Posts
- Sight. I do searches for just the right face for each of my major characters and make a power point presentation for the manuscript. It can make them feel more real. The same can be done for settings, either with pictures or maps.
- Sound. I have playlists for each manuscript I write. Songs that either make me think of the story or a particular character. Some of my playlists are long, and some have only a couple of songs. See the photo credit above for another great blog on this.
- Touch. We write for long periods of time (when we have our way), so it's important to be comfortable. Make sure you have a good area to work in with a comfortable and supportive seat, the keyboard at the right height and the room at the right temperature. Sometimes the tactile change of switching to longhand in a notebook or going outside to sit in the breeze can make the difference when you're stuck in a rut.
- Taste. When I settle in to write in the morning, I have to have a nice cup of coffee with me. Sometimes I get so pulled into the manuscript that I forget I have it next to me and have to reheat it. But that's okay because there's something about having it there to sip on. If I'm having rough times, I go to my good friend chocolate for help. :D And in the evening on occasion I love to sit with a nice glass of red wine.
- Smell. My blogging buddy Meredith did a great post the other day on this. Check it out! She points out that certain scents inspire memories and feelings.
What do you think? Which ones do you use and which would you or wouldn't you try?
I mostly use sound. Music inspires me to write :)
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realised until now, but I do use all of the senses when I write. I cast my characters using actors so I have an idea of their appearance and personality. I have huge playlists for use while writing. I prefer to write in our front room sitting in my comfy leather office chair, usually wearing my bathrobe or a thick warm fleece. I definitely can't write without that first morning coffee, and several more throughout the day. And finally, I will often light some incense when I start my work.
ReplyDeleteI love having my cup of coffee and opening the door or window so I can see the steam! Though the season for that will end quickly.
ReplyDeleteI often forget my coffee, too! I need a little warmer I can set my cup on, so it stays reasonably hot while I get distracted by whatever I'm doing. And yes, music is key for me. I rarely if ever look for actual people on which to model my characters' appearances, though. I've just never felt the need. HOWEVER--I love to see what other people come up with for their own characters!
ReplyDeleteMaybe #3 is why I find it helpful to go for a run when I'm stuck with my wip.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a playlist. I'm one of those individuals who can't have music on when I write. But I can't write without my Diet Dr Pepper (or Diet Coke if the former wasn't recently on special and Diet Coke was). ;)
Music is a must for me. It helps me easily shift moods and get into a character's head. I have particular songs for each one. Coffee is also my writing buddy. But I like the idea of a glass of wine. I might have to try that!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the taste - I like to sit down with a hot cup of tea that often gets neglected. But for me, that involves touch, too. I like to wrap my hands around the hot cup while I think or read through what I've written. I know smell can bring up memories, but I've never tried to use it to help my writing. Interesting idea!
ReplyDeleteA change of scenery helps me a lot. When I'm in a rut, I'll sit on the porch with my laptop, or I'll listen to music while hiking along a local trail. I always have a tall glass of water next to me when I'm writing, with chocolate cooling in the fridge!
ReplyDeleteNever thought of being aware of my senses in this way! Though I did recently paint my office so I would feel more relaxed in the space. Looks like I need to be more aware of what my senses are telling me. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWow! You guys are awesome as usual. I just want you to know that I couldn't help but pick up my coffee mug and drink while reading the comments. And now it feels awfully quiet...
ReplyDeleteI used to have a candle burning when I wrote, but got out of the habit. Thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteThat smell one seems like a great idea... I haven't tried it before! But I most definitely need something to munch on/drink while I'm writing, otherwise I feel antsy. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so variable in what environment when I'm writing. Sometimes I eat, sometimes I don't; sometimes the music is on, sometimes off. And I change places constantly. Maybe I need to be more stable.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for the congrats!
ReplyDeleteSound is a big one for me. I make playlists for every MS too. Smell also, since smell and memory are linked it can be very useful if you are using a childhood memory of your own for a character. I like the powerpoint idea, but I haven't tried that yet. Taste not so much, but it probably would be helpful. Especially if you can condition yourself that cup of tea means writing time. Great post!
