Reading and Writing Reflections: The Q&A

How would you describe the best reading experiences you could possibly have?

 The best reading experiences for me have always been reading to my daughter and nieces. When they were babies, they would just sit there and listen as I read them stories and changed my voice for different characters. They would smile and look intently at the pages of the books as if they were characters in the story themselves. They would smile and clap and try to mimic the noises as they listened. Late evening stories at bed time would be awesome. They would fall to sleep as I would read the stories and it always melted my heart. The joy I experienced while reading those sweet babies’ stories even make me smile now. They are growing up so fast, but they still find a book and ask me to read to them. 


How would you describe your very best writing experiences?

 My best writing experiences happened when I was able to write on a topic that was important to me. It pulled a lot of emotion and allowed me to tell my story without interruption. I was in the school library when I was able to write best. I had resources immediately available. I was surrounded by books! What better environment to write in! It was quiet and I had on headphones to listen to soft music. I was able to spread out and have all of my supplies there with me and would not have to get up for anything but to stretch my legs or go to the lavatory. The space was all mine. I would see people walk by and it would give me a moment to reflect and think, then back to work I would go. I could never write in a closed off room because it would always feel like the walls were closing in on me. 


 How would you set up these things for the best reading or writing time you could possibly have?
  • Light- mood lighting is very important to me. I love reading in natural light, so a window is always a preference for me.
  • Music- soft jazz or classical instrumentals always set a calming atmosphere. The soft strings playing in the background provide the canvas for the story I am reading. It is not too loud as to distract me but just loud enough to provide soothing sounds to calm my mind and keep me focused.
  • Body Position- Ideally, I like to read in a reclined position for leisure. It’s more relaxing for me and allows me to be comfortable for longer periods of time. I don’t feel the pressure of getting finished quickly so that I can move on to the next thing. When I am studying, I like to sit at the desk in a nice chair with cushion and a straight back. This helps to keep me focused on the task at hand so that I am not too relaxed and can complete the assignment in an appropriate amount of time.
  •  Food and/or drink- a nice warm cup of coffee or tea is a preference when I am reading, studying, and writing. The warm drink sooths me and the aroma of coffee always perks me up! A sip every now and then is always refreshing to me. I do not snack very often when I am participating in these types of activities as I do not want to have to focus on the food. I don’t want to mess up my books and papers with food and crumbs.
  • Wiggling or being still- I like to get in a comfortable position and stay there until I have completed my reading or writing. I tend to get more done during that time. If I start to wiggle, I have become anxious and need to take a break.
  • Nearness of other people- When I am reading, I tend to like to be around other people. I challenge myself to have completed a certain portion of my work before they get up out of their seats or start to talk to me. The nearness of others also provides comfort for me. It’s like a sense of security. I know they are close and if they are doing the same thing as me, it’s a gentle reminder that I am not alone in my task. 

What is the best place for you to get lost in reading?

  I always get lost in reading when I am sitting outside on a cool morning with my cup of coffee and a blanket. It is so relaxing to me and I can read for hours and hours. I love being in nature and hearing the sounds of nature when I am reading. It also gives me a moment to reflect on what I am reading. I often feel like the world has stopped and time is waiting for me to engage again. This is never the case because when I do come to a stop, I have lost track of time and have to get busy with the rest of my day. 


What is the best place for you to get lots of concentrated writing done? 

 I enjoy writing in the library. There is always a group of people there busy doing what they must. They are usually very quiet and focused. This atmosphere is good for me because it has the adequate space for my supplies, tables and chairs and there are resources readily available if needed. When I take a break because of writers block, I always tend to find something there to reflect on and it refocuses my attention and pulls thoughts so that I can continue to write. 

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