There’s a growing debate among writers at every level as to whether a backdrop is required to write at their best.
For some, the presence of a radio is a must-have if they’re going to produce a piece of quality writing. For others, nothing but total silence will do so they can concentrate on their topic.
Where do you fall on this question?
I know for me, I need to have some noise. It needs to be noise that I can’t really get into, like a boring TV show or music that I like, but can tune out.
Writing in dead silence is only an invitation for my mind to wander and try to figure out what every little creak and squeak is—and that’s on a day when I really want “quiet.”
If I’m feeling really productive, the best place for me is a busy coffee shop! (I know, that’s totally Brian Gardner!). There is nothing like the buzz of social activity going on around me in a very busy place and yet focusing on just my writing job.
For some reason, I’m able to completely focus and drown everything else out, even though I really enjoy that particular atmosphere for productivity.
What are the benefits of a backdrop?
Depending on what you’re writing, you might be using some of what you see and hear for inspiration. People watching can bring a lot of unnoticed social behaviors to your attention and perhaps add an element of surprise to your writing.
If it’s music you’re listening to, is there a particular theme to it? Does it put you on a mental path to writing success?
Writers who typically enjoy music are able to work in any kind of environment because they have an excellent ability to focus on the details. I might even add that these are typically parents, executives and similar professionals who know how to work around even the largest amount of noise.
TV shows are an entirely different matter. These programs are set up to grab your attention, draw you in and not let you go until the words “The End” pop up on the screen.
If you’re going to have a TV show going, it needs to either be relevant to what you’re writing about or something you can completely ignore if you choose. This is the only way you’re going to get the benefit of any kind of background noise.
Unexpected benefits of background noise
There are times during every writing project when you need to mentally step away for a moment. Background noise, whether in the form of music or a TV show, allows you to do this but still stay on point.
It’s not beneficial, in my opinion, to start another project when one hasn’t been completed. However, if you give your mind something benign to watch or listen to, it won’t take your mental focus away from your current subject.
Even if you don’t need it, it might be worth trying to work with some type of background noise at all times. Then, when you’re stuck in that situation, you can still produce a piece of quality work no matter where you’re at.
Please share your own opinions of writing backdrops below—we’d love to hear what you prefer and how it affects your writing quality and focus!
I’ve been a professional writer / scriptwriter / speechwriter for a long time and there have been many times when I had to perform with some sparkling words in appalling conditions – or else! The funniest was when I sitting backstage at a conference venue writing a speech on a laptop for the CEO, while the crew were rigging the set, hauling cables over my feet, hammering, swearing, cursing and doing sound checks. It was a good speech, too…! However in an ideal world I like to be in my (home) office with the window open listening to the birds outside – that’s the perfect backdrop for me.
That’s an excellent story how ‘different’ situations force us to adapt and pull the best of ourselfs, apart from the ideal world. That reminded how one professor at the faculty told us that engineers should sometimes write exams where noisy – you never know where you’ll end up. 😉
Thanks Suzan, appreciate your comment.
Hi Dragan, I like having the window open and hearing the wind, birds, airplanes – even traffic. Just that little bit of background noise puts me in a good place and helps me focus.
I think I could adjust to a coffee shop, just as reporters or writers in a “pen” type of set up are able to tune everything out. I had that scenario at one time. I think it’s paranoia that I’m hogging a table – I’d definitely have to leave periodic tips.
But music? No way. Not even classical. Don’t know why. Just seems to interfere with the brainwaves. But I have one writer-friend that can blare Motown, no prob. 😉
This is what I like to hear – what puts you in a good place and helps you focus. It really doesn’t matter if you can’t connect music and writing. Ater all, we all have different habits.
Thanks Alison for stopping by.
Hi. I love to write where I can see, if not be, outdoors. Our side deck in the summer is ideal because it’s so sheltered by big trees and always shady (it’s where I’m sitting right now as I write this). I can hear life go by in town but can usually ignore it when I’m writing. Otherwise, I like it quiet so I can focus on what I’m writing.
When I need inspiration or ideas I love to go to a coffee shop or mall and just sit and watch people. I jot down ideas in my notebook and then flip through it when I need inspiration.
It’s always interesting and inspiring to watch people how they react in some situations. You mentioned coffee shop and mall and this is very inspiring for marketing experts just watching the customer behavior and habits.
Interesting observation Rick and thanks for stopping by.
Hi Dragan,
I decided to drop by this post since I could relate to it so much more.
Okay, I have to have dead silence. I can’t sleep or even watch a TV program if something else is going on. I can’t concentrate on anything else unless it’s quite. Okay, not for the TV show but you get my point.
