Comments for Kathy Magrino - The Write Way, LLC http://www.thewriteway.com Writing… Marketing… Doing Business “The Write Way”… AND MORE! Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:02:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Margaret Casperson http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1194 Margaret Casperson Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:02:16 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1194 Whenever I write, especially for school assignments, I do a few things to get ready. 1. Avoid distractions I also turn off my cellphone, and my iPod so I'm not easily distracted. I also find a quite place to work. At my house, the most quite place for me to work is in my basement. 2. I write all my ideas down a sheet of paper Even though it is old school, I write all my ideas down on a sheet of paper. This way I am not distracted with anything from my computer. Once I get all my ideas down on a sheet a paper, I transfer all of my ideas from the sheet of paper to my computer. 3. I also try to take a break every 20 minutes This way I can relax my brain. I usually listen to one song or eat a snack on my break. Whenever I write, especially for school assignments, I do a few things to get ready.

1. Avoid distractions

I also turn off my cellphone, and my iPod so I’m not easily distracted. I also find a quite place to work. At my house, the most quite place for me to work is in my basement.

2. I write all my ideas down a sheet of paper

Even though it is old school, I write all my ideas down on a sheet of paper. This way I am not distracted with anything from my computer. Once I get all my ideas down on a sheet a paper, I transfer all of my ideas from the sheet of paper to my computer.

3. I also try to take a break every 20 minutes

This way I can relax my brain. I usually listen to one song or eat a snack on my break.

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Karly Ossowski http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1193 Karly Ossowski Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:00:41 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1193 In order to efficiently work on a project, I need to apply pressure. I find that I work best under pressure, whether I have to change the circumstances or what. I suppose this may be why I tend to work last minute, and it's probably a good excuse as to why I'm a procrastinator. As much as I would like to say that I shut off all distractions around me, I don't. I tend to listen to music or keep Facebook on the next tab, but I do need there to be no talking. I love contributing to a conversation, so if there is one going on around me I will be awfully tempted to join, and sure to listen. So, isolation is usually the most effective policy. The last step I take to writing a project is writing. Most if not all of my projects are required to be typed, but I have to hand write at least the beginning of my work, if not all of it, to get my project going. That's how I get ready to write. :) In order to efficiently work on a project, I need to apply pressure. I find that I work best under pressure, whether I have to change the circumstances or what. I suppose this may be why I tend to work last minute, and it’s probably a good excuse as to why I’m a procrastinator. As much as I would like to say that I shut off all distractions around me, I don’t. I tend to listen to music or keep Facebook on the next tab, but I do need there to be no talking. I love contributing to a conversation, so if there is one going on around me I will be awfully tempted to join, and sure to listen. So, isolation is usually the most effective policy. The last step I take to writing a project is writing. Most if not all of my projects are required to be typed, but I have to hand write at least the beginning of my work, if not all of it, to get my project going. That’s how I get ready to write. :)

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Samantha Corral http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1192 Samantha Corral Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:59:54 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1192 Getting into a "writing mood" definitely takes me a minute. I have tough time focusing on the quality of my writing when I know I have laundry in the dryer, dishes in the sink, and a shower that needs a good scrubbing. Keeping my entire environment orderly allows me to feel as if my writing can happen without ANY distractions. Once everything is in its place I can begin. I need comfy clothes, a well-caffeinated mind, and a detailed to-do list. I sometimes can get overwhelmed with tasks, but seeing them written out seems less hectic. Because my mind tends to wander and I'm easily distracted I can NOT handle a break. I must finish one project before I can take a breather. After my (strict) routine, my writing comes out to be work I am proud to hand in. :) Getting into a “writing mood” definitely takes me a minute. I have tough time focusing on the quality of my writing when I know I have laundry in the dryer, dishes in the sink, and a shower that needs a good scrubbing. Keeping my entire environment orderly allows me to feel as if my writing can happen without ANY distractions. Once everything is in its place I can begin. I need comfy clothes, a well-caffeinated mind, and a detailed to-do list. I sometimes can get overwhelmed with tasks, but seeing them written out seems less hectic. Because my mind tends to wander and I’m easily distracted I can NOT handle a break. I must finish one project before I can take a breather. After my (strict) routine, my writing comes out to be work I am proud to hand in. :)

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Benjamin Smith http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1191 Benjamin Smith Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:58:58 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1191 There are several steps that I must also follow before being able to write creatively. Sometimes these steps only take a matter of minutes to run through before I can begin or sometimes much, much longer. 1. Step one is always used to clear my head of all impending deadlines and activities. I can not be committed to writing when I have other thoughts cluttering my imagination. This involves turning off the television, closing a book and/or just laying down to relax for a few minutes before I can start. 2. If after this step the words are not flying from my thoughts onto paper, I must reorganize myself and give it another shot. This may be as simple as stepping away from my notebook or computer for a few minutes to collect myself before returning. If the writing won't come naturally, it's no good. You can't force genius into greatness. 3. When you start to get into a groove, you must do everything in your power to keep yourself in that mindset. Sometimes the groove only lasts a paragraph, maybe longer perhaps even shorter but this is when you will do your best work. To keep myself interested and distraction-free I like to have a warm or cool beverage (dependent on the season) and a brain food snack such as fruits or almonds. Your writing is guaranteed to be improved by just following these short and simple steps. There are several steps that I must also follow before being able to write creatively. Sometimes these steps only take a matter of minutes to run through before I can begin or sometimes much, much longer.

