The Things that Only Writers Understand

So, one of my all time favorite things about being a writer is that I now have a community of people who understand the craziness that has been my life. For as long as I can remember I've tried to explain things to ordinary people, but they just don't understand. In fact, they usually think I'm crazy. Conversations tend to go something like this:

"Aughgh!!!"
"What?"
"My characters are doing something they aren't supposed to!" [insert something here, i.e. death, romance, etc.]
"Um, you're the one writing it. You decide what happens."
"Nope, my my characters do whatever they want. I'm just along for the ride."
The look.

Yep, it has happened to me numerous times. Like when I've told people I don't know what happens in my book, or that I can't control characters. Or like in my past book, when two characters who are NOT supposed to be romantically connected decide to defy all expectations and throw off their current loves and hook up!

Anyway. It happens. Strange things happen while you are writing. Things that you can't explain, and sometimes things that you don't even support. Sometimes you violently don't support them! So, when it all boils down, it's nice to have some other people who know what in the world you are talking about. I just don't know what I would do without my writing groups! They are the best.

So, what do you do to maintain your sanity? (If you can call us sane at all!). Writing groups? Big breaks? Treats? Crazy dance breaks involving funky music and awesome costumes? If there's something you do that is a part of your writing rituals, I would love to hear about it!

For one last little funny note, here's another thing that, if you are a writer, will give you a laugh! Enjoy :)