What kind of background noise do you prefer while writing?

[Rebecca]

What kind of background noise do you prefer while writing?

[Tamera]

I voted for white noise - particularly if it's the sound of an ocean, waterfall, or rain coming down. I know technically that's not white noise but it's pretty close. If it's not a background water sound or white noise, I prefer total quiet.

I like listening to music while I'm doing everything else, but when I write, it distracts me from the mood and emotions of the characters.

[Ransom v. Unman]

It all depends on what kind of writing mood. It's easier for me to say what I can't stand while I'm trying to write, and those would be TV, loud talking or conversation, or just bad music, like, Christina Aguilara/Madonna/Usher kind of crap.

[Tarin]

I cycle through my collection of 50+ soundtracks. I never consciously choose a track that I think will fit whatever I may be writing; I prefer to let the music surprise me and guide my writing in unexpected directions.

Some of my favorite soundtracks: Gladiator, The Fellowship of the Ring, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves; At World's End; Phantasia (which, strictly speaking, isn't a soundtrack, but it provides some great thematic variety), The Last of the Mohicans, Master and Commander, and The Man From Snowy River.

[lynnmosher]

If I'm in the mood for music while writing, which is most of the time, though sometimes it is distracting, I will listen to soft instrumentals. If I listen to anything with singing, I get distracted and start singing along with it! Not good for concentration!

I posted a thread on an online music station-maker. You can select your own music, clicking on the songs whether you like them or not, asking for more of the same, which adjusts what they play. Here's the link...

http://www.pandora.com/?tc=x-036820-0035-1149

It's great and free to sign up. You can make multiple stations depending on the different types of music you want to play.

[melw]

i wrote other music, simply because i got trhough different stage of what music i want to listen to. i can only listen to music if i am at home and i haven't had much time to write at home at this time.

MEL

[DrRita]

I write to soundtracks, ones that will set the mood and tone of what I'm writing. I find it helps me to feel the era, scenes and emotion of the writing. . . . Tarin, you and I have similar tastes.

[jacks girl]

I voted for White Noise, cause it is the closest thing to all my fish tanks that i have going. I must have noise because of the constant whistling, sqealing, noise that is in my head. Most of the times i have the following noises.

The Tv law and order mostly.
4 fish tanks in the living room.
A fan to move around the cool air.
Jack & Max barking.

I also have certain songs that will get me in a mood to write about certain stories. So if I need a boost I will play some Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Travis Tritt or Billy Ray.


Jacks.

[Cowboy4christ]

For me it's Gospel music while I write. Blocks out everything else and at the same time gives me that something extra. Seems like I just get more done with a praise song going than with the devil talking to me lol...or some judge show.!thumbsup!

[Cymrugirl]

Most often, I write in silence - on occasion, I'll put in classical music but it has to be something I've never played before. Also will listen to some generic celtic music from time to time. It's very rare though - I usually need complete quiet.

[righter1]

I answered the following:
TV
Music - Rock
Music - Soundtracks
Music - Classical
Music - Other
Other

Pretty much I will write to anything, including my husband talking (though he's been trying to discourage this because it pretty amounts to him talking to a brick wall.) I like all kinds of music from Baroque to Jazz, Swing, Opera, Oldies, Classic Rock, Celtic, and Native American, as well as Broadway Show Tunes, and some soundtracks (Show Tunes and soundtracks are almost the same in my mind, though there are lots of differences). I don't like R&B/Rap, and most of today's Rock (Creed and Daughtry are exceptions, and when David Cook releases his album, I'll probably get it.) I'll listen to all of it while I write. I'm also prone to writing when hubby's watching TV (usually a show I don't really care all that much about.) And, I love listening to talk radio, though sometimes, I'll be writing a scene and have one ear on the radio and will start YELLING at the radio just out of the blue. It depends on how wrapped up in the scene I am.

If I'm editing, though, I usually need softer stuff to allow my brain to think a bit more. More often than not, I find myself listening to Celtic Trad, Native American, or Classical for editing. Sometimes, Classic Rock, Big Band or Oldies (I'm talking Beach Boys/Beatles oldies, not much from the 50s or early 60s--those just annoy me), but it depends on my mood and the scene(s) I'm editing.

