When I was working full time and going to night school, I
had a writing routine. After work and dinner, I would go into the computer
room, put on my writing sweater, and get to work.
For me, putting on the sweater represented a change in my
day, and signaled that it was time to write. That sweater worked like putting
on a uniform for a job, or the blue clogs I wear to cut the grass in the summer.
Wearing it helped prepare me mentally for the task at hand, signaling that it
was time to change gears and get to work.
I have a video about my sweater because I taped myself
talking about it for a class project. I remember putting on the sweater for my
imaginary audience like I was some sort of Mr. Rogers. It’s not a cardigan, but
a pullover that was a bit too big and featured gray, black, and white geometric squares
woven into some sort of plaid. It may or may not have been wool, but I do
remember that it was warm and a little scratchy so I always wore a shirt
underneath. I loved that sweater. I bought it many years ago from the clearance
rack at The Gap for about $8. I credit that sweater for helping me through
graduate school.
I wrote three of my favorite stories while wearing that
sweater: “The Poet,” “Masterpiece,” and “The Hitch.” I think I should try to
find that sweater. Maybe it will help me get back in the habit of writing
regularly.
What color is your writing sweater? Or do you have some other
piece of clothing or good luck charm that gets you in the chair and writing?
Write soon, (wearing whatever works for you!)
Mary
