Comments on: The Writing Life: Top Ten Tips from Rosanne Bane

By: Rosanne Bane

Rosanne Bane — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:57:42 +0000

Love that quote from Picasso! I never understood the point of practicing scales, which is why I never became a musician (well that and my tin ear). I do love a good writing jam session though, riffing on whatever comes up, finding rhythms I didn’t know were there until I started…

By: Rosanne Bane

Rosanne Bane — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:55:06 +0000

I bet you could attach my book to the bulletin board if you used enough staples, pins and glue. But that would sorta ruin the functionality of the book. So glad the list of ten will become part of your daily view.

By: Rosanne Bane

Rosanne Bane — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:53:26 +0000

Delighted to hear the Doubting Thomasina is willing to try the walk. Great start Paige!

By: Rosanne Bane

Rosanne Bane — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:51:22 +0000

I have to agree with Joel about the “what’s wrong with them” reaction to hearing some of the weirder rituals (Friedrich Schiller’s rotten apples in his desk drawer is at the top of the weird list for me). But whatever works and rituals do work.

By: Laura Sommers

Laura Sommers — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:54:41 +0000

Amen to the idea of habits. Picasso said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” As part of Practice, you write even when you have nothing to write, so you’re in a better position to do something with the inspiration when it comes to you. It’s like practicing scales…

By: Michael Kelberer

Michael Kelberer — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:31:22 +0000

Great post Rosanne – unlike your excellent book, this list is something I can to my bulletin board and stare at until resistance is futile

By: wren

wren — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:28:24 +0000

Hi Paige! I totally agree, this was just what I needed, too. It’s so refreshing to have “permission” to take a creative mental break to walk or meditate. Glad you found Rosanne’s tips helpful!

By: wren

wren — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:26:45 +0000

Thanks, Joel! Yes, Rosanne’s points are so helpful, aren’t they? I’m thinking of printing this list off, and putting it at my writing desk at home!

By: Paige McKinney

Paige McKinney — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:40:02 +0000

I’ve read and reread Around the Writer’s Block, but I’ve been a doubting Thomasina about whether the strategies would work for me (my inner saboteur thinks she’s a bad ass). This list was just what I needed to resolve that today I’m going to take my dogs for a long walk and then sit down to write for 15 minutes. Maybe I’ll think up a quirky writing ritual on the walk. Maybe I’ll just meditate. Either way, the time spent will be a success.

By: Joel D Canfield

Joel D Canfield — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:20:40 +0000

Rosanne, #6 and #8 are the ones I needed most. I’ve read about some of my favorite writers’ rituals and wondered what was wrong with them. (What’s “wrong” with them is that they’re writers!)

The stuff you share about brain science (move, or your brain turns off!) gives me the “why” which is all I need to embrace new thinking.

As always, excellent stuff.

Thanks, Hazel and Wren, for giving Rosanne some space here. I think I’ll hang around and inspect the bookshelves.