Apologies if this has already been posted. But I’m just curious, as we are artists and thus creatures of habit, do any of you have fun rituals for writing?
For me, it’s in the evening. I have to read at least a handful of poems first, with plenty of coffee to hand. And I have to feel enclosed, which is where my writing shed comes in handy! Then before I write I stroke the head of my Shakespeare statue sitting on my desk, then I turn him so he’s looking down at my keyboard and I’m ready to start! 😂
I also place my hand on his head if ever I’m stuck and hope somehow I will magically find something.
My 'rituals' are different for writing poetry and prose. Poetry - cafe or other place that serves latte, needs to be a mug, not a cup. I need to be alone except for my Muse. I write on my phone, not my tablet and not on paper. I like there to be music, vocals are fine as they motivate rather than distract me at a cafe.
I find it difficult to write poetry at writers' group or when we have a workshop. I feel pressured in a group setting. I might come up with something but it doesn't flow the way it will when I am alone at a cafe with my latte. My Muse won't turn up when I am with others.
I can write prose in a group setting but it is easier at home, kitchen table, headphones on listening to instrumental music (vocals distract at home but not in a cafe), looking out into the garden, maybe watching a bird drinking from the bowl of water. I don't drink coffee at home because I lack self control and drink too many mugs of coffee if I have it on hand! Night is my most creative time if I am at home. I write some poetry at home at the kitchen table on my laptop. This is where I edit my poetry.
Ooh. I love this question. I've never thought of it as a ritual before but I like decorating my notebook pages with pretty tape and stickers just so it's not a blank page. I've kind of pushed that to the backseat now I'm writing a poem a day haha.
Another thing is I have to be at my desk or a table. I used to write sat up in bed and I couldn't do that anymore. And I have to listen to asmr or have a study with me video in the background. It sounds crazy but I like the feeling of having company while I write. I used to listen to music or have movies on in the background but I can't do that anymore because I get distracted haha.
I think that's about it for me!