While it may not be apparent by my blogging irregularity, I have a well established writing routine.
Thursdays I get about 4 hours of writing time in the afternoon before going to work. I get the same thing to eat at Panera (an asiago bagel and soft drink), and set it out on the same table in the same manner. My computer goes to the far side of my regular table by the window while I eat and read.
I always start with eating and reading. If I try to save the food for later it seems to distract me, and reading about ol’ sourdough stories from primary sources gets me into the head space for writing about Nome. I’m still reading “Roadhouse Tales,” by M. Clark (1902), which has absolutely fascinating stories.
Then I start writing. I have my first draft manuscript in front of me while I write, but I mostly ignore it now, and just use it as a reference for major events, keeping my timeline straight, and jotting down ideas to use later.
I really want to get this book done. I said back in January that I was going to finish it this year, and I want to hold myself to that.
Today I made good progress, but it was a difficult chapter to write. Putting myself in Margaret’s position was exhausting. I think it turned out well, but after that chapter, I just couldn’t focus any more. Usually good writing spurs me to write more, to keep riding that wave.
Instead of beating my head against the table, I switched gears completely. I started to jot down an outline for another book I’ve been toying with for the past year. A reminiscent book full of a little boy’s memories of his time at the cottage in Northern Michigan. The characters are based on my dad’s side of the family, and much (but not all) will be inspired by his stories.
Doing just a small outline of that book has left me refreshed. So much so that I’m doubting whether my writing routine needs some tossing about. Does change inspire and get creative juices flowing, or does the routine condition you to fall into the writing head space?
Northern Skies Publishing 