I've been "writing" at the gym for a month or two, now, and something I've noticed is that the words take on a different character (more sound-based, a little more patient) when I'm thinking them up (and having to half-memorize them) while running and hitting the weights, than when I'm not involved in some repetitive physical activity.
(Sadly, this is not my invention: one of the reasons I started composing while running was because I read that Sharon Olds used to compose while hitting the weights.)
But what I'm wondering is: Do you have any weird places/activities that both motivate and alter your writing habits in cool, unexpected ways?
I get up at like 5 am and write while I'm still half asleep. I get all kinds of cool stuff I wouldn't otherwise write onto the page.
ReplyDeleteI "write" when I'm running too! I know that I forget some of those ideas, but the ones I hang onto are very much worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI write at the laundromat sometimes, but I don't think it's necessarily that weird -- I've heard that Raymond Carver used to do the same thing.
ReplyDeleteya know, i have recently started doing this as well instead of jotting the idea down to flesh out later (granted i'm not running but walking!) but i always seem to get ideas while i am driving on long trips. i'll find myself turning off the radio/iTouch to create until I feel i have to pull over and write it down or record it on my cell phone :)
ReplyDeletei mostly write on my couch, but occasionally write in public, which is a whole different thing. I want to try writing in more unusual places, but unlike when I think of this in relation to sex, I can't think of any good ones. i suppose i also 'write' in the shower, and usually just before sleeping too.
ReplyDeleteI like to write in class--as in, when I'm teaching. This is obviously easier when I've giving a test or letting the students have review time, but sometimes I find that I want to just scribble something down really quickly between bouts of ranting about Brave New World.
ReplyDeleteI also have been "writing" on the bus lately. The solitude and peace of mind I get while riding through town, letting my headphones block out all outside noise, really seems to aid in mental composition. That's the only upside of having an hour-ish commute on public transportation to get to work in the morning.
NM
I write (in my head) while driving all the time. When I lived in Atlanta and there was tons of traffic I could finish a whole piece in my head. I think you're right about what having to memorize it does for it. I was writing more rhythmic work then. Now I just toss around lines in my head and try to get something to go with them.
ReplyDeleteThe laundry mat!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me of other places in which I compose, Tory and JayTee! The shower and the car both tend to generate thoughts that make their way into poems for me as well!
ReplyDelete