Comments on: Saturday Guest Blogger…contest!

By: Sabrina Philips

Sabrina Philips — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:59:25 +0000

When I make changes to an exisiting chapter I save it to a new file e.g. Chapter 1 II, Chapter 1 III, having all the different versions means if I suddenly realise I preferred my original way of saying something I have it right there. I also copy and paste any phrases that I love but which end up not working where they are to a new folder called ‘Odds’ so I can use them elsewhere later if necessary!

Sabrina xx

By: Alannah

Alannah — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:17:40 +0000

Wow, so many great ideas! Fiona – I love the idea of lighting a candle. A candle is very centering and peaceful to me so I’d probably do very well with that kind of focusing device.

I hope the Plotmonkeys are having a wonderful time on their get-away!!

By: Michele

Michele — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:27:38 +0000

What a great giveaway, Iwish I had some great advice or somegreat trick byt seems how I’m new to writing there is no advice I can offer to a bunch of great writers it would belike me telling my doctor instructions before surgrey there are lot of great tips on here.

By: Yolanda

Yolanda — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:17:49 +0000

I carry post-its everywhere and jot down ideas or lines and then plug them into the computer. It is especially helpful when sitting in boring meetings where one is required to do nothing but just show up.

By: Fiona

Fiona — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:22:40 +0000

Great ideas. I may steal a few.

We don’t have lots of room in our house, and I “write” at the kitchen table on my laptop. My DH & kids know to LEAVE ME ALONE if I have lit a candle. If I’m blogging, checking e mail, or doing sudoku, the candle is unlit. As soon as it light it, I’m writing.

This helps to keep me from being distracted by LIFE, and keeps me focused. If that candle is lit, I don’t surf or do a puzzle.

By: katie

katie — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:11:50 +0000

When I write on my blog (not a novelist), I just work on one idea and then I come up with many more!

By: Silver J.

Silver J. — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:58:02 +0000

Tina, I “don’t leave home” without one. In fact, my DH found me a gorgeous leather-bound journal that has a Celtic heart on the cover that’s very similar to the one on the cover of my book. I don’t have it in my hands yet, but I can’t wait! I carried a spiral notebook forever so I’m thrilled I get to look all classy now.

But like you, if I don’t “capture” the moment when it happens, it’s lost or not as good by the time I can recall it while sitting down at the keyboard.

There are some great suggestions here. Amazed at the variety of what works for people. :grouphug

By: Lu

Lu — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:59:19 +0000

I write everyday from 9 – noon. The hour of free time I have before 9 I spend checking emails, reading this blog or paying bills. AFter lunch, I may be able to squeeze in another hour, between kid’s activities, errands, and making our house a home.

Have a great SAturday everyone! It’s sunny here!

By: Lori S.

Lori S. — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:05:10 +0000

I, too, find that I do much better with pencil and paper. Carrying a notebook is a great idea! Have a great weekend..

By: Cher

Cher — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:05:58 +0000

If I get stuck and not sure about the next scene, I get in the tub with paper and pen, relax and it always, always comes to me where I should go next. There is something about water that works for me.

The other thing is that the beginning of the book must be right before I can continue even though I may have an outline on paper or in my head, the beginning has to sing then I can write to the end.

Have a great day all. Enjoy your retreat Plotmonkeys!

Cher