Just Wondering
My wip is about memory. And I am spending a lot of time, therefore, thinking about how the brain works. Anyway, I was walking the dogs two days ago, and I realized the whole walk, I talked to myself in my head. No "pictures" in my head, just dialogue.
So I started wondering . . . .
Do you "think" in dialogue?
Do you internally talk to yourself?
Do you think in pictures, colors?
For those who talk to themselves in their heads, is it constant?
When is your brain quietest?
What happens to your internal dialogue when you write?
Just askin'.
And for the record, I type almost as fast as I think words, so I am typing this right now as I am thinking the words. That's what happens when I write. And therefore writing helps me empty all these damn words out of my head.
27 comments:
I have a near constant stream of dialogue in my head. Sometimes with pictures, sometimes not, and very few things quiet it.
If I'm watching a movie I have to be doing something else or my mind wanders. Playing Bejeweled is one of the few things that works because I'm so focused on matching those sparkly jewels.
Writing is good for me because, like you, I type as fast as I think. The dialogue just shifts to my characters.
Melanie:
We sound VERY alike in that regard.
:-)
Melanie:
P.S. I do the NY Times crossword puzzle while watching TV.
Have you read any of Eckhart Tolle's books? He seems to have a good understanding of how our minds work along the lines you mention this morning. I've been practicing the art of NOT thinking, stopping the constant barrage of dialogue and scenes running through my mind, stopping my constant naming of every single thing I see and hear. I set aside 10-30 minutes each day to stop my mind -- it's amazing how restful that is, what a relief to be still and quiet. Tolle also practices the art of getting your mind quiet prior to writing, wait for the words to come and then write -- it really deepens your work. I think it's because it takes you beyond an beneath the constant chatter in your mind and down into the core of your being where your own truth lies.
It does take some practice.
I plot. I see everything in terms of events without emotional engagement. I don't plot well either because the events are random.
I'm glad you blogged. I felt the need to write this morning while at the same time feel that I'm not alone. It's nice to come to the water cooler before launching into fiction.
Pictures and colors? No. Talk to yourself and think in dialog? Yes. I have to struggle not to do this in my personal life in an unhealthy way.
Beth:
I edited/proofed a book by him (a reprint) ages ago. I don't recall all the specifics though. Maybe I should revisit him.
Richmond:
That's precisely why I blog!!! :-)
Joe:
I hear you. I am often "removed" in relationships because I am so in my head. It takes work to be "present."
Talk to myself in my head all the time (especially when walking Frodo). Just last week I was imagining an ugly confrontation between myself and the jackass percussion instructor for the marching band. Hmmm.
As for pictures in my head, that's complicated, when it comes to writing fiction. At some level I'm describing scenes as I see them, but that's such a gross oversimplification that I don't think it's very accurate. Maybe describing scenes as I EXPERIENCE them.
And I'm fascinated with the concept of "narrative memory."
The specific book I was thinking about is A NEW EARTH. It might be worth a look.
Reading the comments by Richmond and Joe -- I'm the same way. It's like between my family and my characters, I hardly have emotional energy to give to other relationships. Perhaps that's why we're such loners and yet long for deep interaction with others. I can tell already I'll be thinking about this concept all day.
Mark:
Describing scenes as I picture them is probably closer to my process. I know the words are never absent.
My mind is the quietest while watching a movie or reading a book. Otherwise, there are always voices in my head. ;-) Hopefully they're future dialog to use in a WIP.
When I was in high school, I did my homework with both the radio and TV on.
I do my "best" writing in the shower or while driving, but forget at least half of it by the time I get to the computer.
When I'm walking, I'm either talking in my head or playing a song or both. I think my brain never shuts up.
I solve problems better if I'm driving.
Oh yeah - I clear my head with classical music. It's how I emptied it out after a complicated physics problem in college. And how I try to get some sleep when my brain is on overdrive.
Hmm. I don't always think in words. I think that's why internal narrative, especially something that runs longer than about two sentences, doesn't ring true to me.
I think in lots of ways, imagery, but most often something like compilations, almost a collage, of words, images, memory, sounds. I have no idea what to call it. When I think in words I often start speaking them out loud. That gets embarrassing at Target. Used to be easier when I had a baby in the cart. :)
Generally though I can type as fast as I think and when I'm writing, I'm very word focused, so there is that. In early WIP days I tend to use my compilations to think. In revisions I use words.
My head will only clear in the movie theater, with the huge screen and the loud sound. At home, I can barely get through a TV show unless I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open.
I do think in dialogue. Tags included, which is... weird, right? (she asked.)
Kath:
Reading usually shuts it off--at least if it's a good book.
Sarah:
That is fascinating to me, because my son (the math-gifted one) is the SAME EXACT way.
starbucks:
I think in imagery and collage only if walking with my iPod on.
Nastasha:
TV shows have to hold my attention. Movies I am usually OK in. Unless we're talking the Star Wars prequels in which case I wanted to jump off a building I was so bored. :-)
Very interesting post today Erica! :)
I think in pictures, Sometimes I get an "explosion" of pictures in my head while I write. I wouldn't say I have a stream of dialogue, but when I write dialogue, I try to picture random faces in the situations I am writing about and imagine what their facial expressions would be while saying the words I am putting in their mouths. So in short- I think in pictures, mostly. :)
BLD:
One of my characters in the wip thinks in pictures. She's a film-maker.
I tend to think in terms of sense impressions and then kind of translate things into words. Which means in highly emotional situations I'm usually left gasping like a fish and only come up with words a little later which is frustrating and why I like writing-not the same kind of time pressure.
So glad to see you back. Been lurking for ages but never posted. Was worried about you. Prayers for you and your puppy.
Natasha, that is funny.
She said.
Gingersnap!
:-) THANKS FOR POSTING!
Melanie:
ROFLMAO.
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