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