As a writer, you have your own way getting words down on paper or on the computer. Some of these tactics are weird, and we writers accept it while everyone else look at us like we're crazy. Well, it shouldn't matter what everyone else thinks. Just embrace the weirdness because being weird means that we're unique and being unique is great. So here's what we writers do, or at least some of the things.
1. Researching ideas that hopefully do not get you on the FBI watch list.
If you're writing something with historical background, you can't go in without research. So sometimes you have to read about different kinds of poisons, ingredients to make an atomic bomb, torture devices used in the dark ages, etc.
2. Go on baby name sites in order to find the perfect name and associated meaning for your character.
Characters are pretty much the children of writers, so we can't help but search for names that'll suit our protagonists or antagonists. And what better way to search for a name than a baby website?
3. Ideas pop up in random places such as the dead of night, shower, church, etc.
It's even weirder in church. Your mind is at peace, and then suddenly, when you thought that all your sins have been forgiven, the thought of killing off a character flashes through your mind, and now you're certainly going to hell.
4. Walking aimlessly around your house in search of some ideas.
If any of your family members notices and questions you, just say you're in thinking deeply and go on your way. It's a writer thing.
5. You spend at least 20 minutes in the shower gathering ideas instead of actually washing yourself.
We're so deep in thought, we can't help it. Plus the shower feels so nice.
6. Eavesdropping on other people's conversations to help you with dialogue.
It wouldn't be suspicious if you had your laptop and were pretending to write a blog.
7. Laugh when you think or write something that your know readers will get upset about.
Do you think George R.R. Martin laughs whenever he kills a character? Probably.
8. We work in our pajamas all day.
Or in whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.
9. Talking to yourself.
Sometimes you're in an argument with yourself about what to do, and so you turn into Gollum.
10. When in doubt about your writing, read something bad to make you feel better, such as negative reviews of books.
I like to read negative reviews of "Fifty Shades of Grey." It gives me a good laugh. Just remember that, no matter what, your writing will always be better than Fifty Shades.
11. Spend endless hours staring at a blank screen with a stoic expression.
Writer's block is evil.
