Do you have any strange habits or are you superstitious about things that can affect your writing? Do you have to dress a certain way when writing? Do you prefer to write in a coffee shop or at home? On the commuter train? What’s your writing environment like? An enclosed home office? The back patio? The kitchen table?
I’ve heard a lot of interesting stories over the years about writers, their environments and their habits. I thought it would be fun for us to share on this blog for a change.
What about clothes? For example, some people have “writing outfits”—outfits they feel comfortable in when sitting down to write. I’ve heard of some having a favorite pair of pajamas or leggings and T-shirts or even some who like to dress like their characters. I’m a leggings and T-shirt or sweater person. Comfy clothes work for me.
Do you like your workspace set up a certain way? I have to admit I am from the school of messy writers. I love to be surrounded by books. Notes get flung around, printouts, etc. – and don’t dare upset my method because I understand it and you risk confusing me. Other writers prefer a pristine setup. Anything out of place will disturb their concentration. And there are others who have no preferences about their writing location except for the necessary technical issues.
Do you have a preferred time of the day to write? Some like to write in the morning, others in the afternoon or even late at night when the kids are in bed. I’ve tried all three. I find that, since I have retired from the work force, I appreciate a slow start in the morning as opposed to the mad commuter dash I did early every morning for years. So, I tend to work mostly in the afternoons.
Writers need a break when writing, so what do you do on your break? Coffee is a natural choice – or, for some, wine. A snack maybe. In the afternoons, I usually go the tea route and work on one of my jigsaw puzzles for a few minutes before getting back to my characters.
Are you superstitious in any way? I’d love to hear more about that side of things. Do you have a lucky item that needs to be there when you are writing?
And lastly. I know many writers have pets. Do you let your pets join you when you are writing? I used to have dogs and they often napped beside me when I was busy on the computer. Some friends have cats who keep them company. It seems cats do like to sit on keyboards or laptops because they are nice and warm. Glad my dogs never tried that.
So, what are your writing environment needs and habits like?
Share in the comments below if you wish.
I am an evening writer due to working a day job. Weekends I write in the afternoon. My cat will sometimes be on my lap or in the room when I write. Other than that, nothing particular-just me and my characters. 😉
The morning is great for me…I am up early and have some time alone before my significant other gets up. The house is calm and quiet and I feel inspired by the peace. That also means I’m still in my pajamas. And coffee , must have some coffee. The writing flows at this time I guard to myself.