For me, the biggest distraction from writing is noise. Noisy neighbours, construction clanging and banging, angle grinders, people talking around me or to me.
My solution: Headphones and carefully curated playlists.
When I write, I can't listen to music with lyrics. It has to be instrumental only. Often I'll pick music that matches the mood of the scene I'm writing. I have a huge playlist full of epic cinematic style music. James Paget, Michael Maas, Hans Zimmer, deadmau5, Steve Jablonsky. and some Thirty Seconds to Mars. To name a handful. Mostly big sounds. I also have a collection of softer music too, but my heart is with the big stuff.
How about you? What's your biggest distraction and how do you cope?
10 comments:
Hi Lynda - as you say you've worked out the way to get on with writing ... and those playlists sound ideal. Cheers and all the best - Hilary
Headphones are how I survive where I work.
I'll also listen to music but lyrics don't distract me.
It sounds like you've figured out a perfect solution. I live alone so distractions aren't such a problem. Volunteering too much takes too much time away from my writing.
I can't wear headphones. I find them too uncomfortable that they become my distraction.😕😁
As I'm visiting around today, it's fascinating to see all the approaches to dealing with distractions. I like to listen to music when I'm writing, and I match it to the emotion in what I'm writing. I find that noise calms my brain. That may come from growing up in small houses in a big family. Whatever works is what works. Happy IWSG Day, Lynda!
When I'm traveling and I want to write, I need those noise-cancelling headphones. I've used a friend's on one long flight and was able to get a lot of work done. Good idea!
https://substack.com/@cleemckenzie
Hi,
I hate it when workers are working somewhere near my home. The noise bothers me greatly. Therefore, I am thankful that my office is in my basement. I don't hear a thing. When my neighbors are talking, I close the windows to my basement, and I am in a noise-free zone. I like your idea about music.
Shalom shalom
I hear a lot of people swear by music, but even without lyrics that's a distraction; I always just have silence for writing. We live next to the high school, which is great for our child, but the down side is the noise intrusion with the football pitch and kids shouting. So I'm glad I have an early morning session before everything kicks off.
I'm the exact opposite. Any music is too distracting for me to write to. I don't do silence though, but mindless Tv that doesn't require focus.
Hi, Lynda! I hope you are well. Headphones are a great idea. But I can't even listen to music when I write. I need complete quiet. More power to you for being able to listen to instrumental music. Have a great day!
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