Back on Track
It has been hard to stay on my writing schedule lately. First there was this new puppy in our lives, but she's become part of the family now and we've almost got the routine down pat...but then there was all this glorious warm weather! What's a girl to do?
Still, I have responsibilities and must get some work done, so I've buckled down and even turned off the internet in order to put those words on the page.
What do you do to focus?
Still, I have responsibilities and must get some work done, so I've buckled down and even turned off the internet in order to put those words on the page.
What do you do to focus?
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Jenia
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Mar 21, 2012 10:45AM
Music, Music helps me focus more, when i am writing,it helps me.
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Oh, that's a good idea Jenia! I love making a playlist of music that give me a feeling for the story. You're right, it does keep you on track, Thanks so much for the comment
Chloe wrote: "Oh, that's a good idea Jenia! I love making a playlist of music that give me a feeling for the story. You're right, it does keep you on track, Thanks so much for the comment"No problem :) By way, i review books, i started blog back in December 2011, so if you even want me review your book, let me know.
Chloe wrote: "I will definitely let you know, thanks!"No problem. Your books looks intresting, just type i like, can't wait to read it.
I can also offer a book blog. I've been reviewing since September 2010 or thereabouts and am approaching 400 reviews.
That's wonderful! Congratulations on your success and thank you so much for the offer!
Chloe wrote: "Oh, that's a good idea Jenia! I love making a playlist of music that give me a feeling for the story. You're right, it does keep you on track, Thanks so much for the comment"That's a stunningly good idea.
The key from a neuroscience standpoint would be to mix up the tracks so that you don't have too many "simple pattern" tracks in there -- four-bar, eight-bar, no bridges or drum breaks -- because that stuff'll be TOO relaxing and you'll lose focus on the work.
One of the interesting areas of neuroscience that's emerging over the next few years is pattern recognition, based on our understanding that communal belief systems use such patterns -- in the form of hymns, mantras and chants -- to help supporters find that sensation of "peace" that group behavior can provide.
I've got a non-fiction book that I've been working on for a few years that I'll publish someday that gets into it. But basically, it's why people are so passionate about certain types of roots music, as well, because they use extremely familiar patterns that help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
It's also why people can achieve what Dr. Andrew Newberg calls "The Unitary Sensation" of being one with the universe: a mantra or chant is so simple, and yet catchy enough to repeat without any active thought, that it relaxes the active brain to the point where the posterior parietal lobe begins to shut down, and it controls our understanding of time and space.
So, no hymns or chants while writing, unless you want to get mighty sleepy mighty quickly!
OH focusing...with homeschooling, and a new puppy here too, and cleaning, and everything else? HA! No, I do make my story soundtracks and listen to them, I reread previous chapters to get into the zone again, and lately, my hubs has been taking the girls and leaving me at Panera Bread and then a Diner to work. Those times have been gold I tell ya :)
Rachel, this weekend I've been out of town with my writing partners on "retreat" -- It has been AMAZING! I'm still not writing *sigh* because I have edits, but the focus is there, and the ideas are flowing. When I get back to writing next week I'll be home again, but hopefully able to move forward a bit easier
Oh so envious of your retreat...we must do that next year :)Enjoy yourself and bring home some mojo to pass along to the rest of us!! Hugs chica <3
