Do you do your best writing work ......... 1] When you are calm, relaxed and focused 2] When you are in a highly emotional/agitated/excited/passionate state of mind 3] When you're feeling "Normal" Or sometime else? Do you do different things well in different emotional states? For example, I feel that 2 is the best state for poetry, creative writing or for writing that is intended to be controversial, exciting and such. 1 is probably the best for analytical work that requires research and deep thought such as detailed informational articles and how-to's. 3 is for mundane everyday writing and routine work.
I always write best when relaxed, no matter what type of writing it is (business writing, blogging, fiction, etc.). However, I write better copy and such in the very early morning hours and when accompanied by a cup of coffee (why I get up at 4am and work through noon instead of 9-5). On the other hand, creative writing comes best in the evenings for me, accompanied by a glass of wine. In the end, I seem to write much better when it's dark outside.
I can be any of those, as long as I'm not tired. I do better actually typing when I'm 1) or 3), but I can get a lot done if I'm using dictation software when I'm 2). 1) and 3) are best for quality and 2) is best for quantity. I get more done if I can make myself start in the morning instead of later.
This as a very interesting and important question. Unfortunately I make no such claims about my answer: If you work in an office full-time then (for the vast majority) these are the hours during which you have to produce work. You might not be in the mood for an early morning meeting but you simply have to go, likewise the last Friday of the month may be the worst time in the world for you to carry out a bunch of administrative tasks but this may be when they need to be done. The range of tasks required to achieve success in your job day in day out often not only have to be done right, but have to be done at pre-determined dates and times. For freelance writers things are a little different. We have a range of tasks to complete too; from chasing down leads, maintaining relationships, keeping accurate accounts and records to (of course) actually doing the writing; but we are far more free to choose when these tasks can be worked on. There are some set times of course, you have to meet deadlines and get your tax return done on time but there is far more freedom! Does this result in greater productivity? In theory it could. If you do an admin task when you have your admin hat on (for those who are interested, in this context I of course mean a metaphorical 'hat' representing the assuming of a mindset more attuned and receptive to the easier pursuit of admin-related endeavour although I personally complement this with a more physical 'hat', also known as a hat, on which I have written the legend 'time to do admin!' My girlfriend hates me) and creative tasks when you're in a creative mood then, on average, you should be able to complete these tasks far quicker than if you were not in the right frame of mind. It is of course no easy task to identify the right frame of mind for each individual job let alone decide on what it takes to put yourself in the right frame of mind. So to sum up: I do my best writing in the morning, afternoon and/or the evening depending on whether or not I am tired, lazy, bored, energetic, inspired, tipsy, blitzed or hungover and as long as I haven't taken 10 minutes out of my day to provide an unnecessarily ineffective and rambling answer to poor Lightless on DP who merely wanted to politely enquire after other writers' working habits. Apologies for making you read that.
Of course it is when I am calm and relaxed that I have my focus set to write anything for that matter! @Lightless But I think after reading your post I am getting influenced to believe that when you are excited you can write creative content!
When I am in various highly charged states of mind, I tend to write slogans, poems, stories, copy and such that requires creativity with much more imagination and passion. In such a state, I often break all written and unwritten limits, barriers and rules, and sometimes that takes me in an entirely new and exciting direction.
Number 2. I set my personal deadline, "cram" and then delegate more time for proofing. I'm usually "on a high" from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. With numbers 1 and 3, I tend to procrastinate.
Interesting question - guess we're all different. I would say that I write the best when I feel very strongly about a subject and everything just flows.
If you write when you are in no shape for it (Tired, Improper mental state etc), you may write poorly and lose clients/reputation.
Thats interesting, although I haven't felt anytime like that (or maybe didn't even realize even if I had experienced it ) Then in that case I believe that state would be short lived is it? Care to share your experiences Kind Regards,
It really depends on the type of writing needing to be done. Sadly if it's for work then it doesnt matter what time of day or mood I'm in...it has to get done. However I have noticed the quality of writing suffers when under stress or deadline. My best writing comes at night when there are no interruptions and nothing to distract me.