Tuesday, March 23, 2010

who doesn't love new

So last night I decided that I was going to write, I had decided this the moment I had woken up, however due to the fact that I had to endure another monday work day that seemed impossible for my morning schedule, so I of course blogged in the morning, worked my eight hours dreaming of the time I would have to write, attending an afternoon doctor appointment (again dreaming of the time I would write) and finally arrived home at 5:30pm. Now of course there are responisibilities one must take care of before writing, such as feeding that cats (or dogs), checking the mail and putting the days papers, lunches and books away. I was lucky enough to check the mail and find The Body Finder!!! I'd been waiting for my copy and finally it had arrived! I'm elated and can't wait to start it! I also received my first birthday gift of the week, a nice $50 gift card from my hubby's parents! They are sweethearts! So there you go... a little bit about me, however now to the point of this post.

Who doesn't love new? Today I am referring to new spots for writing. All of us get stuck in a rut or get a bad case of writers block that we can't seem to get rid of, it can be daunting and terrible to get rid of, however I think I have devised a plan to run from writers block!!! That is to change locations, instead of staying in my house, knowing I'll have to clean (which I did after my writing session... yes I was busy last night!) and eat dinner (also after writing... and cleaning!) pay attention to my cats, watch TV, or have internet access I for once changed scenery and location for real! I have a lovely apartment complex and it has a gorgeous courtyard equipped with very nice tables and chairs, I made myself comfortable and started writing, no internet access at all, I thought it would be tough but the words flowed and I was thankful!!! 5,000 words later I had myself a very successful writing evening!!! I really enjoyed my new writing place and I think I might find myself visiting that location very often, plenty of dogs playing in the yard, and people out for their afternoon jog, it's peaceful and I loved it!

So I ask you, how did writing go last night? Do you ever find yourself in a rut or a bad case of writers block? Does a change of pace or a change of location seem to get you rid of it?

29 comments:

Ellen Brickley said...

Writing went really well last night, but I had to stop because I got sleepy!

New plan: I won't write sitting on the couch (my couch sags in the middle so it makes me feel lopsided and dozy). Time to clear off the kitchen table, methinks. . .

Bish Denham said...

WOW! 5000 words. Good job! For me a change of location often does the trick.

Christine Danek said...

Wow! Great writing session. I did get a chapter somewhat revised yesterday. Wait-- I also started writing a new scene too, I think only about 1,000 words but I guess that is something.
I think change of scenery does help. When I am home, I am always thinking of what needs to be done or the kids are hanging on me.
Great post!

Kimberly Franklin said...

I must bow down to you. You rock. I got absolutely nothing done last night. Nothing!!

The Body Finder is SO GOOD!!!!!

Portia said...

No writing last night because of family obligations. But I agree, new locale can be awesome. I love writing on my laptop outside in nice weather or at a coffee shop, where I'm less likely to be thinking about my other commitments.

Thomasina said...

Congrats on the productive writing session! I admire your dedication. When I write (which isn't often enough), I usually do it in my bedroom. My thoughts seemt to flow well when I'm comfy. When is your birthday?

Summer Frey said...

I got a lot of world-building done in the coffee shop of my new town. Also, since it's not freakishly snowing today and is supposed to be warm, I think I'm either going to write in the lawn chair on my patio with the netbook, or go down to the awesome park with my netbook. Depends on how warm it really is, I guess.

Stina said...

Congrats on your writing last night! I bought The Body Finder yesterday, but have to finish North of Beautiful first.

I did nada in terms of writing yesterday, but after much sweat and tears, managed to change the template on my blog. Now I'm ecstatic. I have a yummy looking blog and I get to write this afternoon. Yay!

Karen Lange said...

Congrats on your progress! Happy Birthday early too:)

Yes, I find that different places inspire my writing sometimes. Now that spring is here I'm thinking about heading to the back porch to write.

Blessings,
Karen

Catherine Denton said...

Change of location--especially in nature--always helps my writing. Way to go on your 5,000!!
Winged Writer

Carolyn V. said...

Wow Jen, that sounds great! Good idea not to have internet access.

Writing didn't happen last night, I was in class. But I hope to get something on paper today! =) Awesome post.

Anonymous said...

I took the notebook to bed with me and stretched out, as usual, with a DVD in the background. I wrote a pretty emotional/disturbing scene that I did not plan on but it works perfectly with the character. I wanted to continue but I had to get up early for an appointment today so I chose to close it up for the night. Hope to get a lot more done today and tomorrow before heading back to work Thursday!

So glad to hear you had such a successful writing session!

Crystal Cook said...

I think a change of scenery is a great idea! I always forget that. I wrote this morning, just a little but it was fun, I always have a better day when I take time to write. Even if that means letting the dishes sit a little while longer :)

Windy said...

