How I Write

In an earlier post I made a few remarks about writing posts. Since then I have received a number of questions about how I write so I thought that I would try and share some details about how I do what I do.

My computer is in the living room. To my left is the dining room table and to my right are couches, bookcases and the entertainment center. If I am writing during the day I have a nice view of the backyard but most of the time I prefer to write in the evening.

With the exception of the glow from the monitor the room is dark. I like to listen to my iPod and get lost in the music and thoughts about what I am writing about. I have more almost 3,000 songs on my iPod so the musical selection is pretty big and it varies depending on my mood and desire.

This evening I listened to the following:

Rod Stewart: Forever Young and Young Turks
Bob Dylan: Knocking on Heaven's Door
Linkin Park: Somewhere I Belong
Abba: Dancing Queen
Toby Keith: As Good As I once Was and How Do you Like Me Now
Brad Paisley: Mud On The Tires and Whiskey Lullaby
U2: Where The Streets Have No Name
Depeche Mode: Precious
Lord of The Rings: The Breaking of the Fellowship
Roy Orbison: Crying
Van Halen: Panama
Ray Charles/Van Morrison: Crazy Love
Queen: I Want to Break Free

There were other songs, but that is a decent list for now. The music helps to set the tone. I try to dive into whatever mood the post is about. If it is sad then I try to be sad or whatever the appropriate mood is.

The posts I like best are those in which I get completely lost in my thoughts. They are the ones in which I feel like I have torn away the skin and am completely exposed. Every once in a while I am surprised to find a tear rolling down my face.

I am a voracious reader with very diverse tastes. I read as much as I can get my hands on. I read because I love the education but also because my craft requires constant attention and practice. That means that I need to focus on working on my vocabulary. It is strong, but it can always be stronger.

One of the most important skills is the ability to use words to paint a picture. Sometimes I feel as if I am quite successful at it and other times I feel like a failure.

I was asked how long it takes me to write an average post. I don't really have an answer. I can tell you that I am fast. I can pound the words out at a very rapid clip and even when I am not on I am usually solid, but that is not always the greatest thing.

Within this blog I rarely if ever rewrite my posts.Virtually everything you see here is the first draft. If I notice glaring typos or mistakes I will fix them, but most of the time it is pound the keys and hit publish.

I don't know if any of this was helpful, but it should give you some background. One more thing to mention. If you are having trouble writing just remind yourself that there is a beginning, a middle and an end. Sometimes simplicity is best.