"A soul can create only when alone"
Abraham Joshua Herchel
Excitement? Fear? When I first read it a sense of desire welled up in me. The urge to get away from life, sit in solitude and create was overwhelming. At the same time, a fog of despair rolled over me knowing that my life prohibits that kind of creative heaven.
There's no hard and fast rule that you must be completely alone to write your stories. There wouldn't be many published books if that were the case. But what kind of atmosphere is most conducive to your imagination taking flight? What is your inner sanctum?
A dictionary gave a couple of definitions for sanctum:
1.a sacred or holy place
2. an inviolably private place or retreat.
What writing rituals do you hold sacred? What private place or retreat do you run to when you dream up your novels? Do you wait for the family to go to bed, light candles and turn on soft music? Do you go to the farthest corner in the library? How about under the trees in your backyard? Or do you prefer to sit in the hubbub of your family, relishing the noise of life and vitality?
When I first started writing, I needed complete quiet. No music, no loud kids in the background, nothing. Over the last few years I've learned to tolerate more noise. I still cannot listen to music with lyrics, but a soft easy listening or classical song is now acceptable. I've learned I can sit on the couch while my husband watches football and work on my character sketches. I still need the quiet to develop the story, whether it is in the wee morning hours or the quiet of the car on the way to work.
I've heard numerous writing styles of various writers and I've learned that there is no right or wrong in any area of the writer's life. You do what works for you.
So what is your inner sanctum?
Originally posted October 5, 2010
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This post is brought to you by
Sherrinda Ketchersid
Sherrinda is a minister's wife and mother to three giant sons and one gorgeous daughter. A born and bred Texan, she writes historical romance filled with fun, faith, and forever love.
Once I've decided on my quiet space, usually my writing nook in a spare bedroom, I pray, A Writer's Prayer written by Debby Giusti. Usually I'll gaze out the window for a little while watching the hummingbirds. Sometimes I must have music. For whatever reason, John Denver always gets me writing. :)
ReplyDeleteOooh, I love this, Sherrinda! Makes me wanna go light some candles and create. My sanctum at present is 5am while the kids are still dreaming. I'm with you - I can't create with noise. Must have quiet! You sum up that feeling of creative solitude so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteSherrinda, I loved the images your words evoked. Living in a home with two boys and my hubby, the only quiet I find is at 4:00 a.m. When I get to bed early enough, I get up that early and write. I love it! During the summer, I usually escape to a coffee shop or Panera to be able to focus on writing.
ReplyDeleteI don't need complete silence but I need uninterrupted time.
And, for the record, if I tried to write sitting next to my husband while he watched a football game, I'd forget about writing and get wrapped up in the game! ;o)
Jill, I love your writing routine! Quiet...alone...prayer...and John Denver!!!! That is brilliant. Isn't it interesting what "clicks" and helps the words flow?
ReplyDeleteKaren, 5 a.m. is when I get up too. There is something about the early morning quiet that helps me think and dream. It's not always easy getting up early, but it sure is worth it.
ReplyDeleteLOL...Jeanne, I can just picture you yelling at the TV watching football! :) I don't get into sports all that much, so that is not a temptation for me.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you can get up that early!!! I thought I was getting up early at 5 a.m. I would have to go to bed at 8 pm in order to survive. lol