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I find that when I write, I have my dictionary, internet, thesaurus, and pen and paper at hand. What do you use as tools to help you write a more effective poem or short story? I also have poetry help books on hand when I need them. Whats your best source?:wave:
Hugs, Cat
Well, for poetry, just a notebook or any paper I can get (or receipts or the back of business cards) and a pen or pencil.
Thanks Silas for answering. It does seem that the best poetry comes in the middle of the night or at a restaurant or some place where we have to forget it or grab a napkin or whatever huh?
Thanks Cat
For poetry, whatever is nearest at hand to write with and on. I do keep a journal of a collection of different styles in it, becasue I like to write in a wide varity of different verses.
For stories, a note book and the computer, sometimes the thesaurus
Energy Drink, Insomnia, Inspiration, some good reading material, computer, dictionary.com, and some discipline.
Haha yes discipline is a good one, and with me these days, time.
A hammer.
Sometimes a screwdriver - but only sometimes.
A hammer sounds scary limajean lol. Hope you don't hit yourself if the right words won't come to you hehe. Maybe that's what I need to add to my arsenal of writing tools. I also like music on when I write but not the tv. Not sure why.
Hugs, Cat
When I write on my computer, which is almost always, I usually need a thesaurus of some sort and food. Sometimes I'll pull up pictures of random things like landscapes, textures, people, to inspire me imagery-wise.
pencil and paper.
Well, obviously a pen and notebook if i'm out and about, but if i'm at home i use my laptop. Other than looking through dictionary.com and pouring through the internet for info, the other main tool i use is my brain.
Never looked at Dictionary.com. Will have to check it out. Thanks to those who are replying.
Hugs, Cat
Pen and paper, then typing, then writing out in pen and paper, then finally typing. I go through 3-4 drafts on most things - drafts not being edited for mistakes and reworking, drafts being first attempt, second attempt, with total rewriting. I also have an Oxford English Dictionary on the computer, and a decent reference collection - Bible, Poetry, classics - plus scholarship, which makes things alright. Really though, for a prewrite, I usually spend a week or two reading critical opinions on my lunch hour in the big university library, then let that sit for a week without touching those books, then put the pen to paper. That's the only way to make sure you have your own ideas, but aren't totally just misreading.
My laptop, my notebook, pen, lots of cigarettes and lots of either coffee, beer, whiskey or wine. Sometimes all.
A pen, a notebook, my workbooks, ear plugs and ... cigarettes.:lol: The bulk of the work is done in my workbooks and I use them as a reference.
Good replies everyone. I see some of us need music and others ear plugs. Some drinks and others nothing. It's all so individual. Whatever works! Keep the replies coming.
Hugs, Cat
When writing longer work:
1. Notes
2. Music
3, Dictionary & Thesaurus
4. Notepad
When writing poetry:
1. Inspiration
2. Journal (or whatever paper I can find)
Pencil and notebook.
I find it helps if I sacrifice a small furry animal, and suck its blood up into my quill. If the blood starts to congeal, I heat it a little over a black candle.
Hahahahahah
Pen. Notepad. A pen (incase the other runs out.)
Microsoft word - use of it's thesaurus, dictionary, and for my eventual type up.
A cup of tea.
:D
I try to keep it simple; I can write in nearly any environment, but the condition of the environment makes my creativity sensitive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cat_Brenners
I need a pen and my notebook. Other things needed that may affect me: an average chair (not one too comfortable, or else I get too relaxed), a nearby window of some sort for daydreaming, a silenced cell phone, and occasionally my iPod to listen to anything without lyrics (preferably classical); if in public, the iPod headphones can also function as a do-not-disturb sign. I never have a dictionary, thesaurus, or any reference guide within sight; I can edit the words later, but the first draft, I write with the heart.
By the way, Cat, I see you come from the Pacific northwest.
:wave: Greetings, from a native Portlander!
Thanks for replying all of you. Scary Silas lmao.
Mono, I am from WA. state so we are rather close.
Take care all of you.
Hugs, Cat
Silas must be writing some killer stuff! ;-)
Pen. 'Best' paper, scrap paper for notes, computer, huge quantity of any kind of hot drink,
Does anyone else use typewriters? I purchased one months ago, and jokingly call it my piano. I rarely use it, and own it mainly for something on my desk to look authentic, old, and cool.
Typewriters seem a bit high-maintenance, but I suppose I come from the computer generation, where we do not have to hit the return key for line breaks, install ink, etc.
I did about ten years ago before we had a computer. It drove me nuts so i just gave up and hand wrote instead. I loved the noise it made and the "cling" at the end!
My primary tools are my grossly overactive imagination, my intelligence, and my encyclopaedic memory. A sharp knife is sometimes useful also.
I don't use a typewriter any more. I find the computer takes care of that. But, I do enjoy the noise of the typewriter. Maybe silly.
Hugs, Cat
All I have is a lap-top computer, a dictionary, a reverse dictionary (Reader's Digest Special!) and the Oxford dictionary of quotations. I don't write by hand, partly because if I do i try and keep up with my thoughts, and eventually i can't read it myself, never mind anyone else. Oh, a glass of claret sometimes help, either that or a decent brandy. Writtn some of my best stuff that way - and some of my worst!!
A good atmosphere and space (E.g. a place where I'm not disturbed by people- people can be present, but not bothering me or engaging me in activities or conversation)
My favourite notebook, a black leather bound one with recycled paper and a purple ribbon closure.
A nice, black pen that the ink flows out of easily. It's a must.
And, if I happen to have my iPod, or be near my computer- some music.
I read NickAdams's reply,
"cigarettes" haha reminded me of E.E. Cummings.
I never wrote anything longer than a typical essay
so usually I sit down on my computer typing.
But to write a poetry, I need a raining weather. :D