Preparing to write and publish: What works? What doesn't?

What's your writing practice pointers? What's your style?

[Webwork]

I've got more darned outlines. I've got a stack of magazine articles that I've torn out to save. You know how that goes.

What I'd like to know is what your personal habits or practices are when it comes to actually putting words up on screen.

Do you write at a certain time? In a certain place? With certain 'writing aids' - such as music?

Do you have a favorite writing chair? What is it?

Do you have a favorite writing (typing) platform: A special keyboard? Which one? All the ergonomic aids, like wrist rests, etc? Which ones?

Did you pick out the perfect monitor? What makes it the perfect monitor?

Is there a window you look out? No windows? Why?

Where do you write and where do you do your best work?

Me? I've GOT to get a better chair. 20 inch flat panel, elevated to my eye height to reduce my neck strain. I've got windows in my office, sometimes open to the world. I've got the ergonomic keyboard. I'm close to the kitchen, so making tea is a breeze. I tend to work with public radio on. I've got lots of surface space that tends to be cluttered . . then organized . . then cluttered. I write at all times of day, something that I feel a need to change.

I am an undisciplined writer.

That's a few things about me.

You?

[europeforvisitors]

Sounds like a good topic for the Content, Writing, and Copyright Forum:

[webmasterworld.com...]

Or maybe the Ergonomics and Workspace Forum, if there were one at Webmaster World. :-)

[jimbeetle]

I need quiet. Then again, unless I don't.

For structured articles I need quiet, or at least a minimum of distraction. For observational, blog-like things it doesn't really matter; laptop in the park on a nice day or front of the tube in the evening works for me.

Favorite keyboard beyond a doubt is the old IBM clickety-clack Model M [en.wikipedia.org]. It's the only one that can stand up to my manual typewriter-teletype-keypunch style of banging on the keys.

[Go60Guy]

Yes, it takes discipline. Everyone is different, but, with me, I have to muster up new resolve each time good writing becomes a necessity. Lately, in order to increase volume, I've been downloading private label rights articles and re-writing them. Goes much faster, but the creative juices just don't flow as well.

I do find that once I get started, all other considerations like environment, ergonomics, etc. become irrelevant. The task itself takes over. It's the getting started that's the problem. Try some affirmations - visualize yourself immersed in the excitement and fullfilment of creativity. Man, I need to hear myself say that!

Chair: Herman Miller, and no other, IMO.

[biscuit]

Two monitors.

Keep your content under creation on one, and your notes on the other. Spend more on mouse, monitor and keyboard. Frustration with bad tools shows in your writing.

er ... why is this in the adsense forum?

[Webwork]

err . . why is this in the adsense forum?

Sorry. My bad. I shall now atone for my loss of focus and show myself worthy.

Hey everybody, my income was down yesterday . . . but it's waaaay up today!

Help me! I'm shrinking!