“Eliminate distraction.“
“There should be no telephone in your writing room, certainly no TV or videogames for you to fool around with.”
– Stephen King
However, my habit of reading to music has made it easier for me to write with music in the background. Something about music, particularly without lyrics, fires up different wires in my brain and looses the creative juices.
So-called distraction can inspire
That said, I rankle at the conclusion of this quote: … “If there’s a window, draw the curtains or pull down the shades unless it looks out at a blank wall.” My writing is inspired by nature. Connecting with community is an important theme in my life as well as writing. I prefer the opportunity to let daylight in. That is if I am writing during the daytime. Day or night, taking my eyes away from the computer screen allows them to flit to something. It could be a “distraction” may unstick me in what I am trying to put into words.
Beyond the glass and the fence is a community. I want to connect with neighbors as well as the world of inspiration. I want daylight, plants, animals and other people always to motivate me. I also want to be reminded of the importance of leaving the keyboard and getting outside. And that is one of my own favorite rules.
I want to be surprised. Inspiration comes from noticing something new amongst the familiar and expected. Nature offers constant change that delights and invigorates me.
