Reader Friday – Beware the Ides of March

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Beware the Ides of March. Originally the Ides of March (March 15th) had no ominous connotation, but referred to the beginning of March and a new year. Thanks to Shakespeare it is now an ominous warning. Do you have any superstitions that affect your reading or writing? A time or a place? Certain clothing? Is the superstition positive or negative?

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About Steve Hooley

Steve Hooley is the author of seven short stories published in four anthologies, a Vella serial fiction, and is currently working on the Mad River Magic series – a fantasy adventure series for advanced middle-grade to adults. More details available at: https://stevehooleywriter.com/mad-river-magic/

33 thoughts on “Reader Friday – Beware the Ides of March”

  1. As Michael Scott of The Office says, I am not superstitious. I’m only a little stitious.

    Because my mother ingrained it in me, I will not pass the salt hand-to-hand. I don’t even know why that is, but dine with me and you’ll have to get your own salt.

  2. Superstitions, no. But rituals yes, Steve. I’m far more productive/creative early in the morning that at any time after noon. I have a thing that before typing the first word on the dreaded blank page, I get up and circle the room. I can’t explain why this works or how it even started but – guaranteed – the idea for opening pops into my head and away it flows. Enjoy your day!

      • I might just do that, Sue. But I’m afraid it’ll mess with me in the middle of the night thinking I didn’t finish the previous day’s work 🙂

    • I’m with you on the mornings. After lunch, I have a postprandial snooze period. Better to do something physical. But, in the mornings, with a little coffee, the brain takes off to a world of creativity.

  3. Great question, Steve. I do the sign of the cross when I pass a church, but that’s more for respect than superstition. I have writing rituals. The moment I slide on the headphones and start the WIP’s playlist I’m transported to my story world.

    Have a nice weekend!

  5. Hi, Steve. I don’t have any superstitions about writing. My challenge has always been myself–my fears, self-doubts etc, and that’s taken time. Now, there are techniques–meditation, affirmations, journaling, free-writing, music, timer etc, that can help me get out of my own way. Have a great day!

    • Fears and self-doubts. I can identify with that, too. In my former occupation, I quickly learned that I could never make everyone happy. You do your best. Those who don’t like you can find someone else. Those who do will stay with you. Write what you enjoy. Make it the best you can, and realize it won’t be for everyone. Have a great weekend!

  6. That’s an interesting question, Steve. I have to say…no. But thanks for asking. Hope you have a great weekend!

  7. For me things happen in 2’s not 3’s. I’m always looking for balance in everything in life. So, if something either bad or good happens I’m waiting for a similar repeat. I guess on a level headed basis I’m creating my own reality.

    • I like that “looking for balance in everything” comment, Ben. Maybe that’s what makes you such a good designer of Twitter banners.

      The Golden Mean balance of life.

      Have a good weekend!

  8. No superstitions here. Like others, I have rituals. I need one cup of Peet’s French Roast to begin the writing day.

    Oh, just remembered — I avoid housework on days that end in “y”. 🙂

    Have a great weekend.

  9. If I’m inside, I light a candle.
    If I’m outside, I have either a themos of coffee or cherry coke, depending on what time it is. And peanuts to throw to the squirrels.

    • Cherry Pepsi is my drink of choice when I’m cutting firewood. Coffee for the mornings while writing. I don’t feed the squirrels, but the chipmunks outside the windows are fun to watch.

      Have a great day!

  10. Referring back to Julius Caesar, the early part of my writing career was by mail, not email which didn’t exist. Whenever I’d drop an agent or editor requested manuscript into the mail slot at the Post Office, I’d say “alea iacta est,” which means “the die is cast.” Caesar said this before he crossed the Rubicon River into Rome with his army behind him as he started his attempt to become emperor of the Roman Republic.

    That wasn’t really a superstition because who chooses a quote that ends so badly. It was my way of saying what’s done is done, no turning back. No amount of worry will change my results.

    • Great one, Marilynn. My wife and I, when we finish a job for ourselves, say, “Good enough for who(m) it’s for.”

      veni vedi vici.

      Have a good weekend!

  11. If the words won’t flow, I simply recite the personal mantra selected for me in 1959 by my learned guru, Baba Gondahara-ji, on the very peak of Mount Nyamulagira:

    “When in trouble, when in doubt,
    Run in circles, scream and shout.
    That will be fifty dollar please.”

  12. Nah, I’m not superstitious. I’m the first to open an umbrella indoors and pass salt hand to hand while working on a WIP. But I do have habits. I always write with a cup of coffee nearby. I feel nekkie without it!

  13. No superstitions, just rituals.

    First thing I do every morning, while sitting next to my husband on the couch as we wake up, is drink at least 20oz of water. BC…before coffee.

    Then I get coffee and head to my office, where I have 3-4 things I do before I start writing/working. These 3-4 things must be done in order, and are secret stuff.

    🙂

  14. No superstitions here, either and no rituals. Every morning is different. I used to write first thing in the morning, but now I’m more productive in the afternoon. Who knows why. 😉

    • Interesting, Patricia. I guess it’s good to keep checking, keep trying different things, until we find what works best for us.

      Have a great weekend!

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