Other Outlets

I've learned something horrible.
Something downright distressing.
Ladies and gentlemen, editing doesn't leave much room for the imagination.
Sorry, was that not what you were expecting?

But it's true. While, yes, there is some imagining involved in editing, there isn't much. It's mostly analytical, grammar-induced changes. Far cry from writing or plotting. Due to this lack of use, my imagination has found others ways of expressing itself.
Through poetry.
It all began with a poem I wrote for my dad upon his graduation. Since then, my mind has sparked random lines of poetry. Nothing long or epic, just short, pretty verses. The kind of things you'd see on Pinterest.

e.l.layne is me, in case you were wondering

Which is why I created a Pinterest board to keep track of my non-rhyming dalliances. Click here to check it out!
I've only written three poems so far. I don't force the words, instead allowing inspiration to strike when it dares. Which happens to be at rather inconvient times, might I add.
Poetry is certainly a nice change, but I'm looking forward to planning a trilogy that I've got lurking in the back of my mind. As soon as I finish editing WISHES, MAYBE, plotting can begin!

You Don't Have What?

The modern age has spoiled us writers. And also created endless ways to feed our procrastinator minds. 
By why not take advantage of the good (and procrastinate a little)?
This is where I ask you a simple question, but an important one.
Do you have a Pinterest?
If your answer is no and you're a writer--what are you doing?! You're missing out on prime inspiration and organization. Let me lay it out for you.
I use Pinterest constantly before/while planning my books. I honestly don't know how I managed in the Dark Days prior to it. The pins help me to visualize characters, places, and objects--while keep it organized on one special board.
See Exhibit A: Second-Hand Scavengers Board.
If you prowl around my page a bit more, you'll stumble upon other boards I've created. Seeing a trend here? All of the books I'm proud enough to put on my website have a Pinterest board. Coincidence? I think not.
So, writer, what are you waiting for, sign up for Pinterest. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Besides, where else would you find cute gifs like this?

Foxes are totally my favorite animal, by the way...

Where Do You Go?

Writing takes intense concentration.

Broken up by frequent visits to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Some people call this procrastinating. I like to think of it as... staying up-to-date.

                                      

Back back to my original statement. Writing takes intense concentration. And as NaNoWriMo season approaches (T-minus TWO DAYS!), I'm contemplating how to sink into that "zone." C'mon, you know what I mean. The magical place where the outside world vanishes, and you're totally submerged into the world of your book.

There are many ways people achieve that kind of focus, and they're different for each person. For me, I've found three things that boost my concentration.

1. Having a dedicated writing area. When I sit down at my desk, I know I'm going to be doing something writer-related. Immediately that gets me in the right frame of mind.

2. Being comfortable. Yes, this usually involves pajama pants and slippers. Nothing's more aggravating than trying to imagine a scene and that tag in the back of your t-shirt is playing a game of indian burn with your neck.

                                       

3. Force, by any means necessary. I'm a procrastinator. I'm also lazy and at times very unmotivated. So I have to force myself to write. This is why I love NaNoWriMo so much. It shoves me into writing mode. Every. Single. Day. Rewards are also great motivators. Like if I keep ahead on my word count, on Monday I'll be reworded with a sandwich, chips, and the latest episode of Sailor Moon Crystal. It seriously works.