First of all, I have to be awake. I'm not talking the zombie-esque near life I have first thing in the morning before my tea. Nor do I speak of the passively catatonic state that occurs after a particularly challenging session at the day job. No, I mean well and truly awake. Alert enough that i know my own name and that of those around me, as well as able to form at least simple coherent sentences. You may laugh, dear readers, but my fellow day walkers will understand.
Second, the distractions must be at a minimum. Kid asleep? Check. TV off? This is a big one for me. I am completely addicted to this infernal machine. It saddens me, but not enough to turn off the satellite service (Good God, man! Are you mad?). Is it dark outside? I must not be able to see the scampering bunnies or the gamboling squirrels out in the field. Squirrel!
Finally, there must be music. Not just any music, of course, That would be...well, that wouldn't be me, now would it? The music I listen to while writing must not have lyrics. You see, what happens is this. As I begin to churn the words that form into my head onto the "paper", sometimes the lyrics of the song intermingle with my thoughts and then end up on the screen as part of my text. Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd) really doesn't belong in a children's story, nor does I Need a New Drug (Huey Lewis and the News). No, it must be melody only lest my ADD tendencies (I don't actually have ADD. I've been tested.) take hold to a much undesired affect. The music must also fit the scene I am trying to write. The final movement of the 1812 Overture won't do for a love scene, as much as "Princess Leia's Theme" will not do for a battle/fight scene. I have number of CD's that I draw from as well as my dear friend Pandora, but sometimes finding the right music can take as long as writing the scene.
I don't ask for much, really. I just want a little co-operation from the universe. You know, if it wouldn't be too much trouble.
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