[gardengirl333]

I'm like that old bear trying to hibernate in the Chilly Willy cartoons on Saturday morning when I was a kid...we both hate distractions and feel like yelling, "I want quiet!" Soft music isn't too bad of a distraction, but let the phone ring or a kid yell, "Hey mom, what's up??" and all those great words formulating in my brain run out my ears, never to return.

[Pastor Gail]

Quiet is blissfully relaxing for me to write. While listening to Southern Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel, Country Gospel or just plain ol' soft music, I tend to get lost inm the music rather than what I am writing. Though I enjoy all of the above immensely, I still prefer quiet to write by.
When I am write a song, I like to use music for inspiriation, but very softly in the background as not to distract my attention and wind up plagerizing.

[Thebigguy]

I write when it's quiet. I could do mood music but it depends on what I write. So far I haven't found something that is mood music for Superhero story. Mortal Kombat sound track is out, Super Friends sound track(pee yew)!

[righter1]

I write when it's quiet. I could do mood music but it depends on what I write. So far I haven't found something that is mood music for Superhero story. Mortal Kombat sound track is out, Super Friends sound track(pee yew)!

What about the Superman soundtrack (the original)? Or... Indiana Jones???

[Tarin]

So far I haven't found something that is mood music for Superhero story.

Chicken Run. :cool:

[PepperGardenMan]

It's too quiet. I can't write.

Ah...

I turned the TV on. Now I'm good to go for a while. I need a TV show on that I've seen a hundred times. Often I'll replace that with a DVD or VHS movie that I'm memorized. When the best quotable lines come up, I can instinctively take a small break from the writing, grin at the line, then get going again.

If I put music in, my drumming instincts take over and my fingers want to clack out the words in a syncopation that will add some salsa to the music I'm hearing. Since I often need to stop to think about the right word or phrase to use, the missed beats throw me off so much that I just get frustrated and have to go switch off the music and put on the TV.

[Tarin]

If I put music in, my drumming instincts take over and my fingers want to clack out the words in a syncopation that will add some salsa to the music I'm hearing.

For me, that's a good thing. Doesn't matter what I'm writing - whether it's good or bad, whether I'm a roll or not - when "The Battle" from the Gladiator soundtrack comes on, my fingers start flying and the words start pouring. Not all of the words are good, of course, but at least they're moving and that's the important part. ;)

[P.K.mama]

I write with any kind of background noise. I'm a mom and I can't be to picky otherwise I would never get any writing done. However, I prefer writing outside. It's just something about God's noise that inspires me.

[BONBON]

I voted for other because I write when the mood strikes me. No matter what kind of noise or where I am at.

[autumntlw]

It really depends on what frame of mind I'm trying to be in:rolleyes:

[writegirl1949]

When I'm really into the writing process, it's got to be silence ... UNLESS I need something to inspire or motivate me regarding a character. Then, I usually go to the music of the 80s or earlier ... just enough to get me out of a writing block.

Blessings, Francine

[Carol Jane]

Music interrupts my chain of writing thoughts, so I must have peace and quiet. And that absolute quiet begins when normal people go to bed.

Me, normal? Nope! Are writers normal? Debatable! :D

However, good, inspirational classical music can get me in the imaginative mood to write, so it does help……beforehand! :)

[smithcharlottea]

I live just a few steps from the boardwalk and beach, and it is very relaxing to be able to hear the waves of the ocean, and the birds chirpping early in the morning. Sometimes I will put on gospel, classical or jazz music, but mostly when I write,:) just the sound of the ocean and the birds are enough for me.

[Scotsman]

For, reading, writing, arithmetic (balancing the checkbook), or washing the dishes, I usually have a soft classical music background. The public radio station in this area offers a wonderful selection every morning. To get me through the “talk shows” I use my computer’s private collection from downloaded music. By allowing my computer to shuffle each song from my numerous choices, I have hours upon hours of heavenly music.

[VWeathers]

I still get too distracted and lose my train of thought...that's why I need quiet.

[JayBee]

I like quiet although i dont mind the sounds of bird song or children playing and laughing

[bonniew]

Though I voted for white noise, I have trained myself to pretty much write under any conditions - for awhile we had 5 grandkids running around. It was either tune them out or give up LOL!

