Today’s writing tip comes from Jessica Brody, the internationally bestselling author of the young adult novel, THE KARMA CLUB as well as two mainstream novels, THE FIDELITY FILES and LOVE UNDERCOVER. Jessica’s recent good news: two of her book properties were optioned for film! Yay, Jessica! Be sure to watch for her upcoming novel, MY LIFE UNDECIDED, coming your way June 2012.
You can find Jessica online on her website, on twitter, and on facebook.
Jessica says:
I used to be one of those writers who could only write at home. Shut up in my office, lights low, door closed, windows shut—a make-shift cocoon. Because I required complete silence and isolation. But I became frustrated that I couldn’t be one of those cool writers you see in coffee shops and cafes, sitting at their laptops with a cappuccino on one side and a yummy pastry on the other. Plus, I also found that being able to write only in my home was extremely limiting to my overall mobility as an author.
But then, about three years ago, I discovered the magic solution. Well, at least it was magic for me. Because now I barely ever write at home. I write everywhere. Coffee shops, cafés, restaurants, airports, airplanes. The world is my writing oyster. So I hope in sharing my little magic tip, that other writers may be able to come out of their cocoons as well and experience the joys of writing in public.
So…are you ready for it? Are you sure? It’s pretty life-altering. And yet, so simple. It’s called “White Noise Meditation.” Which is really just a music track of white noise. I play it on repeat in iTunes, stick in my little noise canceling ear buds, crank up the static and voila! I am safe in my “virtual” cocoon, yet still out in the world like a normal human being! The noise blocks out all distractions and actually helps me focus. To the point where I don’t even write at home any more without my white noise track playing.
I actually use a track called “10 Hz Alpha Relaxation and Learning” by “White Noise Meditation” (available for download on iTunes). It has an extra special technology embedded in it called “Holosyncing.” You might have heard of it before. Basically holosyncing is the science of “syncing” your brain waves to vibrate at a certain frequency. In this case, the frequency is one of “relaxation and learning,” helping me to concentrate on my writing even more. The waves are buried deep below a constant waterfall sound, making them undetectable. And the overall effect is awesome. After having written three books listening to the same 10 minute track over and over again, my brain has ultimately been trained to go into writing mode when it hears that track. So it ends up keeping me motivated to write as well. A double whammy!
So here’s another tip, if you see me out in public, wearing those magic headphones, I wouldn’t try talking to me. Chances are, I’ll be too “zoned” to even notice your there, let alone hear you!
Best of luck, writers!
This week's link roundup: (with apologies to all the other great links this week. I'm racing a deadline and had less time to read as many posts as I would like to have, but these should give you some inspiration!)
How will your Ms. be judged? (Falling Leaflets) List of 50 criteria.
10 Latin abbreviations (Daily Writing Tips) Are you using them correctly?
5 Self-editing tips (Genreality) Actually from last week, but I missed them!
More on Editing (Cheryl Rainfield) "Take what works for you"
Details, details (Brian's Blog) "Genuine writing comes out of the specific."
Getting the big picture (Gary Corby) Note: must love spreadsheets.
Walk before you run (Children's Publishing) Also, learn before you leap.
Defeat writer's block (Chelsea M Campbell) "Crush on every scene."
Smoothing out gaps in your writing (Gail Carson Levine) Writing magic.
Be nice! (Becca Fitzpatrick) So simple and so true.
Take care of your writer self (Genreality) Good advice.
Your best writing life NOW (Happy Writer) Don't wait to be the writer you want to be.
Five writing mantras (Magical Words) Helpful to remember.
Now go. Write!
