Writing rituals

I’ve always been terribly undisciplined. I like to do what I want whenever I want to do it. That kind of behavior isn’t conducive to exercise, dieting, or writing.

Over the past few years, I’ve come up with a few writing rituals to make the entire experience more fun and pleasurable. Why? Because I’m more productive when I’m relaxed and comfortable. Here are a few of my tips to get into the writing mood.

1. Create a soothing environment. I like to turn on my essential oil diffusers or light a scented candle. Eucalyptus and sage is my favorite fragrance, along with clean cotton. These scents are soothing and seem to stimulate my creativity. When I smell these scents, my brain knows it’s time to get to work.
2. Get comfortable. A good, supportive chair is a must. If your back hurts or you’ve got a cramp in your neck, you won’t be able to focus. I bought a big, high-backed office chair with soft leather seating surfaces. It was expensive, but after 30+ years of working at a desk, I’d rather spend the money on a good chair than a chiropractor. And here’s a well-kept writing secret-lots of authors do their best work in their pajamas…just saying…
3. Switch it up. I’ve got several different writing spaces set up in my home. Sometimes I’m not in the mood to be in my office. I like to sit near the window and look out on the yard and the birds (and spy on my neighbors – LOL). I try not to write in the bedroom, although sometimes I do like to spread all my paperwork out on the bed. Wherever I go, I have to allow room for my dogs, because they will try to cram into my space whether I like it or not. Yes, they have me wrapped around their little paws. Tired of writing at home? Head to the local coffee shop or library for a change of scenery.
4. Background noise. I go back and forth on this. Sometimes I need absolute quiet and other times, the silence kills my thinking. I do my best writing with a movie soundtrack or nature sounds playing at a low volume. I try to pair the music genre with the tone of my current WIP.  So, if you stop by and I’m listening to Metallica or Rob Zombie, look out.
5. Clean it up. As my friends and family will tell you, I’m not a neat freak BUT clutter squelches my productivity. It’s a proven fact that messy surroundings can be prohibitive. If I have work waiting to be done within my line of sight, chances are that I won’t be able to concentrate. Keep things neat and organized–or shove everything into a closet, out of sight, to deal with later. Yes, I know Mom doesn’t approve, but when a story is waiting, a girl has to prioritize.
6. Experiment. If your current writing situation isn’t working out for you, try something new. Sit outside. Do you write with a PC or laptop? Try a notebook and pen. Drink a glass of wine (not a bottle). Go for a bike ride or walk. Sometimes I need to forget all of the above and wing it. The happiest accidents happen when you least expect them.

The bottom line is to be true to yourself. Find a writing ritual that works for you and make it a happy experience. There are no right or wrong answers. That’s the beauty of it. This is your game. Own it.

Do you have any writing rituals? Please share your tips.