Most of the time, I don't have anythng going on in the background.
Bonnie

[Mouse5]

I can pretty much write with anything going on in the background unless of course someone is talking directly to me and then of course I lose track of where I'm going with what I'm writing.
For the sake of my children, who seem to take advantage of the fact that their mother is distracted, I have to wait until late at night or if I get a few blessed moments to myself. Otherwise there is no telling what my three blessings would come up with to occupy themselves. Or for that matter when the next time food would be offered. I have a tendency to forget to eat when I'm deep into my story therefore I forget to feed my little ones as well. Which is not good. Not good at all because then they decide to feed themselves and well some of the concoctions they have come up with would make you shudder. And then of course there's the mess that goes along with that. :eek::o:D

[wilsonwriter]

When I'm starting a scene, I need quiet.

Once I'm into the writing mode, though, I love to listen to Underoath, Red, As I Lay Dying, Flyleaf, Linkin Park, or other hard rock. It blocks out the noise of the phone, the kids, the TV, while not distracting me with sing-along lyrics. Yeah, I'm weird, but it works for me.

[sweet-jay]

hello!!!
I chose other because I sometimes like quiet, and times I love it when some nice soft music plays. But i think i mostly prefer quiet.

GOD BLESS YOU!

[placesofrefuge]

We listen to Christian Talk Radio quite a bit when not watching TV. We Listen to KLTT 670 am out of Denver Colorado.

[Butterfly678]

While I enjoy the quiet environment to write, I have found that a window with a view is a must!

[Invisionary]

I often listen to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach when writing, but many times I'll start a piece and be so into the writing that an hour has passed and I never even thought to start another piece.

[Butterfly678]

Forgive the humor. I love Bach, I use it quite a bit with the children I work with -- calming and soothing. I'll have to try it when writing myself. Thanks for sharing.

[Invisionary]

That's great. All kids should be exposed to Bach's music. :D

[Twana]

My house is always full of children so I write with the background noise of electronic toys, the disney channel, kids' voices, etc. I do enjoy writing when it's a little bit quieter-say when they are actually all asleep at once!

[Timber Wolf]

I can't stand the "sound of silence," but neither do I want it loud. Some nice soft background helps me to ignore the distractions around me. Usually instrumentals (classical), but sometimes I will listen to soft vocals from movies that were inspirational in some way - LotR for example.

[mel3]

shreiking guitar riffs. Anybody heard the band Muse? Not very Christian, but the sound of them helps me write for some reason.

[Elizabeth Ryan]

It you are writing a romance - then play romance music softly in the background. During the writing of "Endless Love" I had a favorite song for each chapter. As I read that chapter I played the song and it made the story seem more like a movie production. A good crying scene - get a sad song to see if the tears flow.
Be Blessed, Elizabeth

[Elizabeth Ryan]

I have been there = as a home-schooling teacher, I wrote during recess time. TOO loud and way to distracting. LOL,

[rickyg]

Since i write christain sci fi i like to listen to space music it helps to set the mood and lets me almost see what i am writing :eek:

[klee]

When I cease striving and draw near to God, He draws near to me.

[Thebigguy]

Coldplay isn't too distracting,

[writersprite]

Of course, a lot depends on my mood when writing as well as which of my projects I'm working on. Most commonly, however, I need my music going (using headphones) if I'm in the office, or the TV if I'm hanging out with my laptop in the living room with hubby. I've found that I write better if I have something to ignore! (not my hubby, of course...)

[writersprite]

Since i write christain sci fi i like to listen to space music it helps to set the mood and lets me almost see what i am writing :eek:

So true! I find myself listening to classical when I'm working on a historical fiction, and Iona or Enya when I'm working on my fantasy novel. Can you guess who I listen to when writing my YA?

Skillet. :cool:

[Writetrack]

For me, it depends. Sometimes I can write while my kids argue (loudly) two feet away from me, sometimes I write a great scene while watching my favorite TV show, sometimes I need total quiet. I don't know what it depends on, exactly, just that it varies for me from day to day. :)

[BrendaJean]

I listen to Christian ROCK... yes the old woman loves Crazy Jesus freak kinda Rock! (But I love all music with Christian/Bible-based lyrics!) :D
Often, something in the lyrics will hit an accord with me, other times something almost falls outta the blue! But it's due to that connection, (the things on my heart, sometimes spaghetti-like, sometimes solid and concrete 'point A to point B to C' -) God reaches me through the music that brings me into worship, and declaration of who He is to every :o fiber of my being (see? spaghetti!)--- yes I am a little crazy, does it show? BUT I LOVE IT! :D
GBKY
Brenda

[AndieJA]

For me I usually write when its quite, like others have stated I like music in the background usually praise and worship or classical music it all depends on what I am writing.

