Christian Speculative Fiction discussion
Writers' Corner
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Writer's Corner - Pt 1 - BEHIND THE SCENES: SPACES
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I move around the house. If I'm eating, I'll typically sit at the kitchen table and then forget to move someplace more comfortable. There are two other places I tend to sit, one in the kitchen nook comfy chair or the living area with a couple of rockers. I just need a place to put my feet!
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Mod
I also like to sit with my Surface Laptop in front of TV, playing various instrumental music on YouTube, to help me get into the zone.
And, I write everyday at my work desk during my 1-hour lunch. This can be a unique time as I'm forced to delve into my writing and be productive so not to waste the hour. It's been a habit of mine the last six months--allowing for 20+ hours per month added to my writing productivity.
Thanks for reading!
Sean
My fellow writers, where are your "SPACES" that you do your writing?
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I just got a "new" used desk a little over a week ago. It's maple with brass fittings and brass corners. It's a little worn, but I am loving the extra space compared to the tiny desk I had before. As I sit here, the sun is shining outside the double windows beyond my screen. Next to me is a stuffed chair. When I am thinking, I turn my chair and prop my feet on the arm of the other chair. It's very comfortable. I use a laptop that I plug into a very large screen that I can fit multiple pages on for easy reference, and a wireless keyboard and mouse.
My German Shepherd frequently sits on my right side between me and a wall of bookshelves. I can smell doggie when he's there but I like the smell; it lets me know I'm not alone though my husband works six days a week, usually ten hours a day.
Music ... ah yes! I do like to work to music. My preferred music to write to? Christian hard rock. Groups like Red, TFK, Skillet, POD and Breaking Benjamin. My favorite is Red. Each of the books of The Seven Words series has a Red song as its theme.
I'm retired, so I flit between my writing and anything else that needs to be done (or I feel like doing--like spending too much time on social media). I am so thankful for all my blessings.
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What's the name of your dog, btw?
My writing space is my my home office. I have two desks there -- a normal desk for reading hard copy materials and a wooden desk opposite that I made myself for writing at my laptop with two screens. However, my most creative "writing" occurs not when I am at my desk but when I am on a 30-mile bicycle ride in the countryside. This open writer's space seems to generate my best characters and plot lines.
Mod
My sister is a mountain biker and loves the outdoors. Love how your creativity is harnessed when you're riding.
Ken, thank you for sharing! That's such a good entry!
Kind regards,
-Sean
Sean wrote: "i love your descriptions of your "space" for writing. it sounds inviting, Chris..What's the name of your dog, btw?"
His name is Rin. He's thirteen months old, weighs about 85 pounds, and full of himself.
My writing space is in front of my laptop... mostly. I can write almost anywhere. I mostly sit at the dining room table (near the writing snacks) or on the couch. I also have a desk in our den/office near my husband's recording studio. I sometimes sit on my bed with the laptop and write. I also carry paper with me at all times. If I have downtime at work, in a doctor's office waiting room etc, I will write then transpose it into the computer later. My ideas are composed in those last moments before I go to sleep at night or first thing in the morning when I'm trying to wake up.My favorite place to write is when my husband and I get a secluded cabin in the woods with a fireplace. I love to curl up in a comfy chair in front of the fire and write. I also enjoy going out to a coffee shop or Panera (they frequently have fireplaces too) to write.
Reggi wrote: "My writing space is in front of my laptop... mostly. I can write almost anywhere. I mostly sit at the dining room table (near the writing snacks) or on the couch. I also have a desk in our den/offi..."I love how you can use various places and still be creative. I haven't taken my laptop and written in a Panera's in years. I might try it again some time.
Mod
Thank you for sharing, Reggi! Finding those places that allow us to be the most productive are crucial. And the fact that you've found yours is fabulous! A cabin in the middle of nowhere sounds so good.
I once went and stayed with monks for a week in Scotland. Although I didn't do it for writing (more for fellowship with the Lord), it was a special and memory-rich time. If you ever want to go back 100 years, go to stay with monks! Food, chores, early rises and early bedtimes, it's all so very enchanting.
Mod
I write at my desk! There is nothing particularly special or interesting about it. I just enjoy having an organized and efficient workspace. I also like that it's near a window, so when I need to clear my mind I can look out the window and watch the palm trees swaying in the wind. That's rather relaxing. It's not much, but I appreciate it because it works for me.I used to listen to a lot of soundtrack music when I wrote to "set the scene", but I got tired of constantly shuffling playlists around to try to find the right music to fit what I was writing, so these days I mostly just write to the sound of silence.
And by that I mean my cat whining at me.
Now that my children have grown up, I have a writing room all to myself! A luxury, I know, but it took a while coming! I write in silence, except for the sound of the sea. Like T.K. I stare out of the window when I need a break and the rhythm of the waves entices my overloaded brain to relax, enjoy, then crack on with my tiny contribution to the panoply of books that is so available to us in the 21st century.
That sounds lovely, Anna! Writing rooms are the best. I wish I could write with the beach as my background noise. Maybe someday!
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Sean wrote: "That's two great additions to this topic. Thank you, T.K. and Anna!"You're welcome!
Each week, I'll be posting a specific question related to your writing craft. I am looking forward to receiving answers to my queries as it relates to your writing habits.
It's really interesting to me; maybe it will be to you, too.
We'll continue this thread until the ideas are exhausted. BUT, in reality, these threads will remain OPEN-ENDED for future writers to share a little bit about themselves, to answer the specific questions, and to give advice along the way.
Who knows. We may actually learn a thing or two--and receive the encouragement needed to improve in our craft.
WEEK 1: SPACES
Describe your typical routine as to where you write.
Is there a specific place you like to go?
Is there a place you treasure to go, almost as special to you as any writing tale you spin?
Describe your writing place. Paint the image for us to experience your writing space. Use the five senses to describe. What kind of light? What smells? What do you see? What do you listen to--if anything?
Thank you, my fellow writers.
I look forward to hearing from you over the next week. This should be exciting!
-Sean