When do you write? [Archive] - ChristianWriters.com

Sherry Lemons

07-02-2002, 10:08 AM

Even tho I am a amatuer, I find that my writing or creating a
story or poem or article comes from the direction of the Holy
Spirit in many cases. Sometimes, I write a poem to please
someone or for an occasion. I can write at the drop of a hat
most of the time, but surely need to write more since I haven't
written the desired book I plan to do.

Baselice

07-04-2002, 08:53 PM

I started writing early in the mornings. But since I work at home I find myself writing just as much in the evenings.
I starting writing to to cheer up my friends and family then it blossomed into a ministry two years ago. So I use to just write when I saw a need. Now I am stretched to be more careful and disciplined because I am writing to many people. Which has been a blessing because,I really have developed a love for writing.
God is good He knows what each of us needs, and He is more then willing to give it to us!

P.S. I am glad the Lord lead me to Christianwriters, it's been an great blessing to myself and I'm sure many other's.

May the Lord keep us faithful
God's Grace and Peace to all
Mary Ann Baselice

justonevoice

07-14-2002, 10:16 AM

I write at night most often but I also write in the morning. Writing allows me to release feelings that I have no other outlet for. Sharing the Gospel with others in a diffrent way. I also have enjoyed Christian Writers, I have gained knowledge and experience here, which has been a major blessing.

wgjones3

07-30-2002, 09:41 PM

I use to write late at night, but lately, I find that if I can start writing first thing in the morning, I get more done. Then again, between work, relationships, and other things that are pulling me apart, it's hard to find ANY time at all to write.

Angyl

08-01-2002, 07:14 PM

Being nocturnal, I tend to write nights, but truly, it's whenever I feel inspired to get going unless I set a deadline for myself in the project I'm working on (like my current novel). If that's the case, then I write like a dervish whenever I'm awake!

ladypreacher

08-02-2002, 01:51 AM

I tend to only write when the house is quiet, and all my chores are done. Then I pick up a glass of water and head for my computer. I look at my desk and all the projects I've had to ignore and then I go to work. It's always at least nine and my "writing day" has only just begun. I only allow myself to write until about midnight as morning comes early with a new day of responcibilities.

First I click on my prayer journal and spend time with the Father. If I have no other disclipline in my life concerning my writing, this I will not ignore. I have missed days I must admit, but when I do I miss them...

I've read articles about writers who wish they were. DITTO. Maybe when school starts I'll find the quiet and the time. I'll see what comes.

I don't write while my children are underfoot as I can be quite unpleasant if I'm interrupted when I'm trying to proof or create or concentrate. Guess I need an office with sound proof walls... And doing Special Needs daycare doesn't allow me to shut myself off anywhere... Seriously considering retiring... from daycare, that is.

When do I write? Sometimes I guess I don't.

Ladypreacher

Prose

08-15-2002, 02:07 AM

I write during those crazy hours of 11pm to 6am when the house is quiet and there are no interuptions, but I'm hoping to switch schedules around so I can get more time in.... there just aren't enough hours in day! :)

DannyVK

08-26-2002, 06:23 PM

Most of my writing happens week nights from 5:00 -7:00 P.M.; also my off day on Fridays is used to catch up on contacts with editors, follow-up letters, as well as new writing and queries.

HisServant

10-06-2002, 07:20 PM

When the Holy Spirit inspires me to write I tend to be quite obsessive and write morning, noon, and night. The only time I stop is to use the restroom or to fix a meal for my family otherwise, I pretty much stay glued to the computer until my novel is complete. (How's that for dedication?!) :)

ladypreacher

10-07-2002, 12:25 AM

Welcome!

You so much reminded me of me when I was a brand new baby born again Christian. Except I wasn't writing then. I was reading. I read my Bible morning, noon and night. Stopping only to take care of the necessities of life that would draw me away.

Thanks for the memories! How many novels have you written? Are you published? Let us all know more about you!

I'm currently half way through my second novel and imagining up my third and final to the trilogy. Not the kind of dedication going on like you but been plotting away. I'm to the point right now that I have enough to race to the finish with the current one and get going on the third.

God bless you!

Sincerely,

HisServant

10-07-2002, 06:38 PM

I have written and had three Christian romance novels published. My first is called, "All That Shines" and my second is "Until We Meet Again-The Sequel"; these are historical. My third and newest is a contemporary called "Allegiance". I love all three of my books but my newest holds a very special place in my heart. It just became available to the public in the last month.

