Writing during the pandemic has been really different. I know some writers who have felt productive because they’ve had more time to focus on writing (lucky them!), but many others, like parents, who haven’t been able to fit in writing time. Then there are the writers who may have the time but can’t find the focus.
I totally get it! At the beginning of the pandemic when the of five us were home all the time, I thought it would be a long time before I figured out a way to fit in writing.
But then I talked to a friend who had been getting up early to write and I (virtually) joined in on her sessions. Naturally, I blogged about this in “WIP Update: Witchy Middle Grade & a Fear of Asking for Help”.
This was back in June 2020, and since then I’ve basically written and revised an entire 59,000-word middle grade novel and worked on a few smaller pieces as well. It’s a level of productivity I couldn’t have imagined achieving this time last year, but I’m not here to brag about this (even if I am proud of it!).
I’m here to say that it’s okay to be unproductive, especially when facing a global pandemic. I basically did a whole webinar with tips on how to be more productive as a parent writer (which is good for any busy writer) where I also tried to help listeners feel okay about not writing. You can watch it for free or check out any of the other Indie Author Project Expert Sessions if you have the time. 😉
One thing that has really helped me to focus has been listening to some kind of white noise. I find music with lyrics can be distracting while I’m writing. But instrumental music that has the right mood to fit what I’m working on or white noise is perfect for keeping my internal editor in check and my mind on task.
So let’s get to those white noise recommendations already!
Spotify is my go-to app when I want thematic instrumental music. There are a ton of pre-made playlists that you can use search for. For my witchy middle grade, my favorite was “spooky instrumental”. When I write fantasy, I’m partial to this “Fantasy Board Gaming” one.
For something more like white noise, I turn to YouTube. For spring, I’ve been listening to this “Spring Rain Sounds” one. When I want to feel cozy, I enjoy fireplaces and thunderstorms, like this Royal Library one.
My most recent discovery is a site called I Miss My Cafe where I can channel those cafe writing sessions I used to have. You can choose which sounds to listen to, from the barista calling out orders to other customers chatting in the background to street ambiance, and pick your volume. There is also Coffitivity, which isn’t as customizable but good nonetheless.
What do you like to listen to while writing or working?
You are amazing, Katie. I’ve always needed silence to write and when deep into a fictive world, silence even as I go about my household chores. This can be hard for family members when I’m on deadline but we’re all a happier family for it.
You’re too sweet, Vijaya! Silence is so hard to come by in my house these days but music can be too distracting, so I find the white noise to be a good middle ground. I’m glad your family is supportive of your writing needs.
I am never in need of noise to write, I need no noise. But I ADORE the library during a storm that you included here. I think I’ll bookmark this one for when I need to calm down from something upsetting. It’s just wonderful. Thank you for this gift <3
Happy to share, Mirka! The library and storm are so atmospheric…it’s put in me just the right cozy mood.