Friday, April 9, 2021

A Writer’s Quirky Habits by Mary Morgan

 

One of the many questions I’ve been asked in interviews is to share any quirky writing habits I have with their readers. I have too many to list here, so I won’t bore you. Yet there are a couple that make me smile and set the mood when I descend into my writing cave. It’s almost like entering another world for me—full of brave, stubborn warriors, and strong, feisty women. In addition, a few magical dragons, an occasional evil druid and or seer, and lots of wolves.

I don’t consider this one a quirky habit, but rather a tradition—a leather journal. It’s one that has to be purchased before the start of each story or series. I have to find the right one that feels right in my hands. This is where I put all the pertinent information for the world of my story. My collection started with my first purchase at a Renaissance Faire years ago. Now, I’m able to find really lovely leather journals at Barnes & Noble.

The photo of the journal below is for my current series The Wolves of Clan Sutherland.


 

Though some might argue it’s odd and suggest any random notepad or writer’s computer program will do the job more easily, I cannot. For this writer, it’s leather journals all the way! Also, I believe each writer is unique and has their own special technique that works for them.

Another quirky habit is to hold one of my crystals in my hand and take three deep cleansing breaths before I start writing. I’ve found when I’m in a hurry to get into the story and don’t do this ritual, I’m not as focused.


So my writer friends, what quirky habits do you have? Do share!
 


Available at AMAZON


14 comments:

JENNIFER WILCK said...

The leather journal is beautiful. Plus it makes a lovely keepsake after your book is published!

Diane Burton said...

I agree with Jennifer (above). What a treasure. I like your idea of holding a crystal and focusing on it before writing. I think that would center you and your energy. I don't have any rituals other than a cup of coffee. lol Thanks for sharing.

Mary Morgan said...

Definitely what's inside is a treasure and makes me reflect. You should see the journal for my first story. The leather is worn and stuffed with so many notes, pictures, and other various items. I sigh recalling those writing days. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Mary Morgan said...

It totally centers me, Diane. My mind is normally all over the place, so this helps me to focus on the writing. It's my way of 'descending' into the scene.

A cup of coffee sounds good to me, Diane. :)

Jessica E. Subject said...

That's a beautiful journal! I don't know if I could write in it. Seriously. I have some of my own that are sitting on a shelf because I don't want to break their spine to write in them. LOL

I don't know if I have any quirky habits, but I have to be away from most distractions, yet need to listen to music while writing. I have a special playlist for that purpose.

Abigail Owen said...

I love the way you use the crystals. I bet that's a great way to start in the headspace you need to be in.

Nightingale said...

I agree with everyone else. That is a beautiful journal. My son gave me a leather journal a few years ago, but since I dislike handwriting anything, I've never used it. Does the journal help you in your writing?

Tena Stetler said...

Wow, that's a gorgeous journal. I started writing in journals my husband brought home for me. I love them and each book has it's own. Or sometimes two books share one. I also have a Red crystal, two unusual stones with magical properties, and a tiny gargoyle that sit at the base of my front monitor overseeing my efforts. I stop and greet or touch them before I begin writing. I'm afraid they gargoyle has heard many things I would not like repeated. LOL I won't mention the tiny faries and dragons that grace the bookshelf on my wall.

Marilyn Barr said...

I love how you center yourself with a crystal. Did you know the scribes of ancient Mesopotamia did that with peridot crystals? They wore them on their left arm when not writing as a designation of their profession. My husband gave me a peridot bracelet when my first book published to congratulate me on becoming a "scribe".

Glenda Thompson said...

I have many creative hobbies. Lately I find myself obsessed with making shirts with my Cricut and heat press. I find it I take ten or fifteen minutes to make a shirt for my mom, or Darlin or the kids, grandkids, or myself before settling in to write, I slip into the zone much more easily. It’s like a trigger telling my creative mind it’s time to open up and work.

If I have an emotional scene I’m working on, I always roll my Apache tears in my hands a few moments first and place them on the desk where I can see them. They help me connect with pain and suffering in an empathetic manner.

Glenda Thompson said...

I have many creative hobbies. Lately I find myself obsessed with making shirts with my Cricut and heat press. I find it I take ten or fifteen minutes to make a shirt for my mom, or Darlin or the kids, grandkids, or myself before settling in to write, I slip into the zone much more easily. It’s like a trigger telling my creative mind it’s time to open up and work.

If I have an emotional scene I’m working on, I always roll my Apache tears in my hands a few moments first and place them on the desk where I can see them. They help me connect with pain and suffering in an empathetic manner.

Maureen said...

The journal is gorgeous! Alas, my handwriting has gotten so terrible that I can't write in journals if I have the hope to ever read them again.
I don't know that it's a habit, but I have to organize my space a little before I start, and sometimes go through my email quick, so I don't have distractions.

Mary Morgan said...

Jessica ~ the more I use my journals, the more life of a story is infused within the seams. This is how I justify jotting down everything in a pristine new journal. Once, I used my Celtic stamps to make designs on the first page. Oh! Music is my muse while writing! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Abigial. It's a special quirk I've been using for years.

Linda ~ when I have a writing block, I'll grab my journal and go out into my garden. It truly helps. I'm a visual gal and using a journal helps me unlock the magical and/or medieval writing. And a journal is where I start all my stories. First the title page and then separate pages for the characters, plots, landscape, etc. Often, the computer is a 'sterile' environment. Just my strange self, I supose, lol!

Haha, Tena! Oh, the secrets your friends could share. Thanks so much for sharing.

Glenda ~ How wonderful that you stir the well of creativity with other artistic methods. I love it! Thanks for sharing.

Maureen ~ It seems like you have a habit before you begin your writing. Writing in my journal helps me to pause, too. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I like the room to feel cozy and comfortable. I may turn on a small heater, even though I'm in California and it's never really cold, just a little cool. I light a scented candle. I have crystals on the desk and when at home, I like to be able to look out of a window and see nature. Oh, and I must have a cup of hot tea. Sometimes I also need the sound of thrashing waves or howling wind, if I need to block out background noise.