When Does a Writer Write?

When does a writer write?

Well, the logical answer is “when he or she is in front of the laptop/PC busy typing.”

That may be the most logical answer, but it’s not true.  A great percentage of the writing is done throughout the day. . . . mentally, and maybe I should even add ‘unconsciously’.  That is also writing even if it doesn’t conform to the usual definition of writing.

I don’t mean sitting down and just thinking. That doesn’t work with me. What I call ‘mental writing’ is really opening up your mind, and letting ideas come in like a film. The mind doesn’t turn off the novel because the writer is busy doing something else. It’s still there spinning around.

I do most of my ‘mental’ writing in bed, and usually in the middle of the night.  This is when I find solutions to problems that come up in my soon-to-be novel.  I always have a pad and pencil on my bedside table and I note things down before they disappear like dreams.

And I’ll tell you a secret! I also have a note pad in my handbag and another one in the kitchen. I just never know when something is going to come in.