How Do You Get In The Mood (To Write)?

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog

How do you get in the mood?

No perverts and pervettes; I meant in the mood to write. (Please note: Any ladies wishing to discuss mood setting in non writing topics, please write via my Contact Me). Enough already.

Odd puppy that he is, Lonely Author has changed in his ability to write. Used to be I needed total silence. Now, I can write in the epicenter of a storm. (Still need to edit in total silence). For certain chapters (or scenes for my screenplays) I seek mood setting places.

For romantic scenes, I dim the lights and listen to soft jazz (Kenny G.) or love songs (Waiting For A Girl Like You, Lady In Red, My Heart Will Go On, and many others). When I want to write about an alluring woman, I begin with Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.”

For dark moments I seek solitude. I once wrote a dark chapter locked in a closet. I exited sweaty, tearing, and exhausted. But the chapter had the mood I wanted to convey.

Dark Paradise, my novel waiting to be transferred from hand written notebooks to computer, written by candle light. While on a month vacation in the Dominican Republic (an island that suffers from power outages), I received the inspiration for a novel based on a serial killer who strikes when the lights go out and an American cop hired to stop him. The cop obviously, has one phobia – he is too proud to admit he is afraid of the dark.

I penned half of the book by candle light, setting the mood within myself.

How do you get in the mood to write?

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302 thoughts on “How Do You Get In The Mood (To Write)?”

      1. Thank you for being my fan. It is nice to read your blogs. I do enjoy them very much. Even if I do not have much to comment to them. Love Odie the dog.
        P.S. It is wonderful to know a chimp in Person now.

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    1. I will answer you in reverse. Not PUBLISHED yet. Currently working on finding a literary agent to represent my work. And I am starting my fourth novel Devil Girl Diaries. Also trying to sell my screenplays to Hollywood. I applaud your muse. Your imagination is my playground. Ooooh, yes it is. Thanks for stopping by. You are always welcome.

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            1. My first rule in life. (And you can confirm this with my daughter, spouse, and ex’s) I never make a promise I do not intend on keeping. Love, loyalty, and friendship are based on trust. When I tell you I am going to do something, I am going to do it. Chivalry is not dead (however it is on life support). I will keep this vow to please my private muse.

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  6. I listen to classic music while I write, in front of an open window… When I write without these things I really struggle to get into it. Thanks for sharing 🙂

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  7. Since it is a hobby (not a profession) of mine, I follow a pretty similar pattern each day. I wake up and have breakfast. While eating I begin to read all different types of articles from peer reviewed research to exercise and health magazines, to advocacy sites to wordpress postings. I find ideas from various sources and experiences and try to envision how these affect the rest of the world. I begin to formulate a game plan and then take about 4-5 hours to get it “right.” Quite often the original idea looks nothing like the finished piece. It is BOTH challenging and a lot of fun.

    BTW- as a happily married man (I know, I know…. I have a tendency to write in the style of “oxymoron”…… anyway, I feel proficient in the mood settings in non written topics and will unlikely be emailing you via your Contact Me tab for assistance. I didn’t want you to spend all day in front of your computer waiting for my email to arrive. Your offer, however, was very generous. 😀
    Stay healthy and happy my friend!

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                    4. Don’t mention it!! The trick to boiling a soft egg is cold water. Always boil with cold water,enough to cover the eggs allow to boil-you do know what boiling water looks like,right?

                      When the eggs look slightly cracked and have boiled for around 7 minutes,throw off hot water and soak in cold water for a few minutes. Crack shell and eat! Should be medium soft.

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                    8. Salt,black pepper, and thyme.. Or other herbs.. Can’t go too wrong with that.. Not complicated. Try a new herb,spice every now and then. Salt,smoked paprika and chilli is good with eggs!

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                    10. Yeah. I’ve been cooking from childhood and cookery shows help. The best way to see if you like spiced foods is through ethnic food. Use mild jalapeños for Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, for example, so that you can taste the other spices.. Sometimes too hot,means blunt taste buds.. So you’re wife doesn’t cook much either?? Definitely watch more cookery shows, the pair of you!

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    1. I can’t believe it. You are serious? Your beautiful writing is created during moments of insomnia. I am amazed. Imagine what you could create in other circumstances. The only thing I create in moments of insomnia is Samsonite luggage under my eyes. Thanks for reading my insanity. And thanks for stopping by. You are always welcome here. I will drop by to adore more of your work.

