Monday, April 2, 2012

B is for Butt in Chair

Jane Yolen once famously talked about the key to writing being having your Butt in the Chair (or BIC). If your butt isn't in the chair, you're not typing at the keyboard. And you're not writing.

Sometimes just staring at the screen is half the battle. But what about distractions? Kids? Furry kids? Social media? Real life?

My butt is in the chair sometimes, but my mind isn't on the manuscript. And sometimes when my mind is most productive, my butt isn't in the chair.

I get my best ideas, the answers to my manuscripts most difficult questions, when I'm driving or when I'm showering. Not when my butt is in the chair.

The key is getting back to the chair to write it down. Before you forget.

11 comments:

Andrea Mack said...

This happens to me so often! I try to carry a notebook, but sometimes I end up writing my ideas on the back of receipts, a napkin -- whatever is handy.

Laura Pauling said...

I love that saying! And there is so much truth to it.

Kelly Polark said...

Perfect title for B!
I also get ideas while walking or just before I go to sleep.
But you do have to sit down to write to get it done!

Kristine Asselin said...

Thanks all--it's so important to remember.

And thanks to Liz (http://lizleaver.weebly.com), my copy editor friend for catching a typo today!

Katy Upperman said...

BIC is hard for me too, and like you, I do my best thinking/brainstorming while driving or showering or running. Sitting down to type really is half the battle though, ESPECIALLY when your contending with family/life demands. Thanks for reminding me how important that BIC time is!

Christie Wright Wild said...

A-men! Getting back in the chair is important. I have two revisions to work on.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

This made me smile: My butt is in the chair sometimes, but my mind isn't on the manuscript. And sometimes when my mind is most productive, my butt isn't in the chair.

Happens to me ALL the time!

Welcome to the Challenge, Kristine!

KarenG

Elizabeth Mueller said...

The best way for me to get writerly stuff done is when the kiddles are all at school or abed. Otherwise, I'm a lost cause! :)

Elizabeth

A to Z co-host

MOV said...

ha! love this! The BIC method. I will be quoting that now. You know, from the kitchen while I am eating cookies and procrastinating.

best,
MOV

Anonymous said...

The butt in the chair thing is so true. Sometimes I get my best ideas when I'm doing the dishes or when I'm sleeping. The thing is to get them written down before I forget what they are.
: )

Susanne
PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER

Alana said...

Very good point! Get inspired by getting out if the chair, but make the writing life work by getting right back in it to record the muse!

Alana @ writercize.blogspot.com