I have always known that I was not an auditory learner. I need to see things, to touch things in order to properly commit them to memory. Things that I merely hear quickly evaporate into the ether--not because I am not listening, or because I do not care, but because that is how my brain works.
But things I read or write...well, they are ingrained in my mind for all time.
I grew up in a very quiet house. A product of the 70s, I was a "latch key kid" and spent a lot of time alone. Alone was quiet. So, I only realized I had a problem later in life, when my three kids became old enough to create a constant low-roar in our home. This--combined with the rattle of the dishes washing, the churn of the laundry swishing around the washing machine, the clatter of cats chasing one another through the house, and the hum of the television that no one seemed to be watching--it all seemed...too much! It was overwhelming.
Strange that so many noises, which if taken on their own might be considered soothing, or lulling, when combined seem to rankle, to jar, to agitate. Yet, they do...for me at least.
When people talk about listening to music when they write, I shudder as I imagine one more noise that I must try to block out in order to hear my own thoughts.
By all means, crank up the music if that helps you. But for me...give me my silence. The quiet of a cold winter's night, the gentle whispers of my characters, and the tapping of my keys to keep me company while. Somewhere, in another room, the rhythmic breathing of sleeping children can be heard faintly.
This gentle, near-silence surrounds me with peace.
What about you? Do you listen to music when you write?
No, I don't. I might listen to music before I write, if I need a particular mood, but my brain also prefers silence.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their own leaning style. Yours just happens to fit in perfectly with the school system. Auditory and tactile learners have a much harder time because our school system is designed around look and learn--chalk boards and books.
I learn much better if I'm moving, and if I hear what I'm supposed to be learning. Better yet if I listen while I'm moving and reading. :)
And no, I wasn't alone as a child. At least not in that sense. If anything, there was too much noise and I found myself retreating.
Lauren
It is always interesting learning how we are all alike, and different, as writers. I can "feel" the music in a scene, I just can't stand to listen to it when I write.
DeleteAre you actually diagnosed for Auditory Processing Disorder? Sounds pretty normal to me. A lot of folks who aren't used to noise just can't stand it. I grew up with seven little siblings, so noise is pretty standard. And I mean a LOT of noise. I can sleep through anything, read through anything...but sometimes I just want a break. Then minimal noise is good. Or even almost no noise.
ReplyDeleteSilence can actually frighten me. It can be deafening, distracting. But maybe sometimes that jump-starts me as a writer. I dunno. I never notice if I have sound or not.
Auditory Defensiveness is what I have also heard mine called. Noises seem too loud, too overwhelming to me. I woke up the other night when the dog got up and was walking around the house. The sound of her claw tapping on the wood floors was so maddening that it woke me from a dead sleep. Ugh.
DeleteI grew up with 6 brothers and sisters and learned to tune out. But I've forgotten how and these days I prefer silence, too. Music occasionally but it has to be exactly right.
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