Usually when I sit down to write I definitely have an idea of what I’m going to write about. My mind doesn’t wander to other things, I’m totally focused on what I’m doing at that very moment.
If you were to turn on some music or conversations were going on in the other room I wouldn’t be able to concentrate. My mind would wander to what the words of the song are or what they’re talking about. I know, I’m weird…
Looks like from the comments I’m the only one who needs the quiet. Oh well, someone has to do it right!
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne,
I don’t think you’re weird, you have your micro world as anyone else where you feel focused.
Now, what would you say of this, my wife can’t get asleep if radio isn’t turned on. I’m not that radical so I usually turn it to minimum :).
Thanks Adrienne for stopping by, I appreciate it.
Hi Dragan
“For others, nothing but total silence will do so they can concentrate on their topic.”
That’s me… has to be total silence!
Both my wife and daughter can write with background music, but not me.
I tend to put down the title and headings and then write whatever comes into my head.
Then I go back and rewrite and edit.
The hard part is making a start!
I also find a start as the hard part. I always have some ideas but I’m lazy to write’em down and make drafts.
Thanks Steve, appreciate you take the time and shared your writing backdrop.
Great question! I find that I need to engage visually with what I’m writing about. Since I’m writing about travel, I usually edit my photos first so the images are fresh in my mind. Then, I try to plug into something that brings me back there… If it was outdoors I go outside, if it was a busy place or in the city I may go downtown. I try to recreate the tone, it really gets my pen going.
Hi Christa,
That’s really interesting and a little bit unusual writing backdrop. But it makes a perfect sense.
Since you write about travel, image visualisation is the perfect even if you run out of ideas. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Thanks Christa, appreciate your comment.
Terrific topic, Dragan!
I’m with my good buddy, Keith Davis, on this one. “Silence” does the trick for me. I LOVE music, I write lyrics, I play the piano, and I sing. BUT no music for me while writing.
My only backdrop is the moon and stars and the sky in all its glory. Ahh … the still of the night. 😉
As a matter of fact, I’ve come to realize after years of blogging, I’m most creative in the middle of the night. I tend to get a “second wind” after midnight and my favorite pieces have all been written around 3:00 AM. Not exactly sure what that says about me, but it works.
Wonderful to discover you over at Kiesha Easley’s We Blog Better. 🙂
Thanks Melanie, appreciate your comment. You’re definitely the night bird when it comes to writing. Hm 3:00 AM you say! 🙂
Keisha has great community and I love posting for WBB.
Thank you again for your comment and your visit. I hope I’ll see you again soon.
~Dragan
Oh, you haven’t seen the last of me, Dragan! I know a stellar blogger when I see one. 🙂
Hi Dagan,
I prefer quiet with minimal background noise. If there’s unobtrusive nature sounds like birds singing or ocean waves crashing, that’s lovely. A tree frog chirping on and on and on drives me nuts!
This post is a great read!
Hi Pamela,
Well I got the picture what drives you nuts :). That tree frog really made me smile.
Thanks Pamela for sharing your writing backdrop and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
~Dragan
Hi Dragan,
What an interesting question! I never gave it much thought but upon pondering on this, I find myself ALWAYS having my desk facing a window. I like the fresh air to come in even in the winter. I like the sense of smell and the colors outside of the trees.
Any music without words work for me, otherwise I get all confused. I did try to work at a local coffee shop a few times but got too distracted. I ended up blabbing away he he!
-Donna
Hi Donna,
Everyone has his own favorite writing surroundings and you described yours in a pictorial way. Only watch out for that fresh air during the winter.
Thanks Donna again for sharing this, I appreciate it.
I cannot work in total silence. To me, silence is disturbing; I’m too aware of it and not much else. I have to have music on when I write. Even when I worked in accounting, I had to have a radio in my office. I’d sing along while crunching numbers and filling spreadsheets.
As a writer, I don’t sing as I work, but music is a hafta have in my workday. It’s motivating for me. When I need to take a ‘think break’, I go outside and pull some weeds while thinking about a beginning line or how I want to word an idea in my head.
I agree Dragan – backdrops serve a purpose. They certainly are necessary in my life. Considering the life of a freelance writer is a lonely one, it’s nice to have the company of background noise.
BTW, I have a problem on all sites that use commentluv with my URL not being recognized. How do I use force feed?
Hey Shauna,
Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate you sharing with me your most comfortable writing position.
I’m just like you, I have to have some noise, even if it was my kids. 🙂
I really don’t know why you can’t output your latest post via commentluv. This is the first time I’ve heard of this problem. I’ll check it out and let you know.
Thank you again for your comment and your visit. I hope I’ll see you again soon.
~ Dragan