I don't only write for enjoyment but also as a way to minister to those closest to me. I don't have many family members on either my side or my husband's side that are saved, so it is my hope that they'll read my books and understand and accept the plan of salvation. Another aspect of writing is that I, too, grow spiritually- which I honestly LOVE! That is probably the biggest reason I write so obsessively. It is very similar to what you were referring to when you were in your infancy of Christianity.

As far as my personal life goes I have been married to my "high school" sweetie for 12 years and we have a 9-year-old daughter (actually she will be 9 tomorrow). I homeschool my daughter, Audrey and have since she was itty bitty.

Isn't funny how we can summarize our very busy lives into a few paragraphs?

Have a Blessed Day! :)

Vicki Williamson

ladypreacher

10-08-2002, 01:24 AM

Hey there,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. You are an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many others. I'm as yet an unpublished author, except for a couple of really, really, bad poems a local newspaper published when I was in grade school. I read two of them just the other day... bad! I'm smiling.

With such ideal motives I know God will use you greatly; in your family, and in the general population! I too have the heart of an evangelist, and it shows up in my writing also.

Homeschooling your little girl! That really takes dedication! I considered it years ago, but know it would be me moaning for breaks and no history today!

May God continue to richly bless you in all you do.

Sincerely,

child_of_God

10-20-2002, 05:24 PM

I write pretty much whenever I fill that I want to. I carry around a notebook for those times I am inspired and there isn't a computer around.

I wrote a Christian-based story for my Senior Project here at my college. I got an A on it and am awful proud (I know show some humility:) ) but the school I attend isn't a Christian (its public) and the professor that graded it is a published author himself, but not in the Christian genre. So I was tickled that he gave it an A considering the school and the genre of the piece. :D

gracecrossing

10-25-2002, 01:32 PM

I write when I please for leasure writing; however, when I am writing a spiritual retreat program for someone, I usually write in the evenings. I find evening to be the time of day when I have the most energy and the most inspiration!! :)

Lea

11-19-2002, 08:20 AM

would that i had more time! i write whenever there is an extra moment - i often have to find those moments as they often tend to remain hidden within the busy-ness of the day. i often have to remind myself that God knows that He made the day with only 24 hours in it - so that must be enough time to get everything done that needs doing...including my writing!

ladypreacher

11-20-2002, 12:41 AM

Welcome!

Join the club! It's tough to find time to write to be sure. If the truth were known, I write in my secret life... No rest for the weary! One foot in front of the other, one step at a time.

Take care,

Socrates

12-20-2002, 10:10 AM

Together with the statistical majority, I am included on the "whenever-the-time-permits" group. And of course its younger brother "late-night" group.

Tells us volumes. Most fall under the pressure of time. Perhaps the reason Ephesians are suggesting us to take advantage of every opportunity ("kairos" not "kronos") for times are evil.

So what's so evil about the times? Is it because its short? Nope. It simply means, given free reign, flesh takes over.

CatManJax

01-13-2003, 10:01 AM

I write in the morning. Only after a few cups of Joe and after my dog has had his breakfast.

My pup and I wander together in a fantasy land, me behind my keyboard and him laying under my feet dreaming of his next encounter with a cat.

Some of the strangest plots and characters have come to me in dreams and during "half awake" moments. If only I could write them the way I see/dream them!

I have a fairly large selection of short stories and even a novel that I have not even attempted to get published. Guess I'm nervous obout rejection.

Until i work up the courage to submit my work...my puppy and I will be dreaming and writing.

God bless.

CatManJax

Lea

01-13-2003, 01:51 PM

from the clever way you described things in your reply, i think you should be brave and submit that novel.
go ahead!
Lea

Momzwrite

02-25-2003, 01:12 AM

Hello,
Mrs. Newbie here.
For all of my life I have felt like such a nut in a bowl of chips. I have always wanted to write, or should I really say, get published. I do not write faithfully, well actually more faithfully now that I have joined a local writing class, but when I do write, it's usually at night. Have I been published? No. I just recently learned how. And strangely now, after all of these years, I've suddenly forgotten how to write. I do not know what to write about, I am sooo shy as to interview people for articles, and when I write what I know, my words get all tangled. I stumbled on this website, thank the Lord, and I see a few more nuts in the bowl for the very first time. Wow, I did not know this world existed, I am so thrilled. So, ahem, I know your creativity aura will just flow through these forums and inspire me.

