Writer Therapy Bloghop

So, I'm at my keyboard, diligently getting all the "business" taken care of (emails, tweets, Facebook, etc.) and then it's time to write.

It's time to write.

I've got nothing.

It's time for...

Usually, when I'm writing a book I try to end in the middle of something-the idea being that I will pick up where I left off during the next writing session.
Minimize the chance of the blank page winning the stare down the following day.
I've found it to be a good strategy.
But sometimes at the end of the scene I just cannot think of what to write next.
The temptation is to check email, Twitter, FB, Pinterest, and so on.
But let's face it, fun distractions almost never inspire that next scene.

For me, this is what works...taking a walk.

I love walking in the woods in the autumn. Unfortunately hunters ruin my fun by making me fear for my life, but there are some places where they're not allowed.

I love walking in old cemeteries. This one is called Hope Cemetery.
All those markers tell me that whatever I'm worried about probably won't matter a hundred years from now.
And one my novels was actually inspired by a graveyard. Win-Win.

But my very favorite place to walk is the beach.

The sounds are soothing, the air is revitalizing. 

More often than not, a mile or so later I have at least a seedling of an idea.

Sometimes more.

It must have something to do with the rhythm of walking.

I like the beach best when it is deserted.
In the winter I'm often the only one on it (aside from my dogs).
It's damn cold. But worth it.

Speaking of dogs...here are two of mine.

They're always up for a walk, and they don't write books.

Sometimes that makes their company therapeutic.

They are experts at living in the moment.
Here's my video "Dogs in Fog" (yes, Suessish, I know).

GUTGAA Meet & Greet

Questions for the GUTGAA Meet and Greet

-Where do you write?  In my home office is where the thoughts get nailed to a hard drive but I write in my head when I'm walking, driving, pretending to watch TV, falling asleep, etc.

-Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see? Sleeping Jack Russell Terriers - they take their supportive role quite seriously.

-Favorite time to write? Mornings, after walking with my dogs.

-Drink of choice while writing? Coffee, hot, iced, doesn't matter.

-When writing , do you listen to music or do you need complete silence? Silence is best though I often listen to something prior to actually writing to get into a particular mood that relates to the work.

-What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it? A combo of location (my favorite local old graveyard) and online images of 19th century women with albinism.

-What's your most valuable writing tip? Have a reasonably clear idea of your book's destination/end, but allow yourself freedom during the journey. 

Mini-bio:  Fancier of all things Gothic, vintage, and beautiful (separately or in combination).  Choco-fiend.  Dog wrangler.  Beachcomber.  Nature lover.  Housework slacker.  Easily irritated by pen clicking, gum smacking, change jingling and tuneless whistling.