The second installment on the Blog Hop asks, "What writing tools do you use?"
It's as if my laptop is attached to me surgically. When I'm at home it's never more than an arms-length away -I never know when the Holy Spirit will deluge me with inspiration.
We all have times when we just can't find that "perfect word" or have a block when it comes correct spelling. I either have the paperback versions of a dictionary and thesaurus or I open up the page on-line.
If I'm not home and I see or hear something that is inspirational or profound, it's important that I have a notepad handy (with a pen!). I've been seen jotting things down in a variety of places, especially at Mass. The minute I get home, I place the notes in a file I have set up on my computer for "ideas and observations".
My elderly parents and uncle live with me as I am their caregiver. In order to be able to successfully focus on my writing, I write in the wee hours of the morning with candles lit. The house is quiet, the candles are relaxing and the music is not overshadowed by conversations or television. It also prevents interruptions via phone calls.
Last but definitely not least, I pray the words I write will provide hope, inspiration, and encouragement.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just released a new book, "And God Still Loves Me - A Journey from the Dark Abyss of Sin to God's Mercy". The link is on the left sidebar.
It is great to see your "way of writing" Patti. Great to meet you on Twitter too. I always love how God gives me time, and writing inspirations in His timing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janis www.janiscox.com
Patti,
ReplyDeleteI find that I too need to write in the wee hours of the morning (I choose to get up at 4:30 am and write for two hours). It is so nice to know I am the only one awake in the house.
Leanne Ross ( readfaced.wordpress.com )
I love the candles and notebook ideas. I keep telling my self to start carrying a notepad in my purse but usually forget. That, of course, is when a great idea hits. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the candles and notepad ideas. I keep telling myself to keep a notepad in my purse but usually forget. That, of course, is when the great ideas hit.
ReplyDeleteYour tools of candles and prayer are inspirational! I've never thought of writing by candlelight... I think I'll try it. As for prayer, oh dear, God knows I'm very high maintenance.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you used visuals to compliment your post. This is a great list - very practical
ReplyDeleteI like a notebook and my laptop too. These days I don't use dictionaries much - probably should reach for them more! :) Quiet is good; I used to write in a busy house, with music in the background, but now that I have kids, I find I prefer silence when I'm writing (if possible!). Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tools Patti - especially prayer. A lot of that goes into my writing too. I didn't think to list it, but it's really the most important thing. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove the canle idea..Peace surrounding, while a piece of the mind is writing! brenda J Wood, http://heartfeltdevotionals.com
ReplyDeleteI love the way you wrote this post. It's visually appealing and interesting. Writing by candle light sounds lovely. God bless. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the way you wrote this post. It's visually appealing and interesting. Writing by candle light sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteGod bless. :-)
Patti, I like your writing voice, a little self-deprecating. The laptop attached resonated, as well as the early morning writing sessions. No candles for me. I sit in bed with hubbie snoring, instead of music.
ReplyDeleteYep, gotta have the laptop! Mine is attached to me as well.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about the right music as we write that can take the edge off our stress and help us hear what we want to say. I can't write to music with lyrics, but I'm finding instrumental jazz to be just what the muse ordered.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about the right music as we write that quiets us to hear what we want to say. I can't write to music with lyrics, but I'm finding instrumental jazz to be just what the muse ordered.
ReplyDeletePrayer should have been at the top of my list. Funny how I can write Christian fiction and forget to include God in my list:/ Not very funny at all. Thank you for the nudge.
ReplyDeleteDonna Fawcett
www.donnafawcett.com