1. Step one is always used to clear my head of all impending deadlines and activities. I can not be committed to writing when I have other thoughts cluttering my imagination. This involves turning off the television, closing a book and/or just laying down to relax for a few minutes before I can start.
2. If after this step the words are not flying from my thoughts onto paper, I must reorganize myself and give it another shot. This may be as simple as stepping away from my notebook or computer for a few minutes to collect myself before returning. If the writing won’t come naturally, it’s no good. You can’t force genius into greatness.
3. When you start to get into a groove, you must do everything in your power to keep yourself in that mindset. Sometimes the groove only lasts a paragraph, maybe longer perhaps even shorter but this is when you will do your best work. To keep myself interested and distraction-free I like to have a warm or cool beverage (dependent on the season) and a brain food snack such as fruits or almonds.
Your writing is guaranteed to be improved by just following these short and simple steps.

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Stacey Dileo http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1190 Stacey Dileo Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:58:36 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1190 When I write I need to be in a quiet place. Even the smallest thing will get me off track. I usually like to be alone so that I am able to focus on just what I am writing about. Just like you I like to jot things down before I write or I will forget my thoughts throughout writing. I always like to take breaks or I get to bored and start rushing my work. I can not have my phone near me or I will text the whole time and not get anything done. That is how I get ready to write!! :) When I write I need to be in a quiet place. Even the smallest thing will get me off track. I usually like to be alone so that I am able to focus on just what I am writing about. Just like you I like to jot things down before I write or I will forget my thoughts throughout writing. I always like to take breaks or I get to bored and start rushing my work. I can not have my phone near me or I will text the whole time and not get anything done.
That is how I get ready to write!! :)

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Chelsea http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1189 Chelsea Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:58:11 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1189 I agree with your blog 100%. I have a hard time trying to write so by doing these steps I think they will help me a lot. When I write I usually draw a map of what I have to do so that I have something to follow while I am doing my work. Writing a list of this to do also helps me a lot. Does writing down things that are not related really help? I feel that it would distract me more by thinking about it. Number 2 is probably the hardest to do out of all of them because it seems that everyone is always on their phone and it really distracts people. I think putting away all your distractions help a lot. I get more work done when I am in my pjs because it is more of a comfort thing. I really like the idea of timing yourself because it helps to pace yourself, and I heard that having snacks in between studying and writing really helps people to concentrate. I have a hard time focusing on the readers because it is hard to know what people want. I really enjoyed this blog and I will try this steps because I think they will really help!!!!! I agree with your blog 100%. I have a hard time trying to write so by doing these steps I think they will help me a lot. When I write I usually draw a map of what I have to do so that I have something to follow while I am doing my work. Writing a list of this to do also helps me a lot. Does writing down things that are not related really help? I feel that it would distract me more by thinking about it. Number 2 is probably the hardest to do out of all of them because it seems that everyone is always on their phone and it really distracts people. I think putting away all your distractions help a lot. I get more work done when I am in my pjs because it is more of a comfort thing. I really like the idea of timing yourself because it helps to pace yourself, and I heard that having snacks in between studying and writing really helps people to concentrate. I have a hard time focusing on the readers because it is hard to know what people want. I really enjoyed this blog and I will try this steps because I think they will really help!!!!!

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Kim C http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1188 Kim C Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:57:41 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1188 The step I can most relate to is number four. I don't time myself, but I give myself a reward to work to. I often tell myself, "okay, once I get to the end of this page I can take a break." Unless I'm on a roll, I usually have to write a little at a time. Sometimes it helps to do something else for a little bit because I'll subconsciously be thinking about my writing and an idea will pop into my head. Also, I need to be really comfortable to write. When I feel comfortable I'm definitely more relaxed. I'll change into sweats and maybe make a cup of tea or coffee. I can't really relate to step number three because I'll just keep doing what I like and procrastinate. If I were to watch a TV show I like first I'll keep telling myself, "okay just one more" and then before I know it I've watched hours of TV! Lastly, I don't need it to be quiet, the TV and radio help me relax, but I people talking really distracts me. Therefore, I write best when I'm alone. Depending on what I'm writing or how I'm feeling that day plays a big part in if I need to do all of these things or none at all! The step I can most relate to is number four. I don’t time myself, but I give myself a reward to work to. I often tell myself, “okay, once I get to the end of this page I can take a break.” Unless I’m on a roll, I usually have to write a little at a time. Sometimes it helps to do something else for a little bit because I’ll subconsciously be thinking about my writing and an idea will pop into my head. Also, I need to be really comfortable to write. When I feel comfortable I’m definitely more relaxed. I’ll change into sweats and maybe make a cup of tea or coffee. I can’t really relate to step number three because I’ll just keep doing what I like and procrastinate. If I were to watch a TV show I like first I’ll keep telling myself, “okay just one more” and then before I know it I’ve watched hours of TV! Lastly, I don’t need it to be quiet, the TV and radio help me relax, but I people talking really distracts me. Therefore, I write best when I’m alone. Depending on what I’m writing or how I’m feeling that day plays a big part in if I need to do all of these things or none at all!

