I learned a cool way to share earworms with you! Here’s what’s been running through my head ALL DAY for the past FIVE DAYS:
I sometimes listen to music when I’m writing. Not always, but sometimes. Because sometimes I feel like I physically need music for the energy rush, and so the right song is like a good, strong cup of coffee.
Other times, music is like noise interference and it stops me from hearing what’s in my head, so I don’t listen to anything while I’m writing.
But I almost always listen to something before I start a writing session. And for sure afterward. And sometimes in between if I’m taking a break. The right song can keep me in the right frame of mind for storytelling. I think I must have listened to Radiohead for about six months straight while writing CREEP (so if you ever wondered where I came up with the name for the book, now you know). Radiohead is so wonderfully moody, so anti-establishment, so unapologetic, that they made the perfect soundtrack to write a novel I always envisioned would turn out moody and unapologetic (though maybe not so much anti-establishment… I do want to get published!).
Definitely nothing like the cheerful earworm above that’s been burrowing in my brain for the past few days.
So… do you listen to music at work?
I listen to tv shows while at work. I find that the chatter helps me concentrate and it helps that they aren't talking to me :). I always need some type of "white" sound or I'm just left with my thoughts and that's distracting.
Lori
I'm big on soundtracks while I write because they're designed to evoke emotion. That or I set a single song to play on an endless loop (but I don't do that if my husband is home because it drives him nuts).
Yes, white noise! When Steve's not home I like the TV muttering in the bedroom because it helps me sleep and not think so much.
Jen, I should try that endless loop thing (also when Steve's not home).
TV is always on in our home even if we are not watching it for the white noise.
As for earworms, I constently have earworms. Since I am in my car most of the day, the radio stations pretty much play the same songs every hour. I don't stand a chance. When I am not sleeping at night, I have the same lines of the songs going in my head over and over again. Usually one or two lines of the song. At least that helps me not think about things so i eventually fall back asleep.
Earworms are my enemy!! 🙂
I am trying to remember to bring my ipod in the car. It seems the older songs are as bad for earworms. More creativity for the lyrics back in the day, I guess!
I need to proof read! I meant to say the older songs don't seem to be as bad for earworms. LOL!