If you write a lot or rather often have to write on a deadline, you probably have a ritual or three to get the creative juices flowing and wake up a sleepy writing muse. Now I thought some of my rituals were strange, well until I read some of the ones from Ragan’s folks—Writers’ rites: Wacky habits that get the ink flowing | Article | Homepage articles—outfits, gummy candy, singing out loud? Wow.
Me I have to clear the decks of email, RSS, blog comments, and @replies before I can unwind and focus. Then there is the choice of music. For me music is essential to my writing. Pop generally won’t do, I have to listen to classical (opera or symphonic), jazz, or Enya-esque stuff. I need to be able to be inspired by the music, but not distracted by it.
As I’m writing this, I have an iTunes Genius mix running based on Lakmé, Act 1, the flower duet (the British Airways commercial music) set on shuffle. So a little Copland, a little Wolfie, Bach, Bellini, Bizet … you get the idea.
Oh yes, and coffee. I need a hot beverage to drink to kick things off. Unfortunately I neither coffee faeries or minions at home, so I have to not only go to the third floor to get it, I have to make it too.
At least it’s good coffee.
Tris Hussey is a writer, teacher, blogger, and speaker on all facets of Internet life, WordPress, and social media. He is the author of Create Your Own Blog: 6 Easy Blogging Projects to Start Blogging Like a Pro and Using WordPress.
