Edgewise

How do you folks approach writing a piece? What do you do to get the juices flowing?

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What would your good be doing if there were no evil, and what would the earth look like if shadows disappeared from it?
- Woland (Satan) in Bulgakov's "Master and Margarita"

Surinderjit

i sit down... and write =]

Sam Winchester

Aside from the fact that this has nothing whatsoever to do with poetry, I agree with Surinderjit. I like to unwind with a bit of music first, grab a cup of tea maybe, and then "arse on chair," "fingers on keyboard" and start writing. It may be crap, but that's what editing is for, and at least I feel good 'cause I'm writing.

Sam.

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MisterJack

Observe. I have a notebook and I scratch thoughts, images. Watch people, read, browse through issues of the time in papers or magazines, stuff I normally wouldn't read occasionally also, just for a different perspective. If a thought comes, I write it down in it's simplest form.

As to actually writing a piece and putting all that junk together, I just take my time, and fold the mixture slowly before baking the cake.
Sometimes, scotch helps, often, just a glass of water and a good read at my side.

You?


Regards

Jack

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If it claims to be God, eat it.

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Surinderjit

and by writing i mean old school.. pen and paper.

Sam Winchester

"Old School"? Don't think so, mate. To paraphrase Writ-with-hand: "I'd rather gouge my eyes out". Aside from getting cramp every five minutes, writing by hand is tediously slow. I can type as fast as I can think, so I think I'll be sticking to that.

Sam.

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Lost in Some Story

I follow a pretty strict ritual when I write. First I run for at least a mile. Then I shower. Then I have a cup of coffee in complete silence, usually while reading a book. Then I have a turkey sandwich and maybe an apple. I read the paper, take my dogs for a walk, and turn on the computer. I stare at the computer for a couple of minutes, tapping a pen against my teeth. I get up and wash my hands, make a few phone calls, check my emails, take a nap.

Wait. I was supposed to write somewhere in there wasn't I?

Telling.

Lost

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"Writing is easy. You only need to stare at a piece of blank paper until your forehead bleeds"--Douglas Adams

MisterJack

Yes, I agree that the actual application and construction of the intended finished article is best done on a PC, however, the prepping and all the other stuff that build the piece over time, requires pen and paper and not being constrained to a screen and keyboard.
You don't take notes, Sam? This would surprise me, unless you carry a dictaphone.


Regards

Jack

__________________
If it claims to be God, eat it.

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lin

I like to sacrifice a small, trusting child or two to the muses. If I can't find any stupid kids, I'll settle for a goat or black chicken. Muses aren't all that picky. Or reliable.

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Ilasir Maroa

I always write the first copy by hand, and it just arrives when my inspiration well reaches full capacity.

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My hopeful book:
Crap! Haven't posted it anywhere yet, darn!
"Only tyranny cloaks itself in shadows. The light of justice can not be hidden."

www.theoddvillepress.com

dannyboy

read
bath
sex is good for clearing the mind
midnight swims
various beverages depending...
music...

winkash

I like this one, though it is materially impossible to me.

But, most of all, I need to be ALONE!!!!!!

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"All, all is theft, all is unceasing and rigorous competition in nature; the desire to make off with the substance of others is the foremost - the most legitimate - passion nature has bred into us and, without doubt, the most agreeable one."
Marquis de Sade

apple

I never have any idea what will pop up. Most of the time a line will come to me when i'm trying to sleep. Or I will dream about an idea. Sometimes I will put the pen down on the paper and write down the first line that comes floating through. i kind of hate that because it seems too easy, but it is interesting what can evolve. Usually the line or phrase inspires the poem. The newest line that came to me is "He chews on camel skin." ( and none of you better steal it. lol) I'm interested to see where that one takes me. Ha ha.

PrisonerOfPrey

Funny thing is, I can't usually write unless I'm actively ignoring my teachers. The classroom setting really makes me willing to write, and if writing= procrastinating i'm in! I don't know what i'll do when I get out of school, maybe get someone to nag at me? I dunno.

I write best with just pen and paper, I don't like writing on computers. I think this is because I don't just jot down everything i'm thinking, I refine it a tad as I scribble it down. Pen and paper are the best tools, you can scratch out and change things while still being able to see your original inspiration.

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Now I lay me down to sleep/
With every passing thought I weep/
Lead me into nights dark bliss/
And let me wake in innocence. -Me

reifidom

Absolutely. It has a better feel to it than a word processor. I have stacks of journals that I've worked on here and there over many years. It doesn't take all that long to condition your hands so cramps aren't a problem any longer. No batteries, no internet temptation, I have it anywhere I care to be, and the physical process can be as much a part of the mental process as anything, forcing me to pace myself. It's how I expressed myself and explored my own mind while trying to cope with bipolar on top of the teenage years and early 20's. My walls were covered with handwritten material.

Writing it out has passion to it.

Word processors have their place, but it's hard to beat pen and paper. I'll always return to it.