Friday, May 1, 2009

Best Thinking


Where do you do your best thinking?

I was in the shower when I came up with the hook that transformed my query letter into something worth reading.

At night, just before my mind floats off into dreamland I’m agitated with delicious thoughts, character details, compilations of intriguing life dilemmas, believable dialogue, and perhaps one carefully crafted sentence.

When I’m staring out over a body of water I’m also usually bombarded by beautiful sentences, inventive plot lines or creative inspirations.
Interesting how each of these places is not really conducive for writing. I’ve learned to have pen and paper on “my person” (I love that saying) just about anywhere I go. Okay, I don’t bring any writing utensils in the shower. I will admit though, I burst out of the shower once done (toweled or clothed, of course) and race to the computer to get it all down before I forget anything.

I once read whenever you have an important decision to make you should go to a cemetery. Walk around. Sit on one of the benches for awhile. It has a way of putting everything into perspective.

So, where do you do some of your best thinking?

Bonus: Name two cartoons characters that go somewhere specific to think, then name that place.

13 comments:

  1. I have a friend who has an oil pencil hanging from a string in her shower because she gets inspiration so often there (she just jots it on the wall). I think that is so clever. For me, it's driving in a quiet car (sans little ones), or dozing off for a lazy Sunday afternoon nap.

    Can't think of any cartoon characters!

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  2. I find walking does it. It brings me to a different place, outside in the sunshine, tuned in to the nature around me. Sometimes just seeing things from a different place like that will do it, and it's also a great way contemplate a writing dilemma with a walking partner.

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  3. Thanks for stopping by my blog today, Wendy. I do my best thinking at night in bed or early in the morning when I wake up. I think my mind is fresher then and no distractions but to think. You have a great blog:)

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  4. Thanks for sharing! I'd never thought about this much before. I think I do my best thinking when I'm trying to fall asleep, and when I'm staring at the computer screen. Sometimes there are those quiet moments of serendipity that seem to come out of nowhere. A color, a scent, and image are all it takes to create a whole new world. And, I guess, a quiet moment so you can notice those things. :)

    Lilo (Lilo and Stitch) goes to her bed when she needs a serious think. Stitch will often go to their clubhouse and look at pictures.

    Winnie-the-Pooh goes to his Thoughtful Spot. Usually a log. :D

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  5. I'm forever frustrated by the wonderful thoughts and ideas that float through my scattered brain just before I fall asleep. I started keeping a journal in the night stand but I'm generaly too exhausted to write anything down.

    I am, however, very happy to welcome you to the SITStahood as an official member of the Welcomistas... see you at roll call

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  6. I definitely do my best thinking in the shower! When I was a kid I used to have these "tub crayons" that you could write on tile with! So I decided I'm going to buy them again this way I can write out ideas and to-do lists while I'm in the shower.

    I also tend to do good thinking while I'm driving, also not a great place to write though!

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  7. Wendy:
    My problem is, I can't turn my brain off! I don't have enough hours to write down all my crazy, swirling thoughts. But, those probably aren't worth writing, anyway!

    When I receive a truly amazing "I know that can't be me, because I'm not smart enough to think that" thought, is usually when I'm praying, or just sitting in front of the computer, asking and waiting on God for help.

    Other times, when I least expect it, like in the middle of my husband's sermon on the disciples, I will get a thought for a humor article--- go figure!

    Thanks for this post!

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  8. I did a post awhile ago about this. I best think in the car on a long drive. Love it!

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  9. Tess, I love your friend's oil pencil idea for the shower! Ah, a nap, what's that? :D

    Joanne, I would have to agree, sometimes after a good run I feel rejuvenated and a new thought will spring up.

    Hi Terri, It was fun looking at your blog! I liked your story. I'm more of a morning than night person.

    Windsong, Nice Job on the cartoons! You get the verbal prize for the day...WAY TO GO! I love your about me description too...going to look more at your blog soon (hopefully I'll get some time this weekend...if not early next week).

    DiPaola, you should see the scrawls that I try to discern the next day that I've written in the dark on the sheet of paper by my bed. Sometimes I can't even make any words out.

    Juliet, my music is usually up too loud when I'm driving. Let me know how those tub crayons work out for you. :D

    Jeanette, I love that you are thinking of stories during your husband's sermons. :D You reminded me though, I often AM inspired during church services.

    Lady, what do they say...great minds think alike. :D I miss reading your daily blogs...but I respect your priorities!

    Happy Weekend! Thanks for keeping me entertained with your answers!

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  10. I do my best thinking over a good, long run. It puts me into what I call "autopilot" when I get lost in my thoughts. If I start to struggle I think about something that makes me mad and I push good and hard through the pain. I can work through a lot of issues over those miles- must be the solitude and being alone where I can think in the beautiful, quiet countryside.

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  11. I think at bed time too! But some nights I'm so exhausted when I fall into bed that I can't enjoy that time of thinking about my next scene and plotting it out! So lately I'm plotting as I write! Great thoughts, Wendy!

    Have a great weekend!

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  12. Hi Wendy,
    First, thank you for continuing to visit my blog. I really appreciate it.
    I loved this post. It is comforting to know I am not the only one who has "on my person" pen and paper at all times and bursts out of the shower with creative thoughts!
    For me, I find the best thoughts come to me when I meditate. It clears my head of all my ego and lets God take over. Also, the idea of going to a cemetery when making decisions I love. When I worked in hospice care, just going to work kept things in perspective. I once heard that their are monks somewhere in the world who meditate in coffins on a daily basis. That pretty much keeps things in perspective, doesn't it? Remembering St. Paul's words ( I am paraphrasing) "set your thoughts not on things of this world," liberates me and helps me remember this world is only something I am passing through.
    My prayers and heart are with you and your family, Wendy during this tough time with your Dad.

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  13. I do my best thinking right as I'm falling asleep! But then by the time I wake up I have forgotten everything. Darnit!

    Welcome to the SITSahood! It's great to have new members and we look forward to seeing you around.

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