David Trottier is a well known fulltime freelance writer with many articles and books to his credit. He states the case for writing rituals so well that the following quote has been taken from his book, The Freelance Writer's Bible.
"Create rituals. Begin each writing session in the same manner. Acquire a ball cap and imprint or embroider the word 'writer' on it. Whenever it is time to write, you can tell your loved ones, 'I'm wearing my writer's cap, tonight.' Create opening and closing ceremonies for the Writer's Olmpics, starring you! Writing should be fun, so have a good time.
Here is how my student Hanna begins every writing session. First, she removes all distractions (unplugs the telephone, shuts doors and windows). Second, she prepares a cup of herb tea. Third, as she savors the tea, she becomes aware of her senses. Fourth, she enters her safe harbor and says, 'Analytical Brain, go to sleep so my Creative Brain can bring forth a masterpiece. A masterpiece needs to come forth.' Afterward, Hanna goes to her work area.
For you, that work area will probably be your desk with a computer and a keyboard. But it doesn't have to be. Mark Twain wrote in bed. Hemingway stood at a tall desk. And, Dalton Trumbo, who won the Oscar for a movie script, sat in a bathtub with a plank across his lap to hold his typewriter...
Other practical counsel includes, steal. Shakespeare did. He borrowed most of his plots from other sources, including history. Ask 'What if...' and don't be afraid to make a radical plot change. Confront blocks and fears to release a goldmine of ideas."
Then, just write! Your rituals, both of place and of thought, will empower the realization of dreams and release the masterpiece growing within.
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