A Writing Question For Gail.

[Mr.EZ]

Sorry if this has been brought up before, or if this thread has no place here, but what time of the day do you feel is best for writing? A lot of things I've read on the craft have said morning is usually the go-to time, but you've written so many books simultaneously, I wonder where you even find the time?

Thank you.

[Sarah Beach]

I seem to recall that she's said that she is a night owl.

But if you're just starting out as a writer, find the time that suits you best. We all have different biological responses, different times of day where we get energized. Find out what your "special time" is, and then try to be disciplined about doing at least some work during it regularly. The more you do it, the "easier" it gets.

[dragonbat]

Fanfiction writer checking in. I find that I do some of my best mental planning during the day--particularly when I'm well-rested. But the creative spark tends to hit me in the evening and late at night.

It's as though the hesitant, selfconscious, doubting part of me... the part that worries that not everyone's going to cotton to my sense of humor, that maybe I'm making too many obscure pop culture references, that I'm under-estimating or over-estimating my readers' knowledge... that part turns itself off and the part of me that says 'you know something? Go for it. Get it out now and you can always revise it later' wakes up and takes over.

(And yes, there ARE things I write at that stage that need heavy reviews or cuts, but most of it stands up pretty well when I look it over a day later.)

I guess I write best late at night, but I polish best during the day.

[KPhoebe]

I'm a nocturnal writer too, but I've done the deadline dance fairly often. At those times, it's wake up, write, write, eat, write, think about showering, write, write, give up when my wrists hurt too much to keep going.

And then it's time for revision!

[Major Comma]

Kpheobe ,
I hope you find time for subconscious revisions!(sleep!)

[Mr.EZ]

Ah ok. Thanks guys. I was wondering if I should change up my writing schedule. I'm a night writer as well, but kept hearing good things about morning work.

[Gail Simone]

During the day, there are just too many distractions. Phones, editors, art approvals, on and on. I do work during the day, but I get most of my busywork stuff done at that time.

It's nighttime where I get the good stuff going. I don't sleep much, but it's quiet, the dogs are asleep, no phones--it's great.

[Mr.EZ]

During the day, there are just too many distractions. Phones, editors, art approvals, on and on. I do work during the day, but I get most of my busywork stuff done at that time.

It's nighttime where I get the good stuff going. I don't sleep much, but it's quiet, the dogs are asleep, no phones--it's great.

Oh awesome. Thank you so so much!

This is the first feedback type thing I've ever asked an established writer, and I appreciate your answer. Thanks.

[Flying Saucers Over Oz]

Should note, though, the most important thing is to write whenever you can find time. Don't just set up a 'Writing Time' and skip it that day if you've got something else to do, and don't keep putting it off.

[The Ray]

I wonder if Gail has a notebook.

[Infra-Man]

Gail, when you're writing a script, do you have a set panel-count limit or caption/word balloon-count limit?

[section 8]

Sorry if this has been brought up before, or if this thread has no place here, but what time of the day do you feel is best for writing? A lot of things I've read on the craft have said morning is usually the go-to time, but you've written so many books simultaneously, I wonder where you even find the time?

Thank you.

Between 3 and 4 am