The Fine Art of the Writing Ritual

Some writers require the ideal light while sitting on their back deck as the soothing sounds of Yanni stream from their stereo before their pen touches paper.  Take heed of the Writing Ritual. C’mon…admit you have your own!

Recently I took note of the little idiosyncrasies I perform before my pen touches paper.  My Writing Ritual consists of 6 steps:

1. I have to find one of the several half-filled journals that are in my home.  I have a journal fetish.  So I tend to buy a new journal each time I am in a writing or bookstore.  The journal must be lined, with a ribbon marker to note my place. Leather or soft cover is not as important as the feel, weight and look of the journal.
2. Next up, choosing a pen. If you thought I had issues when it came to selecting a journal, just wait.  Not only do I suffer from a serious journal fixation, my love of pens borders on obsessive-compulsive and fanatical.  Before I am able to begin writing I have to find a fine ink pen with a small to medium barrel.  The colour of the ink must be black.  The design of the pen is what grabs and holds my attention and fuel my desire to purchase it.
3. A glass of water or a glass of my favourite red wine is near me as I settle down to finally begin to write.   I turn on the TV and set the volume on low or press play on my iPod.  I have to have background noise while I write.
4. I hand write every story or article.  There is something that thrills me as I watch my pen glide along the page.  I write continuously until the ideas stop or I become too tired.  Writing when I am tired is a lot like writing when inebriated. Interesting in the moment, but a lot of junk to sift through afterward.
5. I start to edit as I move from my journal to the computer. During this part of my ritual I am focused.  My only goal is to edit, re-edit and complete my work.  Once my piece is finished, I read it out loud.  Another editing session usually follows.
6. Satisfied with what I hear, I hit the save button one last time.  Then I walk away.

That is it.  It may be a tad neurotic and on the fringe of OCD, but it helps me set the mood, stage and atmosphere required for me to write.

What are some of your writing rituals?