14Shari at 2013-09-05 10:40:44:
'The artist's way' by Julia Cameron and her admonition to write 'the morning pages' daily has impacted me hugely. Every artist should own a copy of this book and do the self course.
Lydia Mulvey at 2013-09-05 14:38:16:
This is a brilliant post, Scott. Thanks for sharing. I'm fascinated by how other writers work. And I'm endlessly fascinated to see just how different the processes are. I try to get as many hours in as possible each day (and maybe have one or two days off a week). I usually write 10 to 12 and then 2 to 5 and maybe 6 to 8. "Work" can be anything from writing 15 pages a day to staring out the window, thinking. Speaking of music, I'll often fixate on one particular song that sums up my story and put it on repeat. If I can't get to my desk, I'm always thinking about my story and working things out in my head. I've just purchased a new desk which is absolutely enormous (it fills half the room I use for an office) but it's brilliant because I can spread paperwork out all over it and still have room for trinkets and coffee mugs and other detritus. Up to now I've been using a rickety old chipboard flat pack that I got off FreeCycle. So it's a joy to have a desk that suits my needs.
Tracy Downey at 2013-09-05 21:21:49:
Love this Scott. I just published my book, Divine Intervention in the hopes of it making it to the big screen. I figured since Hollywood goes to books, why not write a killer story first and see if it gets recognized that way? Some ppl think I'm crazy because my laptop is always open and either in my lap while I'm asleep or I'm writing on my phone in notes. Once characters are established in my head-I have to get them out and see the journey through. They are there 24/7 speaking and I'm visually trapped in their surroundings-it's heaven to me. I don't force myself to pick a place, it usually happens out of one word, the news or a moment, sometimes even a dream. I'm always writing because my brain doesn't know how to stop and step back. That's frustrating for my family-but now that they see what I'm capable of doing, they're very supportive. Glad to know I'm not crazy-but if I am, don't tell me:)
Roman Sidenko at 2013-09-05 22:10:24:
I'm not sure where I got the link: but here's another when and how we do it, from 2009 material http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703740004574513463106012106.html
David Joyner at 2013-09-06 06:27:22:
I love hearing about process as well. I'm the Craig Mazin type in the sense I don't really have a routine. I wish I did. I've tried to & failed. I get work done using the axiom (a version of a maxim of Oliver Stone's, I think) "writing=laptop+chair". I'm reading Normal Mailer's The Spooky Art, which explains his process, and one thing he says related to this is: "There is no routine of an office to keep you going, only the blank page each morning, and you never know where your words are coming from, those divine words."
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scottyfairmont at 2013-09-06 14:43:20:
I have been reading "Daily Rituals: How Artists Work" by Mason Currey, and it is mesmerizing in its detail of both routines and rituals of many famous writers, painters, composers, etc. Many early mornings, specific breakfasts, afternoon walks, and evening drinks. My favourite ritual so far is Beethoven counting out exactly 60 beans to grind for his morning coffee. The most interesting writing (composing in this case) advice so far was given to Morton Feldman by John Cage: "He said that it's a very good idea that after you write a little bit, stop and then copy it. Because while you're copying it, you're thinking about it, and it's giving you other ideas. And it's marvelous, just wonderful, the relationship between working and copying."
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