I assume most writers have little quirks when they write. Some ways of doing things, habits that form, odd routines that you develop. Anyone have really just kind of dumb ones? For me, sometimes when I go to write a chapter that I have outlined already and know pretty much what's going to happen I can't even start it if I can't think of a chapter title. It's extra dumb because a lot of the time I don't care about the chapter title before I start writing, but about half the time I think about the title before I start and if I can't think of one I can't start writing. *goes back to staring at 'untitled' doc in Scrivener*
I have to write at 3-5 AM. Have to. I can write later if I get in the mood at that time, but If I haven't been writing as soon as I get up... I lose it. Hence School Vacations are HELL for me. Writing wise. (I have kids.) And I have the classic... If I get distracted, I'm out for 25-45 minutes until I can find my groove again. Lessee... Cup of coffee and a joint are mandatory... (Not really, but they make it a lot more FUN. I've written on ring binders in homeless shelters in my life, so I know I CAN write under duress, and write pretty well... but it's far preferable to write in comfort. Anybody who says suffering is necessary for art is a moron and needs to be smacked with a two by four. And if they complain tell them it'll improve their art.
For me it has to be using alliteration and assonance anytime I can. I just like the sound of it in my head. I try to write with the sounds of the words in mind and this my favorite way to do it. So much so that I will sometimes get stuck when I can't think of an adjective or adverb that fits and have to use one that isn't alliterative.
