A WRITER’S PERSONAL CREATIVE PROCESS
Nancy Mehl is the bestselling author of 50 books. She’s won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, as well as an ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award and a Carol award. She was also a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Her short story, Chasing Shadows, was in the USA Today bestselling Summer of Suspense anthology. Learn more about her at www.nancymehl.com and on her blog, the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.
This last Saturday was the monthly ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) St. Louis chapter meeting. We were privileged to listen to the amazing Erin Healy talk about what writers need to get their creative juices going. Erin brought up many factors that can help to bring out the best in us. Some authors need total silence when they write, while many listen to instrumental music. Others, like me, play music with lyrics. The point was, that every writer is different. One part of our discussion centered on our surroundings.
One thing that can squash my creative process is messiness, although when facing a daunting deadline, I have worked around piles of papers and notes. I guess fear helps me to ignore it. But my favorite surroundings vary. Sometimes I love to write in my office. I’ve filled it with things I love. “Writerly” things, items that have deep personal attachment, Dr. Who memorabilia (I’m a big Dr. Who fan), and reminders of writing successes, like awards, etc.
Other days, when it’s snowing or raining, or when I’ve hidden peanuts on the desk for the squirrels to find, I write in my living room while a fire crackles in my fireplace. I prop my laptop in my lap while I put my feet up in my recliner. I love writing like this.
So, what kind of surroundings would make it difficult for me to write? My daughter-in-law struggles with two small, darling young ones running around. Although I don’t have little children living in my home, I have a difficult time on some mornings when my sweet husband keeps interrupting me with questions or comments.
So, what about you? You may not be a writer, but you’re probably a reader. If you like to read, where do you enjoy it most? Do you need complete silence? Do you read in bed? What things can distract you from your story?
Leave a comment, along with your contact information, and you may win an ebook copy of any one of my books, your choice.
Nancy Mehl
I eould love to win one I have notread .your a great author
ReplyDeleteThank you! If you want a chance to win, you need to give me your contact information. :)
DeleteI'm not a writer, but am definitely a reader. I have several spots that are fun reading nooks for me, but to be honest, not much keeps me from a good book! :) One of my favorite places to curl up with a good mystery is in my grandmother's chair by our wood burning stove.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us!
carrottopfromtexas2@gmail.com
Sounds perfect!
DeleteI love reading in my room! I do need less noise than usual.
ReplyDeleteOnlysis06
duellonlysisataoldotcom
That's where I read most of the time. :)
DeleteI love to read on my sofa. Sometimes I have the television on and sometimes I do not.
ReplyDeleteYou can tune out the TV while you read? Not sure I could do that. LOL!
DeleteHi Elizabeth! I am Joanie. Definitely a reader! Your books are some of my favorites! I prefer quiet to read. If it’s noisy or I’m interrupted I keep rereading the same paragraph over and over. I’ll read anywhere but in a comfy chair or in bed are my favorites. joanienov@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you! Sometimes I read in my recliner. Very comfy. :)
DeleteFor goodness sakes! I meant to “hello Nancy!” Sorry!
ReplyDeleteJoanie 😳
I realized that. LOL!
DeleteI had to laugh when you mentioned "two little ones running around." No children anymore, but I have 10 dogs, and a husband... needless to say, but I will, whenever I pick up a book to read suddenly either my husband has a question or he has a story to share (only when I'm trying to read), OR ... one of the dogs wants to be petted, fed or let outside. Never fails. The biggest disruptor, though, is mess, and right now my house is a MESS! Horrible, awful, no good, terrible MESS! One day, it will be clean and neat again, and I can read, and maybe even pretend I'm writing that Great American Novel. You never know... ;) Mary Gessner
ReplyDeleteLOL! Suddenly, I don't feel I have any reason to be distracted! And yes, your house will be clean. I wish I lived closer. I would help you.
DeleteI can read anywhere! And if I'm into the book, I believe a bomb could go off and I wouldn't hear it. As for writing, I can listen to instrumental music (lyrics and I find myself typing the words), but I most write in quiet in my office. No little ones or husband running around...just ADHD to contend with. lol
ReplyDeleteNot sure why the lyrics in songs don't bother me. Now let hubby say something, and I find myself adding it to my manuscript! LOL!
DeleteMy favorite is to read outside in my hammock or by the fireplace. I like to read best when it's quiet. amybradsher at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to get some writing done on my deck this spring. Unfortunately, the family who lives near us likes to use their swimming pool every single day. And they're loud!
Deleteread in many places
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
do you have pet squirrels in your house? I want to hear more about them. by the way, your husband and mine were cut from the same bolt of cloth.
ReplyDeleteFigurines inside the house. The real ones stay outside! LOL! We do feed them, though. So they're kind of like pets. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't do well in chaos. But I will say that there are times my sewing room is a mess. My house needs to be somewhat presentable or it stresses me out.
ReplyDeletenancydarby2007@yahoo.com