Wish me well.
Momzwrite

ladypreacher

02-26-2003, 12:27 AM

Hey, Hi!

I rather think of myself as salsa! I'm just a dip for all those chips!

Welcome!

Ladypreacher

Elittdruin

05-09-2003, 01:42 PM

I write when there is time
I like to write late at night as I am a night owl
But nrsing lives very little time for everything else

shemale

07-19-2003, 08:53 AM

hi,
I find that i write when the mood takes me. an idea or a word came spark off an idea and i have to write it then and if i don't the story is lost. Sometimes if i have a dream and it stays with me i write it down and it normaly becomes a story but i can't write from a plan. :)

anemulligan

07-29-2003, 03:06 PM

I start my day in my office writing. I try to break and go for a walk around lunch time, but if I'm hot into a creative streak, I can be found there atrophying (sp?) at ten at night!

I set myself goals of at least one chapter per day. I may have to completely rewrite it later, but I don't believe in writer's block. The Lord has shown me time and time again, if I will just start to put words down on paper, he will come along and help me rework them or inspire me somehow. It may be the next day or two weeks from now, but as a writer, I need to put words on paper every day.:D

ellenjames

08-25-2003, 06:45 PM

Well, that's a good question!

I like to write when I feel inspired; sometimes the inspiration comes as I set words on the paper. I'm a doodler, and sometimes I sit on the deck -- notebook in hand, watch the rabbits (yes, we have rabbits in our back yard!)and hummingbirds or other birds, and elaborate on their actions.

Some of what I write goes in the trash or lies dormant in a notebook. Sometimes I write in a notebook; sometimes I write on the computer.

Recently I was inspired my a cousin who made a suggestion that I write a triology. I had not thought of writing about the same characters again. (The first story: "Robbie and the Green Curls" was written because I wanted to write something about school days in the 40's and 50's.) So I sat down and wrote the complete story. Oh, I had thought about it for a few days, but it wouldn't come together until that day.

Since I have only written short stories, my plan of writing the story straight through to the finish, works. That doesn't mean it's finished. My stories also need revising and polishing. But I do have something on paper (or computer) to with which to work.

I wish you all success in your writing endeavors!

ellenjames

:)

livehope

11-02-2003, 10:19 AM

I write when my mom gets off the computer:rolleyes:

truckman

11-08-2003, 09:15 PM

I try to write down or record ideas for my writing whenever the Lord inspires me. If I don't write in down it gets lost in my wee little mind. Late at night is when I seem to get most of my inspiration and urge to get up and write. Many years of working the night shift, when I was able to work, is probably the reason writing all night works best for me.

joypellet

01-14-2004, 06:00 PM

I write in my journal whenever I get up and after my morning shower. I take time to write, pray, reflect on the day ahead. I'm fortunate to work at home and have the option of writing whenever the mood strikes me. I've just been published and am working on selling my book. I'm in the final stages of completing edits on my second book. My first is based on my own experiences. The second started with one of my hobbies of collecting, and finding treasures in an old attic. It leads to the Underground Railroad. It was an interesting quest and a huge learning experience. I'm awaiting inspiration for my third.

ladypreacher

01-16-2004, 01:11 AM

Welcome!

Keep us posted on your progress in selling that book! Best of everything to you!

Ladypreacher

waterfallbooks

02-03-2004, 02:21 AM

I write late at night (I am very much a night owl), though I do scribble down ideas whenever I get them (usually at night). I can do some writing in the afternoon and evening, but I get quite annoyed when my younger siblings (I'm the oldest of nine) bug me, so I try to work on less important things, like book reviews, during the day. That way I can concentrate on my book when my mind is at its best (between when everyone goes to bed and when it starts getting fuzzy).

Katie

JesseB.

