Edgar Allan Poe habitually wore black.
Emily Dickinson and Mark Twain habitually wore white.
Charles Dickens walked nearly 20 miles a day.
Stephen King writes in the same seat at home and arranges his manuscript and notes in neat piles.
Writers are notoriously eccentric. It’s simply part of the job description. I’m not a famous author by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have a few of my own quirks. See if you can relate to any of these…
I’m a creeper.
I love crowds. The more people in one place, the better. Why? Because I’m the one eavesdropping on the conversation next to me. And it’s not just my ears that get a workout. I people watch too, mentally taking notes about interesting body language and unique individuals.
I’m a zombie.
Usually I’m a very good listener. Key word: usually. Sometimes, however, if a person is talking and they use a unique phrase or bring up a topic that makes me go “hmmm”, whammo! My brain sprints to left field, and while I’m still there in person giving off the appearance I’m listening intently, Michelle has left the building and is working out a kink in plot or character in her mind.
I’m not a homebody.
I cannot write at home. Impossible. There’s laundry. Dishes. The dog needs to go potty. My kid needs a ride to Timbuktoo. Whatever. The most prolific place for me to go is a library, though I usually end up at Starbucks.
These twanging any kindred spirit heartstrings out there, or am I the only freak? Come on. Don't leave me dangling. What quirk are you hiding up your sleeve?
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6 comments:
LOL! Yes, writers do seem to be quirky. I never would have given myself that label - but I guess I can totally relate and be a creeper with you! I absolutely love to people watch. I can sit for hours in an airport, mall, anywhere and just watch the dynamics of what goes on. It's fascinating!
Someday I will come to visit you and we can go to the nearest crowd attraction and just watch and discuss. LOL
I have tried to read or work on my computer at Starbucks, but I get distracted VERY easily there. Too much action. :)
Pop on over anytime. I'm always up for people watching!
Even though I am not a writer, I can totally relate to the Zombie thing. There have been several occasions when I will be talking to someone and before I know it, I have taken something they've said and my mind is racing with it. I feel bad about it, because once I am back among the living with that person, I have no idea what they have been talking about. I used to pretend that I was listening, but now I just simply say "Sorry, I was zoning out a bit...what did you say?"
So, Creeper, how do you people watch without looking like a stalker? Do you casually look at people and look away, or do you just full out stare? Just curious. :-)
(Hope you didn't go Zombie on me)
I flat out stare. Most people are so wrapped up in their own drama, they don't notice me. Actually, no one's ever noticed me. Hmmm. Wonder what that says about me?
Hahaha....I bet there is always someone watching you, watching others.
I am definitely a "creeper" lol. I watch people all the time. People are just fascinating. I do feel weird if they notice me, though. But it's usually one of those things where you're not sure if they really did see you looking at them, or if they were just looking at something else. Haha. Plus, if they're looking at you, it's only fair for you to look at them, right? :D
I am the complete opposite with the home thing... I prefer to be in a quiet house with no one and nothing distracting me. But actually, come to think of it, once I'm writing I'm pretty focused on that, so I can probably block out more than I realize.
Can't think of any other quirks related to writing... although, really, my people watching one is just me, not a writing thing either. I do have a habit of sitting on arm rests rather than the actual couch, though. And I am often perched on one when writing.
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