Tuesday, August 2, 2011

5 ways to keep our writing brains active





My family is preparing for a camping & water skiing trip, and even though I'll be gone, my writer hat will still be firmly planted on my head. Writers have a difficult time shutting off their writer brains, and here are some ways we can remain engaged in writing, even though we're on a trip:
  1. Add words to a current w.i.p.--if writers have a laptop, they can continue plugging away on their manuscript. And if they don't have a laptop, they can continue writing by longhand and transcribe those words when they return home.
  2. Plotting--writers can bring spiral notebooks or index cards and plot during down times. I plan on bringing a notebook, along with my favorite craft book, and will continue with plot ideas.
  3. Character study--as I wrote in this post, when we're out and about we can collect character details from unsuspecting vacationers. Perhaps the hunky lifeguard with the "mom" tattoo or the hairy guy wearing the yellow Speedo deserves a spot in a book.
  4. Audio books--if the vacation includes lots of driving, audio books are a great way to pass the time. My son has to read FEED this summer, and his teacher gave us the green light to use the audio version. I've never read this book, and look forward to joining my son as he listens to it on the long drive to our destination.
  5. Read a print book--there's nothing quite like opening a print book and turning the dampened, worn pages. Even though reading great books is relaxing entertainment, it still keeps our writing brains engaged.
When all else fails, writers can just let it all go and enjoy the trip. Sometimes our over-active minds deserve a break!

Is there anything you'd like to add to the list? And do you use vacation time to accomplish writerly tasks, or do you stop the presses and push writing to the back of your mind?



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39 comments:

  1. S.P. SipalAugust 2, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Julie, I love your #3, character study! When I'm out and about, I just can't help but watch people, and they always give me something to write about, even if it's only a mannerism or turn of phrase. People are just so fascinating.

    Situations and conversation too. The action around you will click wheels spinning with a what if....

    Hope you and your family have a wonderful trip! :-)

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  2. Julie MusilAugust 2, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks, Susan! Yep, people are fascinating. Maybe the hunky lifeguard and the Speedo guy can be in the same scene :D

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  3. Dean K MillerAugust 2, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Depending on the type of vacation, I usually get more writerly stuff done. The mind is free from home-busy-mode, work is forgotten and time is pushed aside.

    Collecting plot ideas, character traits, etc. is always fun. Fresh and new in the environment of the vacation is always a helper for me.

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  4. Alex J. CavanaughAugust 2, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    I think we're always observing, because inspiration can strike at any time!

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  5. Rachna ChhabriaAugust 2, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    As writers our brains seldom stop working. We are constantly searching for story ideas and character details. Remember to enjoy the vacation with your family :)

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  6. Lisa Gail GreenAugust 2, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Hairy guy in Speedo.... *shudders* Have a great trip and enjoy your time! It sounds like you have a great fall back plan so you don't go into withdrawals. :D

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  7. Tere KirklandAugust 2, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    So true! Enjoy your vacation, sure, but it doesn't mean your brain stops working. I love being inspired by nature to create metaphors and similes to make my work more vibrant.

    Have a good time!

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  8. Marc MattalianoAugust 2, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    Carrying a notebook to add words to WIPs was my crack in college. I'd bring my spiral bounds wherever I went, on vacation, to each class, I'd sit at empty tables and bang out pages that I'd transcribe when I got home. I've started doing it again today, and it was a lot of fun. Writing longhand is a great way to see the words you're putting down slower than typing them. Typing is wicked fun for the hands, and writing can cause cramps, but seeing each word as you write them can make you question if it's really as impactful as you need it to be, :-D

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  9. CherylAnne HamAugust 2, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Great suggestions. I'd add to keep an eye out for interesting new settings. I often take pictures when I see something I'd like to describe in a wip so I won't forget the detail.

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  10. AnnAugust 2, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Have a wonderful holiday. Holidays do provide great fodder for character creation.

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  11. Julie MusilAugust 2, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Cheryl, taking photos of unique settings is a great idea!

    Thanks to all of you for your brilliant-as-usual comments.

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  12. Emily R. KingAugust 2, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Good goals! It's true that even though we aren't near a computer we're always writing. Who knows? You may see something that inspires!

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  13. Sarah TokeleyAugust 2, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    People watching. My favourite hobby. Have a great time :)

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  14. HeatherAugust 2, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    I can never completely shut off my writer's mind. Just last month during vacation I came up with an entire new novel that hit me during a long motorcycle ride. Vacation is inspiring!

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  15. Tegan AllenAugust 2, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Great post, Julie. I'm on a writing break of sorts this week, just to clean my house and renew my creative energy. But my brain refuses to shut off. Luckily, I have a fairly good head and don't regularly need to write pointers down!

