Jane Espenson’s post on her creative process got me thinking. What are your creative rituals?

When I’m working on an article, I have an information-collecting ritual that involves lots of open tabs in Firefox and a great deal of highlighting. Even if I only use one or two of my background articles in the finished product, I like to have everything right there. I also work best if I can blast some music while I’m writing; it clears my mind and makes it easier for me to say what I want to say.

Novel writing is similar, but instead of open tabs I use the information collecting mojo of Scrivener.

Post your creative rituals in the comments. I’m always interested in the way other people write.

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productivity, writing, creative process, jane espenson, scrivener, organization, creative rituals

I just ran across Jane Espenson’s blog, Jane in Progress (on a link from Neil Gaiman - you’d think I have some sweet connections, and I’d hate to disabuse you of that notion), and it’s pretty seriously fab. As a Buffy fan, I know Jane’s writing style rocks. Her blog is no exception. Aimed at aspiring writers and screenwriters, Jane’s blog gives some terrific advice as well as a relaxed, informal voice that seems more like chatting with a friend than getting a lesson in comedy writing. Which in itself is an excellent lesson, and one more bloggers should emulate. Don’t talk down to your audience! Don’t play your cards close to the chest! Writing isn’t like magic; you won’t get in trouble for revealing your secrets.

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We started with a link to Scott Berkun, so it’s only fair to end with one, too. Feeling burned out after a month of loquacity? Here’s how to get through it.

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