03-24-2004, 05:42 PM

I write when I am bored. Mostly I post on message board forums (4 of them). 3 are Christian and 1 is secular. I am hoping to devote the weekends to writing stories, etc.

joypellet

03-24-2004, 06:03 PM

I am very excited, as my second novel has been accepted for publishing. I have been working with my third, which is not a novel, but a teaching sharing on brokenness and how we deal with it. This has been quite interesting to write and research. I've been talking with numerous others about challenges and how they face and overcome them. My goal is to help others face trials and grow in their faith. I will have my second group appearance coming up on April 8, where I will be sharing with senior citizens in our area. I am working on more ideas to sell my book. My first book came out in January and so far I've sold over 100. I'm encouraged. I am open to ideas from others on how they managed to get into bookstores for book signings. My book is POD, which some look at as self published. In my book the publisher isn't charging me anything accept for the books that I personally purchase. So, I do not consider myself self published. I am receiving feedback from some who have purchased my book and I am grateful. The Lord is fulfilling a life's dream. I only pray for his inspiration, so that others may benefit. Keep on writing out there. I've been very inspired by many Christian authors. We need you out there to combat the negative in the world. May God bless all of you. Joyce ;)

Turtle

03-24-2004, 08:28 PM

Hello,

Well, anywhere quiet would be an ideal place; although I'm sure many of you know that. The library is great place. It's quiet, all your resources are there: dictionary, thesaurus, etc. So just find a place where you imagination can take shape with out the bothersome noise we are faced with daily.

jeanimoo

04-03-2004, 02:00 AM

Tough to answer, but when He gives me one word or one sentence I will begin to write and it can be at any given time. So, I guess you could say I write as I am lead :) Thanks for the intriging question.

E. St. Lauren

04-03-2004, 09:39 PM

I claim this verse from I Corinthians 2:16--"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." Holy Bible KJV

Then, I pray for the mind of Christ and the heart of God and to be fair to my characters and the world before I take a pencil (or pen) and sit, listen, then compose. And most of my writing comes out edited.

I believe that writing is my calling.

Thank you for asking this very important question.
:)

Sleavie

05-14-2004, 10:16 AM

I write when the time is right; when I feel like it. I write when I have Divine inspiration. So to tell you the truth. It isn't up to me when I write, since God only knows what the future holds.

Passionate

05-17-2004, 07:57 AM

I'll have to agree with Sleavie on this one.
I wait to be inspired. Most of the stuff that I write comes to me a little bit
at a time.
I like to take my time when I write something.

Sleavie

05-17-2004, 09:05 AM

I am so blown away by the writing that God inspires me to write. It is like awesome when I write it and then when I read back it's even better, but sometimes God tells me to put in a word that makes the awesome line, just unbelievably awesome. It never ceases to amaze me, the awesomeness of God.

I know God wants me to write since as soon as I start, God inspires me.

I can ask Him for a topic and Bang, I get 2 or 3 and end up not being able to write fast enough to put down all the ideas He gives me. Incredible.

Dr. Daniel

05-20-2004, 04:21 PM

I like to write whenever I get the chance. The only decent poem I ever wrote was during recess. A blank piece of paper is like a new toy, you just ask God and see what happens. If it's a longer story, I plan it out a bit more, but the 'when' of writing is still whenever.

Dr. D

FireFeet

05-21-2004, 04:05 AM

My only "can't write" time is when I first wake up. I don't even have functioning brain cells until about four hours later. ;)

Other than that, I write almost constantly. There are pieces parts of poems and articles and stories on every item that could conceivably be considered paper. It makes cleaning my house and car kinna like a treasure hunt. :D

Sleavie

05-23-2004, 11:45 AM

LOL I know the feeling. I just have about 6 weeks work of putting all my paper writing onto the computer. I like writeing new stuff more then just typing what I read.

ellenjames

06-02-2004, 05:48 PM

Nancy Williams

06-11-2004, 08:10 AM

Hi. I've been following this threat with interest. I'm a new member, and I have five published romantic suspense titles already out, with a total of 24 complete, and many more contracted for release in the next two years. I finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up.
Since my husband and I moved from Nebraska to Missouri when he retired five years ago, my life took a wild turn, leaving me with time on my hands. While I wouldn't have written at all before, I now write at least 15 hrs a day.
We own a Christian B&B in the heart of the beautiful Missouri Ozarks, a great writer's retreat, by the way, and that keeps me busy as well.
We have two married children, and four grandchildren back in Nebraska, and in fact they will be visiting in a couple of weeks, and I can't help but be excited.
I also have a website with helps for beginning writers and free minibooks who are struggling in their walk with the Lord.
Feel free to take a look--http://www.nancyarantwilliams.com
My book blurbs and excerpts are also available there.
Hugs and blessings, Nancy Williams

