Rituals

Most writers have rituals, something they do when they plant their butts in a chair and stair at a blank screen. The ritual is a reminder to the brain that it’s time to write, time to be creative. Sometimes the ritual works. Other times it fails dismally.

Some writers wait for ideal conditions. E.B White was not a proponent of waiting for ideal conditions. His thoughts on ideal conditions are as follows: “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.”

The time of day at which you start to write is also important. This ritual sends a signal to the muse. Some writers are morning people. I am not. “I write every morning.” Ernest Hemingway

Physical activity is also a good way to prime the pump. Physical activity is also a good way to stimulate the body and brain when you take a break. “I do pushups and sit ups all the time” Kurt Vonnegut

I have a ritual of sorts. My best time to write is in the afternoon. I write at a small roll-top desk in my bedroom. Two votives are lighted and I start a diffuser with essential oil. I take frequent tea breaks to get away from the computer.  My muse likes my ritual. My ritual is helping me write Yale Larsson PI Book 4: A Pocketful of Euros.