Naturally “self-isolating”…

Several times last year, I posted on the solitary aspect to the writing life. (I’ve included the links below in case you would like to take a look, or revisit.)

For me, periods of solitude are a necessary part of the creative process, but within which I sometimes find myself “listening to the silence.” Possibly because I seek my necessary solitude in relatively solitary places.

On almost every occasion, though, I realize that what I am hearing is not silence at all. Being near the sea, the waves are a constant background murmur on even the calmest days. Some days, needless to say, they roar – but I would not describe those days as silent, not in any way. 😉

Amid the solitude

Listening past the sea’s voice, a myriad other constants may be discerned: the tweet and twitter of birds, the hum of insects, and the sound of leaves, moved by the wind. The occasional voice, or car engine, or dog barking, provides a “pop” that marks the contrast.

Whenever I stop and consciously listen, I become aware of how these background sounds create a texture that shapes my perception of milieu just as much, if not as overtly, as what I see.

Unquestionably, I bring this awareness to my writing in order to create atmosphere and to “worldbuild.” The process is not always conscious, any more than experiencing the complexity of apparent silence. Yet just as I occasionally pause to consciously listen to the silence, when writing I will actively consider the sounds – and other attributes – that best support the mood or physical environment I wish to convey.

All of which led me to decide this was an “Inside The Writing Life” post, although it arose, quite simply, out of pausing to listen.

These little guys always have a lot to say — Fantail; credit, B Miller

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Those Earlier Posts:

Writing In A Time of Corona Virus – March 23

Inside The Writing Life: “Naturally Self-Isolating” – May 28

Inside The Writing Life: Fun With Friends – September 17