Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Pretty Tough Tuesday: Softball Shamrocks and Superstitions

Happy St. Patty's Day! 

Check out Pretty Tough today for an article about softball superstitions. 

Do you have a good luck routine? As a coach, I never step on chalk lines and always keep everything the same once we win our first game - whether it's the clothes I wear, hair style, sunglasses, etc. In my writing life, I have the same routine before each new novel - a new notebook, character sketches, mag pics, etc. Plus, I don't share a word until I'm done the first draft and two sets of revisions. Also, I have to write at the same time each morning. Wait a second.. I sound seriously crazy ;) 

What's your good luck routine? Or do you have any superstitions? 

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

As someone who spent over 20 years in theatre, I do not say the name of the Scottish play in a theatre. I also don't whistle in a theatre, or have shoes on shelves higher than my heart.

Casey Something said...

Wow. I don't think I have any. I keep trying to think of at least one thing I do and I haven't been able to come up with anything.

Huh. What does this say about me?

Beth said...

haha, the play is macbeth, right? i saw a skit about that once, it was kinda funny but i had to have it explained to me cuz i didnt know about the superstition before that...
im not hugely superstitious, and i dont really have any reason i would need a good luck charm- no sports or performances or anything.

Keri Mikulski said...

Hi, Devon! :) Hmm.. Why whistling?? I always heard the theatre is superstitious. :)

Hi, Casey! You're normal. LOL. :)

Hi, Beth! :) I think it is Macbeth.

Sarah Laurence said...

That must take a lot of discipline not to share anything until you’re done. I always show my first draft chapter to my husband and a reader. Then I don’t show anymore until I’ve finished and revised it once. I aim to write 4 days a week, depending on snow days etc. We need these routines when working at home.

Adrienne said...

I don't think your writing ritual sounds crazy at all. Whatever makes you feel positive and enthusiastic must bring good luck. :)

Keri Mikulski said...

Hi, Sarah! I do talk about the novel ALOT and sometimes I do share a little bit of the beginning, like you.. :) Absolutely regarding the rituals. :)

Thanks, Adrienne! After I wrote it, I felt a bit looney.

Ray Veen said...

I'm basically an inconsistant slob. Maybe I should figure out what makes the magic and establish some good-luck routines.

Nora MacFarlane said...

I don't know that I have 'good luck' rituals, but I do have a writing ritual. After I remove my cat from my chair, I give her a good pet. I check my email - both accounts, and I re-read what I finished the day before. If I don't do this I'm distracted, and I don't get anything accomplished.

Angela Ackerman said...

I think I'm boring by comparison. I have routines with plotting in notebooks, but not for luck.

Hmmm...maybe I'll have to start something!

Kelly Polark said...

Surprisingly when I played sports, I didn't have any sort of routine or superstition.
My life is so crazy with the kids right now, I don't have time for a regular writing routine unfortunately!!
I liked the superstition articles!

Alyssa Goodnight said...

So...what happens if you accidentally step on the chalk lines? ;)

Keri Mikulski said...

LOL, Big Plain V! :) Some people don't need it and aren't as crazy. :)

Hi, Nora! Definitely sounds like a good luck routine. :)

Hi, Angela! You're normal.. LOL. Let me know if you start something. :)

Hi, Kelly! Thanks. :)

Hi, Alyssa! Good question.. I never did. But, I'm imagining injury, bad game, and/or a loss. :)