James Cardona asked Patricia Hamill:

When and where do you write? Can you write anywhere or does the location have to be quiet and alone? Do you have any rituals that you do when you write?

Patricia Hamill Great questions, James.

I tend to write on weekends or very late at night. I used to only write in a notebook and then type/edit everything into my computer about once a week, but now I write on my tablet. I love the portability of the tablet and the fact that it doesn't add the little spell and grammar check squiggles while I'm trying to get the story down.

I can write pretty much anywhere, but I prefer it to be somewhat quiet and mildly lit. Usually, at home. I also write during my son's Taekwondo practice, unless he's learning something new and I want to watch. That's a bit tough though because of all the shouting.

As for rituals, I don't really have any that I do while writing. But, for plotting that's a different story. I do most of my plotting on my drive to work or on my way home. I'll test out scenarios, dialog and plot twists aloud. I cannot have music running while I'm doing this in the car or when I'm actually writing. I also usually forget to stop to eat until my stomach complains at me, so the activity is pretty all-consuming.

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