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zany ideas of a productive writer. My students keep reminding me of my unusual tools and how helpful they have been for them. I also thank my students for their concept testing and refinement. Now, I feel much more confidant about sending them out into world.For next few minutes let your imagination run amuck. Okay, amuck is a little too far out there, so what about allowing an open mind for time being. Afterwards, you can let your mind ruminate.
My office has a beautiful ˇ°uˇ± shape ash wood desk that I'm proud of. Partially due to its price and uniqueness. It is here, I handle my emails, pay bills, read, coach, and edit there. Yet, I had difficulty setting ground work for my writing. Tasks like creating first drafts, deciding on major points, or creating a table of contents. Because of this I usually seek another environment that sparks these efforts.
Probably like yourself, I found my best ideas arrive when I'm in shower, when I first wake, while driving, or while walking. Just to name a few. Let's take a short side trip, I want to share with you how I capture my thoughts during these light-bulb moments.
While walking I use a tape recorder on an adjustable camera strap around my neck. Voice activation and mike pointed up towards your chin are musts. To start recording all you need to do is tuck in your chin and begin speaking. I say my name first usually because first one or two words get lost while recorder's activation mode kicks on. Heavy breathing or puffing, since it goes forward and not down, usually does not activate recorder.
In shower, I use a pen I purchased while visiting NASA in Florida. It can write in extreme temperatures and underwater. A grease pen works well if you don't mind writing large. It is also cheaper. Add a diver's under water board and you're ready.
For driving, I use same method as I do for my walks. Normally engine noise will activate recorder if left on seat. That is, unless you have a car that is perfectly quiet inside.
Okay, side track over, back to zany ideas.
During day I found myself playing musical chairs when writing. At home and in office. My lounge chair in my bedroom was right for personal journaling. Early outside sunrises was for new inspirations.