Nta

06-11-2004, 10:17 PM

hi everybody,
like everyone else, i write when i'm inspired. Different things inspire me at different times. A word from God, an event, my moods, and incredible, geniune worship. My response to heart melting worship, is to find paper fast as i can, and scribble my heart out with tears running down my cheeks...
Living in a country where stable electricity is still a luxury means i have to restrict my writing to when there's power supply, which ain't too often. :o

smokey the dog

08-15-2004, 11:11 PM

I write when thhe inspiraion strikes me, amd that can be anytime. I work midnights and I often jot down ideas at work, then finish them when I get home in the morning. I've found that it's important to write it down when I get the inspiration, and not wait till later.

firstacts

12-28-2004, 12:12 PM

I am inspired throughout the day and can write at almost anytime. However, the disciplined part of my writing tends to happen in the late evening after the kiddos go to bed.

There is a wide variety of styles I enjoy including poetry, humor and dramatic scripts (about 200 so far).

By the way, I'm a newbie here although I am actively involved in other Christian writing sites. Working through the navigation issues and rules of the forum, but glad to be here.

In His Grip,

Glenn :)

RoseD

02-17-2005, 11:22 PM

I write early in the morning, before anyone else is awake. That way I've had enough sleep ;) , but there's no one to distract me. I also write at odd times in the day, when inspiration strikes or I have a spare moment or two, but most of my writing is done in the morning.

JCsAngelPen

02-19-2005, 06:20 PM

any time i can..since i'm still in high school it's tough to find time
but my imagination tends to wake up from 8 pm to 11 pm....ouchy...

TemlynWriting

02-21-2005, 02:32 PM

I write whenever the inspiration strikes me. I try to carry a pen and paper when I'm out and about, if a "case of the writings" hits me. ;) Lately I've been getting inspired with all sorts of ideas late at night, once I've gone to bed. I have always been somewhat of a night owl, but my husband leaves for work early and therefore he must go to bed early. I go to bed at the same time, mainly just because I don't like staying up alone, but lately there have been a few times when I've actually sneaked back in our office-room to type my ideas! I need to get a lamp for my nightstand, so I can read or write whenever I feel like it. The light doesn't bother my husband, so that's a good thing. I just don't have a lamp. :(

Ellesar

04-14-2005, 11:38 PM

I usually write whenever I get the chance, or whenever I really feel like writing. I suppose that it just depends on if I'm in a writing mood at the time I'm in front of my computer. I have several works-in-progress that I could work on, but...I'm just taking my time and writing on them when I get in the mood...

paulchernoch

05-23-2005, 06:19 PM

My favorite time to write is 5:30 - 6:45 am , before the kids wake up. The other typical time is 9:30 - 11:30 pm, after they go to sleep.

- Paul

Diannecp

05-23-2005, 06:27 PM

I write whenever my husband is sleeping or watching TV! No, seriously, I work 4-10 hour days. So I try to write for a while in the mornings on my days off, and on Sat. & Sunday. I would love to just write every morning but I'm usually pressed for time already.

paulchernoch

05-23-2005, 06:29 PM

undefined
Hi All!

This is an enlightening discussion! Most of you said you write when you feel inspired and that's very good! Only when one is inspired will the writing be captivating.

However, I wonder if there is something to be said for writing to a schedule. I mean set a definite time and write if only for fifteen minutes. You'd be surprised what might come from even that. It's like drawing from your subconscious mind. True, when I write that way some of it is not worth my own rereading, but some of it is . There really is something about the discipline of writing. If nothing else it helps your grammar! ;)

ellenjames

-- Ellenjames makes a good point. I try to write most every day. If I am stuck, I reread something I recently wrote and edit it. That is often enough to tickle my imagination and get me unstuck, if only for my next session.

Of course, the only way I am able to write to a schedule is because when I started my first novel (I just completed the first draft!) I began by writing an outline. Not everyone works well with outlines; I do. I always have some part of the outline I can work on, so I can always find something to write. Of course the first six months while I was developing the outline were brutal! Sometimes weeks passed during which I did nothing because I was stuck on some plot difficulty.

- Paul

roxy

05-30-2005, 11:26 PM

Always late at night, when im delusional ;)

kcompton

08-01-2005, 02:04 PM

I try to make myself write every day. I usually do it in the morning when my kids are at school or in the evenings after they're in bed. There's not a set time when I feel more creative. If I get an idea at a bad time, I jot it down and go to the computer later.

But that's just me...