Comments on: Writing When You Aren’t Writing

By: Gene K Garrison

Gene K Garrison — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 23:44:40 +0000

I too write in my head. There are a few things I don’t like to do. One is outlining. Maybe that’s why I write non-fiction. I’ve done pretty well without it.

By: Angela Noel

Angela Noel — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 13:09:00 +0000

Wonderful to see not only Amanda’s story, but the comments of other writers here! There is no one right way to write, just as there is no one right way to live. Often, on mile 2 of a 4 mile run, the character I’d backed into a corner breaks free in a surprising way. I almost don’t feel the pound of pavement against my feet or the rapid beat of my heart because my brain is so busy with the details of the plot point revealed to me. Other times, I have missed a freeway exit because I’m thinking through a new detail that needs to make it into my manuscript. Writers brain may be a new road hazard. But still, we write. Thank you for sharing and celebrating all the ways we invite story into our lives.

By: Amanda Linsmeier

Amanda Linsmeier — Mon, 30 May 2016 02:02:39 +0000

In reply to Mary Cooney-Glazer. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading :)

By: Amanda Linsmeier

Amanda Linsmeier — Mon, 30 May 2016 02:02:10 +0000

In reply to Angela Petch. Ah, I've lost so many ideas in the middle of the night when I hadn't paper to write them down. Now, I make sure to get it down otherwise I will forget! Thanks for replying :)

By: Amanda Linsmeier

Amanda Linsmeier — Mon, 30 May 2016 02:00:56 +0000

In reply to Jo. I totally agree. My characters like best when I let them come up with the ideas ;) Thanks for your reply!

By: Jo

Jo — Sun, 29 May 2016 13:16:03 +0000

Great article, thank you! I always feel guilty for not sitting at the computer until the words come, but actually, the way of working/writing you describe is much more natural to me and suits me much better – I am far more productive when I can let the characters potter for a bit.

By: Angela Petch

Angela Petch — Tue, 24 May 2016 19:08:21 +0000

I do this too. Today when doing a rather mindless job of adding polish to a cotto floor (don’t ask!) I planned out a scene that my editor had suggested needed adding to my next novel. The brain needs exercising too so your point is so valid. The only thing that happens sometimes (and is maddening) is a sentence or a word springs to mind that would just fit the bill but if I don’t have pen and paper to hand, it is out of my mind later…maybe a sign of my age???
Keep on planning and writing, whatever your methodology, I say.

By: Mary Cooney-Glazer

Mary Cooney-Glazer — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:58:32 +0000

Amanda, Thank you so much for validating my method of writing. When I finally
do sit at the computer, the characters tell me what’s going on. That’s no doubt
the result of the percolating that’s been going on almost unconsciously.
Love the article! Mary Cooney-Glazer

By: Writing When You Aren’t Writing | WordHarbour

Writing When You Aren’t Writing | WordHarbour — Sun, 22 May 2016 11:25:00 +0000

[…] Amanda Linsmeier Any writer, and I assume many non-writers as well, have heard the sage advice, “Write every […]