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      1. Awe… You’re are one of my favorite writers. You truly are : ) I think my mind has so many stressful things going on during the day and the only time creativity comes is during the night. You have made me feel so special today. I’ve also got some amazing Samsonite luggage laying around here. 💕😉

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  12. I read the blogs (and comments) of others. Often while listening to some of my music. There is often an inspiration hidden within a sentence or phrase – sometimes just a couple of words can spark “the mood”. Sometimes I don’t get in the mood though … sometimes the mood overtakes me. Those are typically my darker pieces.

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  13. I don’t really have a problem to write nor do I set up moods to write. I have a lot of imagination to write and can jump from one character to the other in a heart beat. I find myself pensive however and these two occurrences put me in the mood to write when I am in their elements. It is being at the beach hearing the waves crash ashore puts me into a very peaceful space. Fire crackling has me hypnotized as well and puts me in the mood to write however I do not invoke these two elements to write. Be well.

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      1. Yes writing is easy for me. One little action or event can mean three poems for me. I always have pencil or pen in hand when I go walking or running errands. Sometimes I am known to pull over to side of the road and compose a poem. Sometimes I do have a non writing period but usually that stems from not wanting to write and to give myself a break. Be well my friend

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          1. I started writing about anything and everything. Writing did not come easy in the past now I can’t turn off the tap so to speak. I can but what flows seem important to write down even if it is a line which I keep in a note book, a simile, a description. No matter how small it is I write it down and believe it or not two lines metamorphosize into poetry or my novel I am working on. You should see some of my earlier poetry to now. Quite the difference.

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  19. I go out and sit on my side porch, away from inside distractions and memories start flooding back. As I watch leaves silently falling off of the trees, it’s a beautiful sight coupled with a sense of grief because something is dying.

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  20. Most of my writing is inspired by a song and a quote that I enjoy. I listen to music all day as I’m at work in sales…..which includes trying to stop women with coupons that I hand out. Sometimes inspiration strikes in the middle of work and I will scribble out a poem on the back of the cards I hand out. My poem “I’ll sit in the ashes with you” was written that way.

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  22. I get inspired when I’m communicating with people whether they are my friends, strangers or even in the comments from readers. And I’ll write using my iPhone so that I won’t forget the inspiration, my train of thoughts and it gets noted down quickly.

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      1. I try my hardest to be a positive person because I want every single day of my life to be happy and grateful. But it’s hard sometimes when negativity is all around us, whether it is the people or the news, I try not to let it affect me as much as I can but I’m a sensitive person and sometimes do get my mood drag down.

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        1. Your positivity shows in your posts. Many days I refuse to watch the news for that reason. Positive thinking brings positive results. Don’t let anything get you down. I prefer to think of you like your photo. Always smiling, always positive.

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          1. Thank you. Your comment brings me comfort and knowing that there are positive people out there rooting for me makes all the dark clouds go away. You don’t know how much I appreciate this. So a big thank you!

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  23. I write whenever and wherever the mood takes me. I’m often overwhelmed with ideas and thoughts while blood flow is increased and I am otherwise occupied. It is mostly inconvenient but also quite funny. There’s a whole internal dialogue going on and I’m trying hard to concentrate on the task in hand. I carry a notepad almost everywhere. Out of interest, I did email you but not sure you actually got my message. Not a problem if you didn’t.

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    1. That is good. So, when you start writing, it comes easy for you. Yeah, I know what you mean about the internal dialogue. I go through the same thing. No, there was no message in my contact me. Can you try again please. I want to be sure it is working. And if you have any questions I can answer them. I get a lot of questions, and lately I haven’t received any. Thanks for stopping by. I will be waiting for your note.

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      1. I sent it to your email address. Have sent another test message so will see what happens.

        Yes, once it starts flowing, it’s unstoppable but when the cupboard is bare, no amount of prodding and poking will allow me to write. I find the best thing is to stop trying and busy myself with other activities. Anger, hurt and pain all help me to write but obviously this is not conducive to a long life. A little bit of everything and not all at once.

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        1. Received the second message. Never saw the first. Thanks for your help. Nice response. Didn’t someone once say a writer has to experience pain first? We can’t live like that. And as for the prodding and poking, that only works when I am told I have to take out the trash or wash the dishes.
          Thanks for stopping by. Love to hear your opinion on things. Hey I will be paying you a visit.

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  24. Love the music choices 🙂 I’m so weird, I often spring awake and just write about the first thing I think of or I could be watching a really lame TV show and absent-mindedly writing something nonsensical.
    I enjoyed this piece! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

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      1. I also have a very eclectic taste in music.
        Thank you! I don’t think I do, I have never been able to finish a novel or even properly finish a short story so I have never been able to have my work properly critiqued.
        I love your blog and you seem to be truly talented.