ReplyDeleteCan't use sound, usually. I actually prefer total quiet to music. But sometimes I love to go where it's noisy, like a restaurant or coffee shop, and let the sound become white noise that makes me feel not lonely, and somehow energizes me. This post and Laura Diamond's post today have inspired me to find some visuals for my characters, though. That does resonate as something that will inspire and ground the writing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI also look for images for my characters. That's a fun part of the journey. I also tend to listen to the same music too. Gotta have my sour candy for taste...
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of searching strangers' faces for the appearance of a character! I like watching faces just to imagine their stories, but I've never tried to imprint any upon my brain. (To remember things, I have to pretty actively try. Ahem.)
ReplyDeleteI've read about folks using playlists, but the closest I've come is really strongly correlating one song with one manuscript. I'm supposed to begin editing another book any day now (read: last Saturday morning) and may have to give this a shot!
Hey! Thanks for the shout out! Taste is definitely my favorite of the senses. I'm right there with you on the coffee, chocolate and red wine. ;)
ReplyDeleteI always have some sound on, mostly space music genre stuff, background soothing sounds that keep my imagination in a good place. Getting comfy is always a plus, especially if I get tired and can doze off right where I'm at!
ReplyDeleteChocolate, wine, tea, whatever is required, even when I'm not writing, is a must! (See my blog on my first "retreat" here: http://deankmiller.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-first-writing-sabbatical.html shameless plug)!
Thanks. ;-}
This is such a good post, especially for new writers (me, included) so they can see it's not about a hard backed chair, wooden desk and facing a corner in a dark basement...unless that works for you. It's about creativity, imagination and discovery. Whatever inspires that in each writer is what's needed.
Good pointers! I've never done the playlist or character search - but I keep thinking I should! :)
ReplyDeleteI am totally into the playlist. It helps me feel character arcs and the mood of each scene. My comfort level (and aching) back have improved since I bought a real desk chair complete with lumbar support. Ahhhh.
ReplyDeleteI've long used sight and sound when writing, but I had not thought about consciously stimulating my other senses as well. Might have to give that a go and see what comes about. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea! I usually fade into my own head when I'm writing and have to pull myself out intermittently and engage the world again. Lately, I've been taking a quick stroll outside - lots of smells, sounds and temperature changes there!
ReplyDeleteI do the same as you with finding pictures of characters and settings, and with finding songs for a playlist. I also collect little things that remind me of my characters-- a bouncy ball, a certain piece of jewelry, etc. Its something I can touch and see, and makes the story more real to me.
ReplyDeleteI always write with a Mountain Dew in hand. I also like scented candles. And my writing desk is by the window, looking over the front yard. I don't think I could work if I didn't have something nice to look at it when I'm trying to figure things out. I listen to music when I draft (not during revisions), but only wordless music--movie soundtracks, mostly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing this up. I love seeing how everyone works!
Becca @ The Bookshelf Muse
Solid thoughts Lisa. I prefer to rely on past experiences and playlists associated with the scenes to drive me. I'm very visual about things so I'll scrounge the net looking at related images in my non-writing time to help draw inspriation.
ReplyDelete'My friend chocolate' hehehehehehe
ReplyDeleteI'm having tea right now, because the espresso machine wakes my son up.
I have written novels to music, but lately I've found it so distracting I listen to the music and don't write anything!
I just realized that I do all of that when I write as well :)
ReplyDeleteI especially love having pictures of actors - er, my dream characters - on my wall as I'm writing about them. The same goes for the locations (houses, beaches, lakes, etc.). It helps to have it all right there in front of you (and adds a bit of inspiration into your writing). And the music is sooooo important! The song you listen to can either make or break the scene you're writing.
I'm with you on this! It's so important for me to have an active playlist. I do like music while I am writing too, but it can't have words. Mostly it's classical or orchestra, something that feeds me emotion yet doesn't add words to the ones in my head. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I do a few of these too, including finding photos for my characters and settings. I'm usually inspired by music and photos.
ReplyDeleteSo cool that you do a power point presentation for each of your manuscripts. I may have to try this.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am writing, I often listen to music, have a scented candle burning, and sip tea. And I frequently switch places to write or go from the laptop to longhand. What a difference that can make.
I actually have the five senses written down on a piece of paper in my notebook that I constantly refer to while writing. It helps me remember to use them all and develop the scene better!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I don't do music WHILE I write, but it can be inspiring to GET me to write. :) I don't eat while I write either, but then, I'm not a snacker.
ReplyDelete