Single Celled

As I chatted with some authors the other day, one asked me what I listen to when I write. The question jolted me, not because of the notion that people listen to music, or the tv, or some form of auditory stimulation when they write. It jolted me because I realize that I don't. Ever.

When I write, I need silence. Not just want silence; I need silence. I've tried writing with music in the background, or with others in the house chatting away happily in the other room; I've tried having the muted mutterings of a television, two houses down the block, as a source of distraction or creative influence. And I've tried the use of white noice, both generated with headphones or produced from one of those handy dandy machines that bring the Amazon up from the equator or the birds of paradise over from the East Indies.

None of it works; except maybe the birds of paradise, the plants--they are kinda quiet. I have come to accept that I have a single cell brain. I can do one thing at a time, and that's it. When I write, it's all I do....well, other than breathing and the other autonomic functions my body chooses for continued living. I don't hum to myself. I don't put on the soundtrack of my favorite musical. I don't have 'some auditory muting sounds'....a bit of a bizarre concept to me....going in the background. I just have me, the sound of my keystrokes, maybe the breathing of my ever present grand dog Middy May, and my thoughts.

It is not that I am un-needful (is that a word?! It is now) of creative input. When I feel the words coming hard, and the ideas stifled, I find myself desperate to fill other time with creativity. The need becomes so strong, it's as if I'm dying of thirst. I find I am actually creatively gasping. It is then that I listen to music, or browse through art books, or read someone who really writes, though the latter is fraught with challenges.

Of course, when I find myself in such a condition, then stepping away from my creative project and simply immersing myself in some art form seems indulgent. Because, once again, I have a single cell brain--I can do one thing at a time! But I find such times essential for me. And it is then, then, that I turn to music the most.

What kind? I find broadway musicals moving on a multitude of levels, some so deep it would be hard to explain them. The creativity to create a story both in lyrics, music and movement simply astounds me. I begin to listen, and quickly my mind shuts down it's assessing and processing and questioning, and it simply becomes quiet and absorbent. Oh, my--that sounds like my mind is some form of super duper paper towel. Maybe that's not far from the truth. Whatever it is, listening to music brings water to my parched creativity centers.

Will this work for you? I don't know. I'm not you. Your brain almost certainly is not of my single cell type; your brain is probably capable of multiple functions. I'm delighted for you! I really am. I am also a teensy bit envious, and a lot impressed....wish I could do that.

So, if you listen to music while you write, or like to use music to renew your creativity resources, I can only say what I know--that silence is the sound of need for when I write, and music, especially musicals, are the art form to which I turn the most to recharge or reengage with my creative inner self.

What are the musicals? Let me share that in my next post--I just realized that like my times when I do public speaking, I have gone on forever!

Hope your day is full of words and wonders, and that the joy of writing your story fills your fingers and spirit.