My 18-month-old is sound asleep, and it's raining outside. I love when it rains. I live in Florida, and even though they call it the Sunshine State (and with good reason), we get our fair share of rain here (not counting hurricane season, of course!). But it's been a while, and I've missed it. It always puts me in the mood to write.
By rain, I mean real rain, by the way, not a weak little drizzle or the kind you listen to on one of those relaxation CDs. Nope, I like to hear the strong pitter-patter of water droplets on rooftops, the splash of cars rushing through puddles on the road, a steady, rhythmic sound that can put even the most fussy baby to sleep. It's the kind of thing that makes me feel as if all is right with the world.
Everyone has their ideal writing environment, complete with its own unique little rituals and idiosyncracies. Some people insist on having absolute silence, while others want their favorite rock music blaring at the highest possible decibel. Some must have a cup of black coffee to get their Muse going, while others crave a bar (or two, or ten) of chocolate. And some change their routine like the rest of us change our socks.
The mind is a mysterious and wonderful thing, and I'm rather intrigued by the various ways that all artists, particularly writers, find to access its treasures.
For me, this is as close to ideal as I can get: sitting in bed with my laptop, listening to the rain and sipping on a cup of chai tea (with honey and a splash of milk, if you please). I could write all day like this. And maybe I will.
What about you? What's your ideal writing environment? What rituals, if any, do you perform to get you "in the mood"?
Ah, sounds great. My ideal writing environment is up at my lake camp, silence except for rain on the tin roof, coffee brewing, time stretched out before me.
ReplyDeleteMy ideal writing environment used to be while commuting to and from my day job, but lately, instead it's using my destop computer in the dining room while the husband and dog are sleeping,or when he's watching sports in the other room.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
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Hello, Angie and Morgan! Both situations sound great. As busy as we all are these days, I know it's hard to find that quiet space we so desperately need to write. But writing requires it. That, in itself, is a blessing, I think.
ReplyDeleteWriting in front of the fireplace at the Borders with a fireplace is my favorite spot. I can write anywhere, as long as I'm not cold. That is a problem. I can't write when I'm cold, and that's often!
ReplyDeleteHey, Spy! I love being in front of the fireplace, too, though there aren't many of those here. I used to live up north where they were in every house, and I kind of miss that sometimes. Hope you're able to stay warm during this chilly time of year!
ReplyDeleteI light candles and have something cool playing on the iPod, and for some mircaulous reason, all four kids are out--that's my ideal. Now how often do I get that? Virtually never.
ReplyDeleteE
Hi, Erica! I never thought of lighting candles before. Sounds soothing--I'll have to try it sometime. Enjoy the quiet while you have it, and happy writing!
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