I’ve been thinking a lot about what kind of writer I am. I figure I’m a good mashing of a plotter and a panster. I create a sort-of-plot-outline-thingy with turning points labeled out (that rarely turn out that way in the end). I don’t know where my chapters should begin or end or what my characters are going to do in any given scene. I let the story work itself out…within my boundaries, I suppose.

I stepped back from the computer today, listened to the washing machine whish and whirl, watched Bailey, my “rat-dog” terrier, curl up in a ball at my feet and waited for inspiration to strike me. It didn’t, but that’s not the point.

I realized I’m not an organized writer. Not at all. I don’t clean my house (or even my desk!) before settling down to write. I don’t shower, dress in my best, or get a manicure before pounding away at the keys. Most days I’m in my pajamas with a cooling cup of coffee and my hair–Lord, my hair!–just isn’t cutting it. I think I’ve scared the postman on a few occasions.

What about you? Are you a grungy writer like me, or do you primp and prep for your writing day?