Weird Things You Do Before You Write

Ummm

I listen to the song Teenage Dream by Katy Perry.
It has a fast tempo so it's easy to get ideas out and helps me type faster.

I usually sit a little in front of the keyboard, going over what I'm about to write. And I have to play some music before and while I'm writing, I just have to.

I turn my phone to silent and lock my door, to ensure no interruptions. I usually write when no one is home, or when it's just my dad, because he's fully aware that I "talk to myself." The music then goes on; the genre depends on the mood or pace I'm going for.

Before, or in the middle of, writing something I might dance or jump around the room to get my blood pumping and my brain working. Sometimes I just stare at the crackles in my ceiling, looking for pictures. It all varies.

I actually don't listen to music when I write most of the time. Apparently, that's weird. (I guess it is because any other time I am.)
Although, sometimes I set the right mood (depending on the story obviously) by listening to the appropriate soundtrack before I write. Just not while I write. I write better in silence because I can completely submerse myself in the universe I'm writing.

I go to the bathroom to empty myself and then settle into an isolated place, breath deeply and write the first thing that comes to mind.

I make a playlist to write to, which I don't think is weird at all, personally. But basically, if I know I'm going to write a sad scene, I'll make a playlist of sad songs; a happy scene, I'll listen to more upbeat music, and so on.

I also like the read the news before I write. Knowing what's going on in the world is really inspirational to me.

Most importantly, though, I get comfortable. Go to the bathroom, put on some sweats, grab some coffee and cigarettes, put on some music, turn up the heater, sit back, and write. :)

smoker's delight.:

I also like the read the news before I write. Knowing what's going on in the world is really inspirational to me.

That's a really good idea.

I have playlists for a few of my stories/pairings. If I'm writing anything to do with those characters, I almost always listen to that playlist.

And I have to write a story on the same medium 99.9% of the time. Not just computer vs. paper; I'm way more picky than that, especially when it comes to paper. Music Girl will always be written in pencil, in a wide-ruled comp book with numbered pages, a running timeline, and a table of contents. For my MCR oneshot series, I have to write one oneshot in the same colour pen, and it has to be a colour that matches the mood of the story.

I'm a freak

Certain types of music. Angry and slighted when I write For The Monsters that I've been. Chill music with Ubriacarsi. Right now I always have to listen to 'You' by Atmosphere with Ubriacarsi, actually. Monsters has several songs.

Before a chapter, I pull up a text document and write a timeline using arrows to keep myself on track. It usually goes something like: Event one -> event two -> lulz -> event three. And I constantly reference these from old chapters when writings new ones to bring themes back.

Edit: Chapter one from Ubriacarsi is as follows: Nervous Frank -> MIkey -> Cigarette lulz -> Mikey's status -> subtle interview -> teh jobz.

They always contain a lot of chatspeak. Lul.

I always need background noise, too. Usually Doctor Who is playing in the background as I'm writing anything.

I have to listen to people talking, like AP Podcast talking. Also, I have to have a full bottle of ice tea & some mozzarella string cheese. I also need to have a blanket by me.

If I'm writing fanfiction, I generally have to read a fic or two in that fandom. I don't know if it's to get into the mindset of the characters or just to set the mood or just because I like giving myself excuses to read fic () but it usually helps me write, so.

Sometimes I smoke. Usually I have a conversation as the characters.

dru is the spark.:

I have a lot of conversations out loud as my characters.

I used to always listen to MCR's first album, but now I have a specific playlist of songs that inspire me. (although I never really have my earphones in, they just lie beside me)
And I tend to make little notes during class, as if I'm my characters, just little things about how they're feeling at that current point in the story, and then I refer back to them when I'm writing up the chapter, it's actually really quite helpful.
And I tend to write before I go to bed.

I can't type my writing either. It has to be handwritten first.

I put on films that kind of reflect the mood I'm going for. I'm working on a novella right now, and Jim Jarmusch's films kind of fit the mood, so I watch those. Other stories, I make big complicated "soundtracks" for and listen to them while I'm writing.

I've been having TV on in the background instead of music lately, just 'cause my laptop doesn't have iTunes.

Some form of exercising, or going to the mall. I have to get the fuck away from my house for a while and listen to idiots talk a lot of shit. Listen to smart people speak and listen to nature. I have to be around a lot of talkative people for a while because people might say some crazy shit that will get my imagination flowing.

One time I was talking to my brother and he was talking about some weird shit about robots taking over people and it gave me the perfect story idea in the future (shh it's a secret... ).

Well, I always have to have something to drink. Preferably something that lasts like a humongous glass of coke. And usually before I start writing, to get inspiration I listen to my iPod while jumping on the trampoline. c; The constant movement clears my usually jittery mind and I can focus on the things around me. Weird, eh?

feral emotion.:

And usually before I start writing, to get inspiration I listen to my iPod while jumping on the trampoline. c; The constant movement clears my usually jittery mind and I can focus on the things around me. Weird, eh?

I think that's pretty awesome actually. Makes me want my old trampoline.

I have to turn on Punishpad, not even gonna lie. I've been using that, and generally I listen to either mellow Collective Soul, or I turn on a radio station. I find I write best when I don't write for a few days, just scribble rough sentences and little words in my notebook until it builds up and the words have to come out.

I tend to think of the story and how I want it to flow before I start writing, like with my story Special K, I've pretty much got the story in my head, but I go over it several times before finally writing it. I tend to have a soundtrack for stories as well.