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          1. My friends all laugh at my iPod because I’ve got Mozart and Bach, and Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and then there’s Lady Gaga and Beyonce. I think it’s a good thing; it shows we’re open-minded 😀

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  25. that was some hell of a scroll down to find comment box, *rest*…..ok back on topic…lol saw what you did there….my mind is always thinking it seems, so stuff sometimes just randomly pops in my head, so write them down else I’ll end up forgetting them. think I need a thoughts filter

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  28. If I could answer that question I would be a NYT best selling author! lol
    Currently I’m stuck with fanfiction although I am slowly branching out, getting out of my comfort zone slightly.
    I wrote my first original fiction for a fanfiction contest last month and took second place for Best Villain and Most Original story so I am getting there. Slowly.
    Actually, my inspiration was the ramblings of my boyfriend. He’s funny, witty and has awesome ideas when I feel like bothering him with my little writing contests.

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    1. Getting there??? Second place is wonderful. And having a good villain is great. A good villain is necessary for a great story. I posted something about Writing Wicked a couple of weeks ago. Read it. You will feel better about your accomplishment. Good luck with futures contests. Thanks for stopping by.

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      1. I believe I commented there as well :).
        Thank you, it felt great since the only other time I placed was when I was the only entry :(.
        I’m getting there, slowly but surely. If you stop by my blog you can find Men In Black on my Brag Page! 🙂 if you would like to read it.

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  29. How fascinating! You know, it seems so obvious now that you’ve written it and I’ve read it, but I have never thought to actually place myself into a certain mood I’m wanting to write. I just think of it in my head, but don’t actually try to go deeper than that. Reading this has really made me think about how I write, and how I could so easily enhance it! Thank you so much for sharing, I really enjoyed this. 🙂

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      1. Oh, no! Sometimes the inspiration strikes, but I wouldn’t say writing is necessarily easy for me. It’s a long process and lots of revising/editing! I think it’s great you really get into the mood for certain scenes, I think I’m going to start trying that too.

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  30. I place myself in different settings depending on whether I am just searching for ideas or writing drafts, and also depending on what my topic is. A quiet corner of a coffee shop or cafe lets me observe people and hear their conversations. These places are endless sources of inspiration. Some people will talk about private and crazy topics right next to you because they don’t think you are listening. I’ve written pages and pages of notes in this setting.Conversations in queues at supermarkets or at train and bus stations are also stimulating.

    While I’m driving along the motorway or walking alone in wild places, my more personal stories build in my mind – the stories that come from my own experiences.

    I need these situations for mental first drafts. However, when it comes to refining the mental first draft and putting it down on paper/computer, I tend to need complete silence without outside distractions. A den or cave is then my preference. Endless cups of tea are essential. A personal servant would really help too! 😉

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    1. Hey, you’re on vacation. Didn’t expect you to read my nonsense. So you find inspiration in others. But you do the actual writing in solitude. Sorry, to break the news to you, I recently fulfilled my obligation as an indentured servant. Thanks for stopping by.

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  31. Music from the time period I’m writing about helps me. And a glass of wine 🙂 And having a general idea of what I want to write about that day, before I sit down and start typing 🙂 Great post!

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    1. Thank you. Interesting listening to music from the time period. Brilliant. Never thought of that. I hope to one day write an alternate history of World War Two, you have given me the idea to inspire myself. Thanks. Ah, Lonely Author has his glass of wine on occasion, too. Right now I need my coffee. Thanks for stopping by. I love talking writing with writers.

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  37. I write only when moved to write. By not thinking “I have to write something”, I’m moved to write almost all the time. Removing the pressure to be a writer allows more space for ideas, scenes to fill my head; then I head for the computer! I really enjoyed reading about your many creative writing inspirations.

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    1. Thanks Mandy. Very interesting, by removing the pressure of I have to write something you free your mind to create. You see how we can learn from other writers. Thanks for sharing that. I will try that. Thanks for stopping by.

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      1. hahaha!!! Not at all. I live in L.A. there are not hurricanes here. 🙂 Just rain or heat.

        P.S I got a new poem up posted. You’ll really love the transition and how different this poem is from all the others I have written. check it out now. 🙂 It’s titled: Science Fried my Egg Cells

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  39. I don’t really do anything specific – I just sit at the desk and hope it comes. Usually I am just so happy to have a chance to write, it flows without effort. Now, whether what flows is worth reading, that’s another matter!

