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Prepare Yourself to Write!
by Katie Gustafsson

The Ailment: How do I prepare myself to start writing each day? I frequently find that I sit at my computer and no sooner have I typed a few words then I just have to make coffee, or get a soda, or water the plants, or any one of a number of silly little jobs that make it impossible to concentrate on my writing until they are done. Do you have any suggestions?

The Cure: You are undervaluing yourself as a writer. You sit at the computer and think "I'm going to write" and then this little voice in your head is telling you "oh no you're not you're just playing at it - oh and by the way the plants are going to die if you don't feed them right this minute!"

You need to nurture your creative spirit to tune out these other non-urgent tasks until your writing time is over for the day. Many writers have built up rituals that help ease themselves through the transition from being-at-home to working-at-home each time they start their working period.

If you are often thirsty whilst you work, take something to your desk before you start then you wont have that excuse. Clear your head of all house-related clutter by reassuring yourself that you know this needs to be done, or that needs to be done, and you will see to it later - write it down if you must - and then dismiss it from your mind.

Once you sit at your desk, develop a routine that eases you into the working situation. One that your writing muse will start to recognise and begin to block out the other voices around you. Perhaps you like scented candles. Start your work session by lighting one that will burn as you write. Maybe you like a particular kind of music -- many writers enjoy music such as Enya -- put a tape or CD in the machine as you begin your working session.

Why not try a book of daily meditations so that each day you start by reading that day's passage and then start to work. You can see how a ritualistic start to your day can build up by switching on some music, lighting a candle and reading your meditation passage, and how this in turn can turn your mind away from the mundane side of life, to the artistic world of the writer.

You may also find that it helps to lift your self-esteem as you begin to take yourself more seriously as a writer and pander to that creative spirit you have inside.

Copyright © 2001 Katie Gustafsson

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