WIP Wednesday: Wooing My Muse

Don't get me wrong. I love my writing desk. I searched lovingly (and longingly) for the perfect desk in local shops, online stores, and in local classifieds until I found the perfect one.

I am dazzled by its sweeping curves; smitten by its smooth surface. But some days, I just can't bear the thought of sitting at it.

Last week I wrote about how I seemed to be stagnating under piles of work and forced schedules. That's the thing about routines. Often, they run the risk of transforming into a rut. The good thing is I learned my lesson and did something about it.

I know, one of the tips for being a productive writer is to breed creativity by getting into the routine of it all. Whether its the same time everyday, the same music, the same treasured pen or the lighting of that same scented candle, there's no denying that those little tricks can have a Pavlovian effect.

So, the moment I found myself becoming bored with my story, I knew it was time to try something new, or else risk the onset of ABS – Anything-But Syndrome.

C'mon. We're all friends here. You can admit falling ill to ABS before. Dusting, vacuuming, alphabetizing your CD collection, tackling that dreaded pile of laundry or – heaven help you –  paperwork. Anything-But working on your WIP.

For me, the solution this time was music. I'm the type of writer who needs music playing while I write. Nothing with lyrics, mind you, but a musical soundscape that drowns out the little anoyances, like ringing phones and honking cars outside, but still doesn't distract me from my writing.

All I needed was a loaded MP3 Player, an ambient playlist and my favorite pen and suddenly, words were spilling out onto the page with renewed urgency.Know what? I'll take it. Anything to keep my Muse on her toes. Even if it takes me 10 pages to really get into the groove of things, I'll take that over writer's block (aka boredom) anyday.

Current WIPs

• still whittling down one of my NaNo pieces, while adding a bit of flair. The idea is there, in my head. Now of I can just find the twisted words to translate the idea into something tangible
• working on a piece for #fridayflash! Finally! I've only ever done it once, but have always wanted to make it a habit. Two pieces in progress – one at 348 words, the other still waiting to be transcribed from handwritten notes. Hopefully one will be polished enough by Friday
• As noted above, almost there with my 500 Words A Day Challenge for today. Sadly, I haven't been putting as much time in as I would like, what with the freelancing and all. Better luck next week.
• still have to get to my task from last week of going over upcoming subs and deciding which ones I want to submit to. I know shouldn't complain…but so many great markets, so little time…

How's your writing day going? Making progress? A little behind? How do you woo your Muse?

If you’re a writer participating in WIP Wednesday, post a link to your blog in the comments!

Fellow WIP Wednesday participants:

• Aaron Polson – WIP Wednesday: Brain Splatter
• Cate Gardner –  WIP Wednesday: When There Were Words
• Jeremy Kelly: Back to the Book