Saw a cute meme over at Booking Through Thursday . It asked
So, this is my question to you–are you a Goldilocks kind of reader? Do you need the light just right, the background noise just so loud but not too loud, the chair just right, the distractions at a minimum? Or can you open a book at any time and dip right in, whether it’s for twenty seconds, while waiting for the kettle to boil, or indefinitely, like while waiting interminably at the hospital–as long as the book is open in front of your nose, you’re happy to read?
Well, I'm not so much a Goldilocks kind of reader -- but I'm definitely a Goldilocks kind of writer. I need quiet, lots of it -- at least in terms of words. Maybe it's crazy of me, but hearing another person's words -- when I am trying hard to listen to the ones emerging in my head -- "drowns out" what I'm trying to get down on paper.
I've tried writing to music, but the same problem occurs there. No lyrics, please. I can handle a little Bach or Mozart if the volume's really low, otherwise forget it.
Interestingly enough, the sound of dogs snoring actually increases my writing output and enhances my concentration.
Comments (2)
George must be either a very quiet man all the time, or a saint for not speaking to you when you're writing. As for me, I can read anywhere at anytime. Although, I do prefer one of my 8 cats sitting right on chest as I lie down to read. That happens ALOT. And my cats snore too...but it doesn't distract me, just makes me laugh.
Since they both lie on your bed, you can espouse some Goldilocks with "someone's been sleeping in my bed."
Posted by John Allen | September 11, 2007 9:31 PM
Posted on September 11, 2007 21:31
If ONLY George were quiet... it's quite the opposite, actually -- which is why I'm more than happy to send him off to work every morning.
After 29 years together, I have him trained a *little* -- to go in the other room and TRY to be quiet.
Posted by Jeanne Kalogridis | September 12, 2007 5:18 AM
Posted on September 12, 2007 05:18