1/20/10

Early morning magic



*image via Quaint Handmade

When I first started working on my writing (why is it so hard for me to actually say the word "novel"? I clam up and can't get my lips around that word.  It's too embarassing, too scary...  So instead I'm just vague and say the word "writing" instead.)

Okay, where was I? When I first started working on my writing, it was over the holidays.  I wasn't working and I found myself in this rhythm:

Get up in the morning.  Always the first to rise.  Alone and quiet. Have breakfast and coffee.  Work on writing.

There was something about that peaceful, quiet time in the morning that activated my brain.  There was an energy there - not a waking energy, but a drowsy, subconscious energy that seems to melt away like fog by noon.

But I came back to my job and routine and that magical morning time to write was gone.  By the time I got around to writing, I had already spent a full day working, blogging, cooking, exercising, and whatnot.  And even though I was able to get some writing done, I found it harder to get into the flow.

I'd like to get that early morning flow back again.  I'm going to try getting up earlier and writing in the morning before I do anything else. 

I love the hazy serenity of morning, but getting out of bed to achieve it is not my favorite thing.

Wish me luck.

p.s. this is a vintage post from BrocanteHome that's stuck with me all these years later.  It's full of encouraging tips on how to be an early riser.  I think I need to try some again!

5 comments:

  1. Good Luck On Your Writing. I Hope Everythings Gonna Be Better This Time. :)

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  2. If you're truly motivated, you can do it!

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  3. Lots of luck!

    The problem with the word 'novel' is that there are expectations attched to it. It's by default results-orientated.'writing' on the other hand is open-ended, all about the process.

    I'm a night owl but do write best in the mornings. I have to learn t embrace the fact that I don't have that time right now. I'm lucky to get 2hrs in the afternoon all day to myself, and 4hrs of sleep (toddler). So I just use the moments, the snatches of time, and look for magic there.

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  4. @ The Hausfrau - I think you're right. I had insomnia last night and turned my alarm off planning to sleep in. Then I woke up early anyway, ready to write.

    @ Monica - I agree. Something about the word 'novel' gets stuck in my throat. Maybe it feels pretentious to me? But for now, I will be content to be 'writing'. One thing I've found that helps me almost instantly get in writing mode is plugging in my earphones and listening to a music mix I've made to evoke the emotions for what I'm writing. That might help if you are snatching moments here and there.

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  5. I have just started following a few blogs and I find myself really relating to much of what you write. Although I am 65, I feel like I could have written this entry myself.
    "I found myself in this rhythm: Get up in the morning. Always the first to rise. Alone and quiet. Have breakfast and coffee. Work on writing.
    There was something about that peaceful, quiet time in the morning that activated my brain. There was an energy there - not a waking energy, but a drowsy, subconscious energy that seems to melt away like fog by noon."
    This is exactly how I feel every day. Amazing.

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