Guest - Cassandra Carr - Strange Things Writers Do

Writers have some awfully odd methods and rituals. Some use big white boards to plot their stories. Some put on special “writing gear” – a favorite sweatshirt, a specific pair of socks; and still others have to listen to a certain band or drink a certain beverage out of a specific mug.

Me? I have nothing like this. I’m not really the type to begin with, but at this point in my writing career, I can’t really afford to anyway. I write when I can. If I can listen to music, that’s fine. If I can’t, that’s okay too. I wear whatever I happen to have on that day, I write in whatever location I can find at the moment.

But I do know writers who absolutely cannot write without their little quirks and rituals. Hey – we’re all as different as our books, and that’s what makes the world go ‘round, so I’m all for it. If it works for you, by all means, do it!

Do you have any little things you like to do to get yourself through a day?



The elevator doors opened, and Drew hurried to unlock his apartment and punch his code into the security pad before continuing straight to his bedroom. He spun and picked Jamie up as she neared the door, and she let out a squeak of protest.

“Drew!”

“What? I’m trying to be romantic. Efficient too.” He grinned at her when she struggled to get out of his grip. The way she fought against him both amused and aroused him. “Not so fast,” he warned her. “I’m not planning to let you get away until I’m good and finished with you.”

Jamie cocked an eyebrow. “Good and finished? Be still my heart! Such dreamy talk from a man like you! I had no idea.”

Drew laughed and dropped Jamie on the king-size bed with enough force to make her bounce, then climbed on top of her. Before she could protest again, he’d taken her lips in another deep kiss. Jamie melted beneath him, snaking her hands around his neck while his found her hips, pulling her closer. “You need to get naked,” he declared, rolling off her.

“Just me? That’s hardly fair. If I’m getting naked, then this time, so are you.” Her beautiful, full lips pouted at him.

He stood up, and in seconds, his pants and boxer briefs landed in a heap on the floor. He pulled his shirt over his head and added it to the pile. “Your turn.”
Jamie rose up on her elbows and stared at him in disbelief. “How did you do that so fast? And may I add, very nice.” She smiled and waggled her eyebrows, giving him a quick once-over.

“When I want something, I don’t waste time. And I want you naked. Now.”

He reached over and started yanking her top over her head, but she batted his hands away.

“Hey -- stop that. You’re going to dislocate my shoulder with your beastlike strength.”

Drew laughed but allowed Jamie to gently pull her blouse over her head. He took it and tossed it on the chair near the window. Next she tugged her jeans off, leaving her in only her bra and panties, which Drew made short work of.

He groaned when she was fully nude. “God, you’re gorgeous, you know that? And I’m gonna put my hands everywhere on your beautiful body, so you better be ready.”

Jamie shivered, and he covered her body with his, kissing her briefly before moving down her jawline, sucking and licking. This is gonna be good.


Cassandra Carr lives in Western New York with her husband, Inspiration, and her daughter, Too Cute for Words. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out on Twitter. Her debut novel, Talk to Me, was released by Loose Id on March 22, 2011. For more information about Cassandra, check out her website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com, "like" her Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr or follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr.

8 comments:

Amelia James said...

I can't listen to music or have the TV on when I write. I will listen to a specific song or watch a favorite character when I need to get in a mood. I call it research. ;) The one thing I always do is carry a notebook and pen with me so I can write down ideas as they come.

Cassandra Carr said...

Amelia - I find that both distract me. I don't need silence (or I'd never write, lol!) but both music and TV tend to distract me. I do carry pen and paper but don't use them very often. When I need them, though - they're invaluable! Thanks for stopping by!

Helen said...

I like listening to music when I write. I especially like either rock music, or something really romantic and depending on my mood, it can actually help with the writing. I work in a newspaper office so I learned a long time ago to tune out what is going on around me, but I really enjoy the music.

nice blog, btw

Natasha Moore said...

Welcome to FR, Cassandra! I almost always listen to music. Putting the headphones on is a cue to my muse that I'm working. On the first draft lyrics don't bother me at all, but if I'm polishing, I listen to instrumental.

Cynthia said...

I have a feeling you spend time writing to Mickey Mouse Club when Too Cute for Words is restless or cranky. As for me an atomic bomb could go off and I wouldn't notice! TV is an annoying distraction but since it's usually Fox News, I've learned to ignore it when writing. My worst obstacle is myself actually. ;-)

Cameo Brown said...

Hi Cassandra! Nice to see you here. It's funny that when I was younger, I could listen to music or have it on in the background, but now I can only go so long before I have to turn it off. Most of the time, nothing bothers, but I'm used to battling cats in front of computer screens and sitting on keyboards. lol

Cassandra Carr said...

Helen, Natasha, Cynthia, and Cameo: Thanks for your kind words about the blog post and thanks for having me, Natasha and Cameo!

I hear tons of writers say they use music to center themselves to write. I wish I could give my muse a "cue" but she only listens when she wants to!

Carol Jonas said...

I listen to music that fits the type of scene I'm writing. Lyrics don't really matter but occasionally give me an "a ha" moment.

Nice blog.