Writers’ rites: Wacky habits that get the ink flowing

Pray to a muse. Don a cowboy hat. Hum “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

These are just some of the rituals MyRaganites and other communicators do before putting pen to paper.

After reading through the list, you’ll be comforted to know you’re not the only one with a strange writing ritual or two.

Then again, you might just be appalled. (See “Bathroom Break.”)

Say anything—no, really

Jean H. Card is a freelance writer and communications consultant.

“When starting a piece, I copy and paste whatever I have into the new document, even if it’s just an e-mail from a client describing the project,” Card says. “This way, I have my ‘notes’ there in front of me, and the page is not blank. It’s both practical and psychological.”