[Lori Wagner]

I need absolute quiet! That's why I prefer to write when I'm alone, but having three kids, that's not always easy. I try to do my busy work when things are noisy around the house...and it would sure be nice to have doors on my office.

[bblessd]

I usually prefer to sit on my balcony, overlooking the lake, with a cup of my favorite tea and write in silence. If the weather does not permit outside writing, I open my blinds toward the lake and turn on praise and worship music. This really gets me to writing since I mostly write articles on Biblical principles or commentaries (none published yet, but still writing!).

[tdog138]

I can write with anything, really. But I prefer Christian or classical.

[WritingChaos]

I went with other... I listion to a vast amount of things.

[elcruci]

:mad:for me i prefer quiet because the mind does not need any distractions and moreover writing is the communication between your soul and the fourth dimension to get inspirations:(

[Alice]

Sometimes I like quiet, sometimes I like music. When I do listen to music, lately it's oldies, collections of music from the 50s and 60s.

[xian]

I am big on rock. Or anything with a good deep beat. Maybe a little drum and base techno. My wife thinks its a little weird when I've typed out a whole story with my eyes closed and my head nodding to the beat.

[rocketgirl]

Usually I need quiet, but there are definitely times when music can get me into the right frame of mind for a certain scene or character.

[Anne H.]

My vote was for other music. While I am writing I listen to BBN or put on a CD of soft gospel music.

"I can do all things through Christ" Phil. 4:13

[lionsforjesus]

I actually love listen to Worship and then Praise which both sooth the soul. Sometimes as well it will be a good (old skool be bop GTR) Jazz and some (contemp) jazz as well with no human voice. Usually depends on what subject I am going after with the passion that moves me. If something usually stirs myself up with a earnest passion to preach in my writing, I put on some good Christian Bold melodic metal such as band name Narnia, Divinefire, Audiovison sweden. These brothers have real passion an boldness with psalmist worship in their lyrics and are not afraid to sing about JESUS. In fact all their songs make sure HE is very well known as to whom they have passion about in their music. Anyway that whats truly motivate my writings when needed.

And of course the Holy Spirit deserves all the credit firstly but these songs I know HE is glorified and praised and out come the WORD's thank you JESUS.

RW

[nicholasv]

Since we had to choose just one, I chose "Music - Other" and my "other" tends mostly to be worship music, but I'm very eclectic in my musical taste, so "Other" might also include something like Hawaiian slack-key guitar music (Keona Beamer is simply fantastic! Anyway, just my "two cents worth"! God bless! Nicholasv

[onesimus]

i just like the very fact that i am not alone in the room when writing and since human presence will be 'disastrous' cos of likely talks, i'd rather just have the radio on. any music dished out to me, provided it's good, will do. soometimes, i get so engrossed i don't even hear the song that's playing!

[dcress]

I share a penchant for writing in the coffee shop with J.K. Rowling. It was the first thing that drew me to read Harry Potter.

Sometimes it's just me, the pen and paper and my coffee. Other times I use the laptop and find that nice peaceful corner next to the window. Decaf of course.

[onesimus]

apart from the kind of music i like to listen to when i'm writing, as with studying, i cannot seem to find a better time than night time. only then when majority of humans have retired to bed can i create the perfect environment i need. it's so 'bad' that most times i find it hard to write a mere synopsis during the day. U?

[Frances]

I don't do very well with distracting noise. If it's music, I have a tendency to boogy. That works all right when I'm painting, but it can have disasterous consequences with writing. LOL Merry Christmas everyone.

[jamespwillis]

Kids playing, DW in the kitchen, rooster crowing outside.

[Gary M. Roberts]

I live in the country and my favorite way to write is with the window open listening to the sound of birds and farm animals as background.

[warriorchick]

I always, always have to have music going for white noise when I write. I can listen to anything and not be distracted by it, but in general I prefer a mix of songs from movie soundtracks. Right now, the main themes from Juarassic Park are playing.

[Iamfree]

Most of the time I like to write with soft instruments in the background without vocals because I will try to make out what they are saying and get distracted.

[Bethical]

I prefer silence, because I use a screen reader, and I need to be able to concentrate on what the reader is "saying."