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Emily http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1187 Emily Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:57:12 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1187 Whenever I start to write a paper or anything for that matter I have to be completely mentally separated from all my other obligations. As you mentioned above you write your other tasks down and then hide it away, I do the same. My desk has to be clear of distractions because as I'm writing I will space out and think of all the other things I have to do. I try to turn off my Facebook and phone, but then I worry that I'm "missing out" on whats going on out there, so my phone goes back on and I take a small break to peek on Facebook! I also have to change my scenery when I'm writing something. If I begin writing in my room, a half hour later I'm on my way to the library or sitting outside. I feel like a change of scenery may bring me new ideas. But as you said I like to make an outline of everything I want to say, and I start writing bullet points and sentences I know I want to include, then I go back and organize after I have all my definite thoughts down. These are just a few of my pre writing rituals. Whenever I start to write a paper or anything for that matter I have to be completely mentally separated from all my other obligations. As you mentioned above you write your other tasks down and then hide it away, I do the same. My desk has to be clear of distractions because as I’m writing I will space out and think of all the other things I have to do. I try to turn off my Facebook and phone, but then I worry that I’m “missing out” on whats going on out there, so my phone goes back on and I take a small break to peek on Facebook!
I also have to change my scenery when I’m writing something. If I begin writing in my room, a half hour later I’m on my way to the library or sitting outside. I feel like a change of scenery may bring me new ideas. But as you said I like to make an outline of everything I want to say, and I start writing bullet points and sentences I know I want to include, then I go back and organize after I have all my definite thoughts down. These are just a few of my pre writing rituals.

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Lily http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1186 Lily Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:56:46 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1186 Hey, I really think that this was a great article. I agree that you should always have the audience's perspective in mind when you are blogging. What I do to get ready to blog is to gather my thoughts. We all have thoughts and ideas throughout the day, but many of them don't get written down. To handwrite little notes to yourself whenever a great idea pops into your head is extremely helpful. This not only goes for blogging, but writing in general, because this way you actually see your ideas on paper. As for spam control problems that you may be having with wordpress, try using a plugin that detects whether a comment is spam or not. That should really help. Good Luck. Hey, I really think that this was a great article. I agree that you should always have the audience’s perspective in mind when you are blogging. What I do to get ready to blog is to gather my thoughts. We all have thoughts and ideas throughout the day, but many of them don’t get written down. To handwrite little notes to yourself whenever a great idea pops into your head is extremely helpful. This not only goes for blogging, but writing in general, because this way you actually see your ideas on paper.

As for spam control problems that you may be having with wordpress, try using a plugin that detects whether a comment is spam or not. That should really help. Good Luck.

]]> Comment on Getting Ready to Write (in 2012) by Theresa H. http://www.thewriteway.com/getting-ready-to-write-in-2012/comment-page-1/#comment-1185 Theresa H. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:56:27 +0000 http://www.thewriteway.com/?p=456#comment-1185 It depends on what I have to write and what purpose the writing will take that determines what I do when I get ready to write. If I am writing for a grade I must turn off everything! I can not have any distractions but music. Music helps me to calm down in tense situations. So, I pull my headphones out and listen to my Ipod or listen to my Youtube playlist until I have accomplished what I needed to write. The most important thing for me to do is to make a playlist of songs that I want to listen to so I wont waste time picking a song when one song ends. I hate writing for classes so I make myself bored with only listening to music to motivate me to get it done. I also like to do my graded writing assignments in the library because I hate the library and I have no choice but to do it. If I am writing poetry or writing something for fun I can listen to music loudly and have everything up but my music has to be the same mode that my poem is or that im feeling when I am writing for fun. So a playlist is still a must. It depends on what I have to write and what purpose the writing will take that determines what I do when I get ready to write. If I am writing for a grade I must turn off everything! I can not have any distractions but music. Music helps me to calm down in tense situations. So, I pull my headphones out and listen to my Ipod or listen to my Youtube playlist until I have accomplished what I needed to write. The most important thing for me to do is to make a playlist of songs that I want to listen to so I wont waste time picking a song when one song ends. I hate writing for classes so I make myself bored with only listening to music to motivate me to get it done. I also like to do my graded writing assignments in the library because I hate the library and I have no choice but to do it. If I am writing poetry or writing something for fun I can listen to music loudly and have everything up but my music has to be the same mode that my poem is or that im feeling when I am writing for fun. So a playlist is still a must.

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