Skip to main content

Writing as Self Hypnosis

 I read a quote from Stephen King the other day, and I agree entirely with him. He said that performing his pre-writing ritual, breakfast, and a pot of tea allows him to access his imagination as if he were in a trance. Does it work that way for everyone? I think it does. For myself, there was a time when I had to have loud rock music playing in the room or on headphones to give me a sense of rhythm and energy. Later, I switched to classical music, and now the room is mostly quiet. Does the evolution of my process mean anything? I don’t think so. Artists change over their careers, and their process changes too.

We all have our rituals to get us in the mood. While there may be a need to sacrifice some coffee beans or alcohol or drugs, legal or illegal as long as you’re not hurting anyone or anything, do it. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reader Reviews are Coming in for #RibbonofDreams

This is an evocative, touching book. I grew up in Tennessee just a ways down the road from the hard-luck main character, Skid, offset by just a few years. Randy O’Brien knows the 70s in the South – what’s going on, the shifting attitudes, politics, being poor, and what it’s like to be a kid who’s good at some things but not others. Through the tumult of young love, misfortune and downright unfairness, Skid struggles to do the right thing – sometimes succeeding and sometimes not – while wrestling with the wild emotion of youth and self-discovery. It all builds to a climax that breaks your heart even as it holds out a bit of hope. I recommend it.
Post a Comment
Read more

If You Have a Book

I always felt comfortable in a library or a bookstore. I was the kid that always checked out the maximum number of books at every visit. I was the one who read Moby Dick in sixth grade, though I didn't understand it until much later. I've always been a reader and love writing...when I'm finished. 
Post a Comment
Read more

The Secret Soldiers: Women Disguised as Men in the Civil War

Did you know there are over two hundred documented cases of women who dressed as men to fight in the Civil War? Although not widely recognized, this fact reveals a fascinating and often ignored aspect of American history. These women, driven by a sense of duty, adventure, and the desire for equality, took on male identities to serve their country in one of its most tumultuous times. This article delves into their courageous stories, their motivations, and the lasting impact they left on the pages of history. I based my novel Gettysburg by Morning on biographies, documentaries, and diaries from these courageous women. The Enlistment At the onset of the Civil War in 1861, slavery divided the United States. The Union and the Confederacy called upon their citizens to take up arms, and thousands of men answered. However, given the times, women found no place to serve. My character, Eloise Jacobson, took her brother's identity to uphold her family's honor. She was discouraged by ...
Post a Comment
Read more