I know this may be an odd title for a blog post but a lot of my attitude when writing is driven by what I have at hand either on my desk or nearby. There are certain things that are a must for me. No, I am not talking about my laptop...that's a given. I am referring to those other pleasant distractions that fuel my mood. Surely you know what I'm talking about.
My desk serves a dual purpose, one that supports the other- kind of like a mullet. I have my dual monitors and my fancy HP laptop with my wireless mouse and keyboard for the business side of my day. That would be the black and white, staying in the lines part of my day. The business in the front.
Then there's the other, waiting on the sidelines-you know the party in the back. For me, that fiesta is my Yoga screaming that it's five o'clock somewhere. My awesome little powerhouse that collects all those creative thoughts and keeps them safely in my cloud. That's the voice I try to ignore during the 9-5. Once 5:01 hits though, I'm all about the little umbrella of my latest romantic endeavor on paper.
While it's nice to have my Yoga shoving a cup of coffee (yes, sometimes spiked) in my hand as soon as the working day is over so that my fun can begin, there are a few other things I need for my creative musings. Music is a must. I tend to listen to all types but gravitate towards 80's and 90's when writing. If I'm really in the groove, Sting is my numero uno. I listen to him so much that he has been my top Spotify artist by far every year since I joined. What can I say? His lyrics combined with varied styles feed my writing muse and make me happy.
Next vice, coffee. If I could hook up an IV of this magical liquid I would. I drink coffee in so many different forms that my husband merely looks at me when we order. Even he doesn’t know where my mood will take me on the giant board of coffee dink Nirvana; and we've been together more than twenty years. It's not the caffeine I swear. I love the smell and taste of coffee- regular or unleaded, light, medium or dark roast. It doesn't matter, just hand it over. I LOVE THEM ALL. Wow. See? Now I want to go and make a cup. Be right back.
Okay, I can continue. Where was I. Oh yes, the things I need...If I am writing a particularly creepy section, I break out the candles, pull the curtains, and close my doors to shut out everyone else. Sometimes the tension creates the need for dark chocolate covered coffee beans. It all depends on how jumpy I'm getting. Yes, even I get jumpy when I am engrossed in a scene. Don't worry though, my ever-present companion is always here to protect me.
That brings me to my next favorite thing- this one is not on my desk most of the time. He does 'boop' the mouse and try to type but he has difficulty reaching the keyboard. I am of course talking about my Corgi Dexter. He gives me the best encouragement with a look or by acting as a foot warmer. It all depends on the day and he seems to know instinctively what I need before I do. He has been known to bring me his favorite ball or rope when I need a stretch or mental break after a particularly long session. He also lets me know when it's bedtime which I often ignore until I can no longer see the words on the screen.
I realize that everyone is different. As authors, we all have our own good luck charms, unique styles, quirks and needs. We can be a superstitious lot too. The first pen we wrote a poem with; a typewriter that earned us our first publication; a talisman or some kind; etc. Whatever your needs are, embrace them. In my experience, the things that make me comfortable, offer me the proper distraction at the right moment, or just plain make me smile are the things that help me be successful. I will willingly embrace them.
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