Stephen King admits to reading almost anywhere - in line at the bank, while driving (okay, not really, I made that one up) and while (ahem) peeing.
I, too, read almost anywhere, but thanks to the invention of the laptop, I also write almost anywhere. Recently, much to my teen son's chagrin, I plunked down in the middle of the DMV and worked on a chapter while he waited in line. My young daughters kept shouting out plot ideas, like "Hallie should totally chop down the wall with an ax, Mom." Being the quirkiest little family in there, we actually had an audience. (And yeah - the DMV is like the most boring place in the world, so almost anything would entertain.)
What are your strange reading and/or writing habits? I would love to know!
~Suzette~
I'm including a little gem from Stephen King below. It's short - just over a minute - be sure to listen to the end because that's the best part.
28 comments:
I don't have strange writing habits (other than discussing the book out loud to myself as I figure out plot details), but I read everwhere. Especially if I know I'm going to be stuck in a long line up (like the car wash).
Wow, I'm first.
This is such a rarity nowadays for me.
Anywho.
Strange writing habits?
I compose my entire blog, save for my short story posts, with pen and paper. I frequently take with me to work and on my walks, pen and paper, so when the mood strikes, I can write out a two to four page post (which translates to about one to two pages typed out).
Since I have moderate to severe problems with dexterity (got Dragon software but find it inhabits my creativity), its actually easier to write, or rather print things out by hand.
I also write out small chunks of my stories by hand, especially if I have a particularly difficult passage to execute and I don't want to sit in front of my computer for an hour while trying to come up with something.
I can read anywhere and do, and used to write in the car while waiting for Monster Baby to get out of school. The other Mommies couldn't understand why I wouldn't talk to them -- "Just one more second, have to finish this dialogue".
No strange writing habits here but it sounds like you have an awesome family Suzette! Stephen King is great. I've had that moment.
I always talk to myself during revision - and I hardly ever write/revise at home. I prefer the background noise of a restaurant or coffee shop.
Also, my sister and I randomly discuss plot points anywhere and every where. For example, we'll be having dinner with a big group of friends and I'll say something like, "So what if John kidnaps Mary before the aliens take everybody hostage, instead of letter her go to the mothership?"
Makes sense to us, but everybody else thinks we're crazy
you know, i've never had a wait at the DMV. Never. I just walk in, there's no line. They help me right away, and i'm out. 2 minutes tops.
I don't think I do anything strange. Just park the laptop on my lap SOMEWHERE (couch, bed, corner of the library) and have at it.
I love the last line of the video! At first I was thinking, "man, I don't know what he's talking about. I haven't had that moment." Then he finishes, and I'm laughing because I HAVE and I'm keeping the item in question forever as a reminder! (don't want to spoil it for others)
I'm a write wherever inspiration strikes girl myself. And I'm not opposed to pulling out a notebook (or my phone) out to jot down a few notes/thoughts/ideas wherever we may be. When I'm driving, I've been known to start yelling for whoever is passenger to write down random phrases that I just spit out. Let's just say, the family thinks I got all the crazies.
I over-organize sometimes with all my idea notes/background/worldbuilding stuff. Many many binders.
I used to write by hand and then transcribe it into the computer. I might go back to that with my next book just because I don't always cart my laptop with me. (Okay, I never take it with me. But, really, the only place I ever go is work and I can't really write while I'm there.)
I can read anywhere without any problems, but I struggle more with writing in places besides my home. It's too easy for me to get distracted. But, like reading anywhere, I'm sure I can get better with practice as I learn how to tune out the distractions.
I write and read everywhere. If I know we are going someplace that the wait will be long I have my notebook and whatever book I happen to have my nose stuck in at the time.
I'm notorious for scribbling away at my sons football and basketball practices. I'm one of those moms that stays so I sit up in the bleachers scribbling away. He hates that!
Weirdest place I've ever written something: standing outside of a bar that I'd left because they were playing obnoxiously loud heavy metal music. My phone has a slide out QWERTY keyboard and Word Mobile, and I threw down a few lines before the rest of my group came out to join me. It was awesome :)
I love that you were writing at the DMV, and I love the axe to the wall idea too. I have written while on dates with my hubby. Seriously. Good thing he loves me anyway. HUGS!
I'd like to have a laptop so I can write anywhere. Although I was at a basketball game and writing notes when a parent came up to me and thought I was spying for the other team, by taking notes of what the coach says during timeouts.
I write when I'm bored in class. It looks like I'm taking notes. :)
Thank goodness your daughter was suggesting only to chop down a wall with an ax. I imaging that got enough looks but I can image a wilder scenario.
I read everywhere but I’m more reclusive with my writing.
i've seen lots of people lately reading in movie theaters (before the movie starts!)
I seem to want to chew on things when I'm writing, so I always have some chocolate chips or gum near by. Is that too weird?
While reading a good book, I MUST stop at at least half a dozen points throughout so I can mentally (and maybe even physically *embarrassed grin*) act out what I have just read. I like putting myself in the main character's shoes.
I can easily picture the writer-with-laptop-in-the-DMV thing. Great idea. :)
I think I saw you at the WIFYR conference. Were you there? I loved it and learned a lot!
Have a great day.
Love the video :)
I read pretty much everywhere - there's always a book within reach.
I'm not brave enough yet to write in public (small city) - one of these days :)
A couple weeks ago I wrote a chapter during my son's ball game. I don't usually do that, but I had a great idea and was on a roll when it was time to go, so I packed up my laptop and went with it.
I considered taking my computer to the pool today, but then thought better of it. Good thing, too, because my iPhone is now officially history. =( I suppose the pool is NOT a wise place to write, unless it's with a paper notebook and pen.
I don't think I have anything strange to contribute...but I do start every piece on paper.
Ha ha ha!
I was laughing at the video.
I can't write in public. I do weird things to get visuals, so I have to write in the privacy of my own home, preferably in a room with a door that closes. I would be way too distracted to write in the DMV with my kids around me. Suzette, I'm impressed! :)
Amy
I actually considered once taking my laptop to Bible study, under the pretense of taking notes, but then I realized how utterly hypocritical that would be :)
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