Hmm, writing last night. Would have loved to. But... since I'm still getting over some illness, I came home from work, made dinner, played with kidlets and proceeded to pass out after I put them to bed. At 8:30. I'm so lame :)

Glad you were able to get so much done! And yeah, sometimes it's nice to lock yourself away from the interwebz distractions!

Kimberly Job said...

I need to write more and read blogs less. I used to write at Borders and loved it! My life circumstances don't really allow it now, but late night writing after the kids are all asleep, works well for me too.

Talli Roland said...

Congrats Jen! That's awesome!

I have to admit, I am SO boring when it comes to writing. I must be at my desk - anything else just won't do. I've tried many times to head to the coffee shop but I usually end up wasting too much time eyeballing other people's food and trying to scrounge up extra dosh for coffee.

Amy Saia said...

Hey, that's great! 5,000 words in pure progress, I'm impressed. I hope it keeps up and that the weather cooperates so you can have more days evenings/days out there writing away.

DL Hammons said...

I had a change of location last night. I HAD TO WORK!!! Ugh! No writing for me, thank you. LOST is on tonight, then I have to work again. I'm thinking my writing will be minimal this week.

Jai Joshi said...

5000 words is amazing for a writing session. Double pats on the back!

I find that a nice writing location works wonders for my writing. I've just spent the last three weeks working hard to renovate my room so it's comfortable for me to write it. I can't stand mess or clutter or ugly colours. And I like space around me.

I rarely suffer from writers block but when I do I find that it's because of something else, an emotional problem or some kind of stress that's keeping me from relaxing and letting myself sink into creating. I take some time to relax - maybe take a bath, do some exercise, yoga, have a night out - and then I get back to normal. Works wonders.

Jai

Shelley Sly said...

"New" is good for writing. Sometimes the same old same old can get me stuck. I recently moved my laptop to another room just to get a different perspective as I type. It helps.

Congrats on your progress, and please stop by my blog sometime -- I gave you an award. :)

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Yes! Sometimes I find that all I need is a new environment to get those creative juices flowing.

btw, it's my birthday this week too - on Friday. Happy Birthday! :-)

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you think so Kimberly!!! I'm a few pages in and already can't put it down!!! I only did because I had to work!!! I'm excited! Can't wait to write a review, I know this one's a good one for sure!!

sarahjayne smythe said...

No writing last night. I had a headache that became a migraine today that sent me home from work early. But when I need new for writing, I usually take my lap top to a coffe shop or Panera's. :)

Christopher said...

It just comes in spurts for me. The more I try different things the more the block sets in. I just have to wait it out and hope for the best. Then I'll get a streak of inspiration that'll have to last me.

Leigh Hutchens Burch said...

Um, to be honest - I didn't write last night.

I am giving myself a break until April 1st, unless inspiration just knocks the wind out of me before then.

However, I do like the idea of writing in a new place! I find that sometimes if I get away from the document and just sit down with pen and paper I get so much more accomplished. There's no temptation to edit what's already written... it's easier to write freely and scratch out what isn't needed..

I once wrote an entire scene on my lunch hour while sitting at Starbucks!

Anyway, good for you. 5000 words in a night is a huge accomplishment.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Hi Jennifer! Thank you for stopping by and following my blog! How did writing go last night? Terrifically well, thank you. I wrote 3,531 words yesterday. I hate it when the day closes because that only means that I have to put away my lappie. :(

Oooh, yeah, I do (about writers block). It sometime last year that I had it. Badly. Change of location doesn't do it for me though. For me, it's a state of mind.

All I had to do last year (along with many prayers--lol) was GIVE myself permission to write what came to me. (Reason I say that is cuz I always write action with romance in it. You know, with villains and external conflicts?) Never straight romance (straight internal conflict with hardly any villains). That was one hard thing for me to do (I've written 7 books like the first--this one is my ONLY one of its kind.)

Whew... But once I gave in, I did not stop. I've finished the book, too! Woohoo!

:)

Ann said...

5000 words, that is wonderful. At the moment I am suffering from a case of I don't want to call it writers block. I will call it wordlessness. Or blank brain. I think I will take a leaf from your book, and find a new spot and see how that goes. Well done on the 5000 words once again.

Susan Fields said...

Happy birthday! Isn't it nice that the weather's nice enough to go outside and write now? But when I do try to write on my deck, I often find myself too distracted by being outside. I guess I need to be bored by my surroundings to really concentrate. I'm glad it works for you, though!

Melissa Hurst said...

Wow, 5000 words! That is great:)

Not much writing for me last night. I've been fighting a cold since last week and the meds knocked me out earlier than usual.