Oct 05 2008
The idiosyncrasies of writing.
I find my own writing patterns to be somewhat peculiar. I’ve noticed that when writing articles, essays and reviews that I am more comfortable and need to be sitting in front of my computer writing as I am doing right now. For some unknown reason when I write poetry this is the last place I want or need to be. Writing poetry takes me out of the house, usually surrounded by a natural setting with my notebook and pen. Even if I have an idea for a poem while I am home, I cannot sit in front of the computer and create the poem.
I guess I tend to think of the computer more as a business type tool rather than a means to create art. Even when reading poetry online versus within the pages of a book I find it a bit clinical online as opposed to feeling entranced by the journey through the pages of a book. It’s strange I know but it’s the little idiosyncrasies which make each of us writers unique.
So, what are yours?
My writing style can’t be defined. I’m completely off the wall. If an idea clicks (typically with my poetry) it doesn’t matter where I am or what I have at hand…I’ve come home with scribbled napkins stuffed in the diaper bag. But more often than not I find myself playing around with an idea in my head for a couple of days before I set out to write it, especially when it comes to my book, like I want the words, mood, and tone to mesh perfectly…then I like being able to type.
Like I said…off the wall :p
I’m sooooo with you on that. When I write poetry, I tend to explode with the words when I’m not ‘distracted’ by technology. Nature settings, too, clear my mind. Think of this concept, though, when tackling book-length fiction–obviously, I can’t write book-length fiction with pen and paper; but that’s why, when I’ve plotted out the book on computer, as I’m plotting it, I’m essentially writing it out in my head, every single day, every minute, all in my head. I play the scenes in my head. I live with my characters everywhere I go. THEN, and only THEN, do I sit down at the computer and let it all out. I create the art in my head first before I start on the word processor. I think that’s the only way to really write a book–like you said, just sitting at a computer doesn’t give you the ‘will’ (lack of a better term) to create art.
For me, writing that comes from the head goes straight out of my fingers onto the keyboard. Writing that comes from the heart goes through my blood and spills out of my ink pen onto the paper.
Thanks for the comments. I guess as creative writers we do all experience some of the same things - good to know I’m not alone on this.