Centering…

At a recent gathering of writers, the conversation turned to the subject of “centering.”

“What do helps you center on writing? What keeps your mind from drifting?”

One author mentioned having her favorite snacks readily available.

Another discussed the photos she keeps on her desk as a “focal point.”

As I listened to them, I realized that there are always two things I do before I write that keep me centered.

The first is a warm drink, which I vary as I write. I start my day with coffee with nonfat milk. At around two o’clock in the afternoon, I switch to black tea. This is an easy switch, as my husband starts his day by making a pot of Murchies tea, so there is always fresh tea to microwave.

In the evening, I switch over to herbal teas. My favorite is Red Zinger, but I also really enjoy Twining’s Boost tea, that has a nice peppery burn at the end of each sip.

In addition to warm drinks, I have to have background music with no words. I try to pair the music to the writing I am doing. Sad, mellow, upbeat, dreamy–whatever the mood of the chapter.

How about you?
What helps you center on the task at hand?