That being said, I do write sometimes when my apartment-mate has the TV on. But I tune out the TV and concentrate on my MAGic (the name of the screen magnification and reader program).

[Verna Mull]

I like organ music, saxaphone, piano, as long as it is very quiet. It seems to cut out background interruptions. Other than that, quiet , early morning when there is no other activity around the house! Oh yes, the music must be some good old gospel hymns that haven't been murdered by re-writing the melody!:)

[Iamfree]

I like it quiet also when it can be distractions.

[Verna Mull]

I think it is because my mind races about 90 per. most of the time and I need to slow it down!:)

[sharbuck]

classical !!

Sharbuck

[Iamfree]

I love classical especially vivaldi because it calm me down and allows me to concentrate and enjoy the music at the same time.

[Verna Mull]

I've never tried it as yet, but when I was a child, I loved being in the "woods", and, somehow, I feel that the woodland could be a wonderful place to write, surrounded by the many little, soothing sounds of nature. This used to be a simple place to go, but as of now, I'm far from a place like that. I'm afraid that I know about as little abnout "vivaldi" as I do poetry. :)

[tucsonwriter]

If I am editing or writing a scene, I will play music that would work for the soundtrack of my script. If I am working on the first draft or story problems, I need quiet!

[Verna Mull]

Wow! Writing something like that is beyond my imagination. I'm stuck on poetry and short stories from life!

[Laurel Crowned]

I tend to need to read my work aloud. I like absolute silence.. but I live in a busy household so I make due with whatever background noise is going on at the moment. I'm a school teacher by day and it's just so noisy. When I write, I like the exact opposite of my daily grind.

[emccraw]

I am a contemporary christian music lover. I have found if I am listening to music I get so excited over the song thats on I may end up taking longer to write. I also have a tendency to start making my characters listen to music or sing. After catching myself in that mode I have learned to turn the music off and stay in relative quiet.


Liz

[Verna Mull]

Isn't it interesting how we are all so wonderfully made and each of us is unique? What a wonderful God we serve. We have to all find the little nitch for which we were created, and do our very best to fulfill that task, whether it is with Contemporary music, perfect quiet, or inspired as we read God's Word.

[Iamfree]

We are God's diverse children and He loves us so much it is hard to imagine.

[Tommie Lyn]

Music, of all types, is a mood enhancer/creator for me.

And writing, for me, is a product of my emotions, my moods. When I decide on a title to write to, I allow some feelings to develop about it, and those feelings will produce a story. So......I choose a song, or, songs, to listen to while I write that will support or intensify those feelings. And usually, I put on earphones and listen non-stop to a particular song that generates the feelings I need to underlie the story.

Editing is another matter altogether. I write with my emotions, but I edit with my head, so I sometimes like quiet while I edit. Or not.

[Kitmin1246]

For me, as long as the background noise is minimal, it doesn't really matter.
I find most times it's music or TV/movies that will trigger inspiration.
Once I get going, I do work better with quiet.

Am am really new at this though, so I image my preferences will change over time. :)

[Verna Mull]

I'm just like a fish floundering at sea, but i'M having fun, and that is all it is about, don't you think?

[ban sidhe]

i soooo need music playing in the background - i hate utter silence ... esp. if i'm writing. i get distracted by the car honking outside, the sound of the fridge, the burner turning on and off ... the NOTHING !
what i listen too depends on my mood or what i'm writing at the moment - obviously i'm not gonna pop in some techno if i'm working on a death scene ... actually, that might work for the HOW of the death scene but once it's over, well, not so much :)
ban

[Nanc]

Many times, when I am quietly pondering something I have read, it will inspire me to write. When the world is quiet, my silent heart speaks.

[Azariah]

Wow, I can't stay still for the life of me. I always have something going on, even when I'm sleeping.

[revbill]

I listen to Moody radio which has a lot of Bible study and teaching by well known pastor/teachers. I cannot listen to music and write without becoming distracted by singing along. My favorite hymns 'How Great Thou Art', 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters, I'll Rise Again. Favorite music genre, southern gospel.

[kepgeek]

I can write anywhere. I wrote one article I sold while riding the band bus to football games as a chaperone. I have written several articles at ballgames or the mall that I have sold. Just keep me away from the Internet and I am okay.

[Rene'e]

I listen to music while I write, because oddly... it allows me to focus better. Music awaken's my emotions, which in-turn. allows me to awaken my character's thoughts and

emotions.