Got Muse? A Writer-to-Writer Meme

I am totally breaking with my tradition of not posting on the weekend here, but I saw this and couldn’t resist. The original post can be found HERE for those of you who’d like to join the fun.

1) Where do you write?
In my still-tidy-at-this-point home office. Well, mostly. Having a lap top means I can also write in the living room, dining room, or out on the deck. And when it comes to poetry, I’ll pretty much write wherever inspiration strikes me. Like driving home on the highway. :-)

2) When do you write?
I would like to have a regular schedule, but right now I mostly write whenever I have the time and energy to spare. Ideally I’d like to get back to writing in the afternoons or early evenings.

3) Planner or Pantser?
Both . . . neither . . . wait, what was the question? I’d have to say it depends on the story. I’ve had various levels of success (or lack thereof) with both methods.

4) Coffee or tea?
Both . . . neither . . . :-) I like my coffee or a half coffee/half hot chocolate during school and I like my Earl Grey tea in the afternoon or in the evening. Right now, however, I’m addicted to Starbucks’ Chai Tea Latte Frappucinno.

5) Pen and paper, or computer?
Both . . . neither . . . Oh, all right, I’ll cut it out. Mostly I compose on the computer now, but I used to always do my first drafts in long hand. I still compose much of my poetry using pen and paper, and I'll still use it for outlining and editing.

6) What gets you in the writing mood?
Thinking about writing, talking to other writers, sitting down and writing . . . Just having a few minutes to myself that isn’t crowded with a hundred other concerns is enough to get me started.

7) What pulls you out of the writing mood?
Stress, loud television - I’m sure there’s other things, I just can’t think of them off the top of my head.

8) What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever read/heard/received?
Stop thinking so hard and just write.

9) Got muse?
Check out the column on the left for my muse. He’s very inspirational! ;-)

10) Who is the biggest supporter of your writing?Hmm. That’s a toughie. I think I’d have to say my friends. My family puts up with my craziness, but I don’t think they really “get” how serious I am about it.

11) Sound or Silence?
How about the Sounds of Silence by Simon & Garfunkle? Just kidding. I used to be so focused I could read or write no matter what was going on around me. Now, I likes me my peace and quiet! Right now I’m listening to the rain outside the window and it’s a very soothing sound. Nature sounds are great, but sometimes those birds need to tone it down!

Okay, your turn now! Come on, you know you want to!