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  16. Leslie S. RoseAugust 2, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    I hope I never see Speedo guy in this lifetime. I always keep a notebook with me to capture those light bulb moments that run away if we don't write them down. Enjoy FEED. It's awesome.

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  17. Vicki TremperAugust 2, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Great suggestions! If I'm in drafting mode I bring a notebook with the last sentence I wrote at the top, so I can continue whenever I get the chance. If I'm in revision mode, I put my ms on my Kindle and read it and make notes whenever I get the chance. And I don't go anywhere without something to read!

    Have a great vacation!

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  18. Catherine JohnsonAugust 2, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    That's an awesome picture. I hope you have a great time. I usually write a lot in the car on the way there and back. Enjoy!

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  19. Jemi FraserAugust 2, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    I do love to people watch when I'm out and about! Sounds like you're going to have a great time! Enjoy :)

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  20. Nancy KelleyAugust 2, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Even though I say I take Sundays off from both my jobs (writing and the day job) I always find little writing-related tasks to fit into the day, like reading my crit partners novels or dictating a chapter or two of my revised novel. The result is that I work seven days a week on writing, and somewhere between 65-75 hours a week between both jobs.

    Understandably, when I go on vacation I leave writing behind me. However, I do read and I listen to audio books. I don't consider that "work" as it's always been my favorite pastime, but you're right, Julie. It does keep my brain limber.

    Nancy, who's looking forward to three days at the beach without her novel.

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  21. Laura PaulingAugust 2, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    I use vacation to read when I can but mostly to spend time with my family. Have a great vacation!

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  22. Loree HuebnerAugust 2, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    All great tips! Have a great trip.

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  23. Karen StrongAugust 2, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Have fun on your trip with your army of men! :)

    I love people watching and plotting about their lives. I've gotten some crazy story ideas from some of my vacations.

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  24. Jeff KingAugust 2, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    Great points...
    I like to act out my characters; it helps me get a better sense of their voice and demeanor.
    If no one around that is!!

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  25. Linda GrayAugust 2, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Character study is an excellent thing to do on vacation! You can even do it while lying on the beach. Can't beat that!

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  26. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyAugust 2, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    I pretty much go everywhere with a little notebook. I'm always jotting thoughts, ideas or phrases down.

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  27. PK HREZOAugust 3, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    A perfect list! I tend to carry an idea book to jot down plot/character ideas, but otherwise I let my brain relax and enjoy the refreshment of not writing. Or use the opportunity to READ!! :)

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  28. Jessica BellAugust 3, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    I love paper books on holiday! The pages get filled with the scent of the ocean! :o)

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  29. Carol RiggsAugust 3, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    I always have my writerly brain plugged in, although I try to take a break when I get the opportunity (since I'm so focused normally). Sometimes NOT thinking about a novel quite so hard is the best thing, for a while.

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  30. KelleyAugust 3, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    All good points. I especially agree with carrying a notebook around with you. Nothing like losing genius because you don't have a pen :(

    From your newest follower :)

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  31. UnknownAugust 3, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    I'm going on vacation next month, and I LOVED to read this now. I'm SO going to do everything you say!! Unless my hubby complains too much, that is, lol.

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  32. Michele ShawAugust 3, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    I'm reading the Percy Jackson series with my son, and we were in book 4 during vacation last week. It made the long car trip fly by, and it's fun to read aloud:)

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  33. TrishaAugust 3, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    I've been hearing about writer's retreats lately, and I'm dying to go on one!

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  34. Raquel ByrnesAugust 3, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    LOL! You had me at yellow spedo. I love these ideas. Thanks.
    Edge of Your Seat Romance

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  35. cleemckenzieAugust 4, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    I'm always surprised at what I come up with while I'm not thinking about my writing. That old right vs. left side of the brain theory may be under revision, but there's really something to letting that right side have its way when you want to create.

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  36. LTMAugust 4, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    ooo, #5 is my FAVORITE way to stay engaged during vacation. And I love that now I can call it part of my job... LOL! Have fun~ <3

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  37. Ghenet MyrthilAugust 8, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    These are all great tips. Have a wonderful time away with your family!

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  38. Julie HedlundAugust 13, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    I recently got back from spending 6 weeks in Italy, and while I didn't do much work on my current WIPs, I did do a lot of other writing and came home filled to the brim with inspiration. Now I am refreshed and ready to go again.

    I think writers need to remember how important it is to just live sometimes. If we don't fully experience the world every now and then, it's sure difficult to come up with compelling material for writing.

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    ReplyDelete

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