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  40. This is a great question Andrew! You’ve a high aptitude to keep all your readers ready to participate and answer.
    I am always in the mood! enough said 😀

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                    1. Okay, yes I understand. I hope you and your are well. Raining here. Feeling very creative. Getting ready to send more queries. Very focused on my goals. Is it easy for you to create so much beauty. I mean in your work of course.

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  41. Well I, for one, like it first thing in morning before the sun is even up, when I am half here, half there. Rolling over, still in that twilight zone, I like being nudged awake by a whisper, a word, a mere touch of an idea, inspiration softly breathing on the back of my neck. I roll into the heady sensations, allow them to wash over me, carry me, do what they will to me. I surrender completely to the All of it until such time as the crescendoing waves toss me to shore wrung out, used up, depleted. THEN I roll out of bed and I write.

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    1. Wow. That almost sounded like the opening of a good novel. LOL Yeah, I have found those moments in the twilight can bring delicious ideas, the problem for me is remembering them. Sometimes I fall back to sleep. Do you remember your dreams? I rarely do. I always felt that would be a great source for inspiration. Thanks for stopping by.

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          1. Well, I have a certain perspective shall we say, which embraces the freedom from the body which sleep actually is. I go, see, do, travel, visit, and of course dream. Then return and jot things down. I often wake up and hit pause in my head until I can get pen/paper and begin taking dictation. Stories, movies, you name it. I believe it’s called inspiration. My contact info is on my page. I can help, Sincerely, Jill

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      1. That’s easy. Go to the sidebar > Categories > Fiction … you will see two (but I said one). The first is the original … the second the improved rewrite with a challenge to readers to develop an alternative ending with word limit. You’ll enjoy it.

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  43. Pingback: The Writer’s Life for Me | Jill Hampton James, Wordsmith

  44. Unfortunately, I’m still at the point that I can’t force it. It’s either there inside me or not. As far as the mood or atmosphere, I usually write alone late at night in the quiet dark house. My favourite time as I mentioned in a recent post.

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  45. If my mind thinks loudly I do not write. If the static of negative energy wash over me I do not write. Inspiration? My soul and recognition of other souls in sync with similar paths travelled. We connect. .
    Then a meditation peace..perhaps a walk in a park with water ..rustling leaves. .gentle breeze on my skin..a calmness receptive to the sensitivity of the soul them the words come to me…and I write.
    If I have to force it then my mind is under duress and it suppresses the truth in the writing making it not feel right. If that makes sense lol

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    1. Yes, it makes perfect sense. I find myself writing senseless dribble not worthy of a recycle bin when I force myself to write. My best work comes out of the meditation peace you mentioned. Thanks for stopping by to comment. Really appreciate it.

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    1. Well that is very good. Cause your inspirations will always come naturally for you. Not like someone else who has to sit and think and feel the pressure of “what am I going to write.” Thanks for dropping by. I really appreciate it.

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      1. It’s only easy because I don’t allow my brain to function prior to it. Dumps aren’t always cohesive; I’ve written a few things in this mode that just don’t pull together into a story for me. Having said that, doing it this way has allowed me to access some very deep part of me, and the material I’ve written in this matter leaves me shaking. So something about it works. 🙂

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          1. True! Didn’t want to give the impression I’m a write it and send it out person; editing always comes into play. And yes, I’d agree about the style allowing a deeper dig into my imagination. I’ve been surprising myself with the tone and subject of these stories. I’d recommend it to anyone; give it a try, at least. Just have to get past getting out of bed! 🙂

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  48. OK, are you ready? PJs, sofa or bed, CNN on mute, hip-hop station on Bose system. Somehow this gives me a zen mood to write about anything and everything. As for the ‘getting in the mood contacting privately stuff’ – watch out for cougars!

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    1. LOL LOL You are too funny. So you get in your comfort zone and your ready to write. Not as complicated as me hiding in closets. It was meant as a joke, but a few emails have been coming through. Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

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  49. One cup of steaming hot cocoa, one biscuit (chocolate, preferably ) one pen (or pencil) and a notebook – and simply scribble the thoughts you have in whatever form you fancy on to the page (I once wrote a romantic tale on a single sheet of A5 – characters, locations, the lot) thing is don’t stop until you’ve filled the page – Editing comes later – when finished – take a break – drink your cocoa – eat your biscuit and have a look at what you have done – you’ve planted a seed and its growing fast – develop your scribbles and then – when time is right – start pruning.

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