What helps you think?

Before I can write something, I have to see it. And if I just can’t see it, I go either:
a) take a shower, or
b) wash dishes.

Yes, my house was built in 1922, and I still wash dishes with Palmolive and everything. But no rubber gloves.

For whatever reason, running water helps me think. It’s grease for my brain.

What works for you?


7 comments to “Water is grease for my brain”

  1. Sara
    December 16th, 2006 at 11:05 pm · Link

    Whatever you’re doing, it’s working! I can’t believe you’re almost half-way done. I’ve been working on my WIP for 5x as long, and we’re within 1,000 words of each other! Rock on!



  2. beverley
    December 17th, 2006 at 7:13 am · Link

    Half the time, I get (what I consider)a brilliant piece of narrative or dialogue that just hits me and I have to stop what I’m doing and write it down before I forget.

    The other half the time, I prop the laptop on my lap and stare at that big empty page until I begin to write. It could be absolute garbage but once I write ANYTHING it gets the juices flowing and then I start writing in earnest (I then must go back and rewrite the garbage though).

    I’m always so happy when I check your blog and see how well you’re progressing!!!



  3. Alice Audrey
    December 17th, 2006 at 2:39 pm · Link

    BIC-HOK. But lately I’ve made myself get on the Nordic Track. That works well too and it’s better for my butt.

    Alice



  4. Sara Dennis
    December 18th, 2006 at 12:23 pm · Link

    The bathroom. Seriously, no joke. Not necessarily -using- the bathroom. Just being in there. If I get stuck, I take a stroll into the bathroom, I stare into the mirror for a while et voila, unstuck.

    Which may not be the best word to use. Sorry!



  5. Alice Audrey
    December 18th, 2006 at 2:21 pm · Link

    giggle, Sara.

    Alice



  6. Pam Skochinski
    December 18th, 2006 at 5:20 pm · Link

    Hmmmm. . . I run through lots of dialogue in my head while I shower. I think it’s because the sound of running water drowns out the cries of “mama!” outside the door!

    I also plot while I’m rocking my little one to sleep for his nap and right before I fall asleep myself!



  7. Lynne Simpson
    December 22nd, 2006 at 5:13 am · Link

    I definitely think there’s something magical about having your hands busy with someting else, whether it’s washing dishes, crocheting, hammering nails, or whatever. Walking and taking a drive are also helpful.

    Too funny, Sara D! 🙂