JeffKirvin.net

Podcasts, and to a similar but lesser degree, audiobooks, are the enemy of writing. I spend a great deal of time every day listening to various podcasts (Franken and the Rachel Maddow Show on Air America daily, plus weekly 1SRC, Engadget, TreoCentral and others) and it occurs to me that this is all time that, well, I probably wouldn’t be writing anyway, since I’m in the car or walking.

However! I remember back in the day, before I had these constant audio companions yammering in my ear, I used to spend a lot more time thinking. Specifically, thinking about writing. Working out dialogue in my head or just thinking about the story, not only keeping myself entertained while I drove or walked or rode my bike, but also gearin up, building my enthusiasm for my next writing session.

Now I’m so caught up in politics and gadgets, and having to have all the news and analysis NOWNOWNOW that I don’t spend any time thinking about writing. And as a result, I don’t get as jazzed about the story as I used to. And when I have the opportunity to write, the bar is too high. I don’t have the energy and momentum to tackle fiction.

But at the same time, I’m hesitant to stop listening to podcasts. I know the answer is to decide, once and for all, which is more important, fiction or politics, since I only have time for one. The answer is fiction, of course. So why can’t I stop?

Is it that it’s easier to listen to someone else than to think for myself? Easier to be informed and entertained than to inform and entertain?

I’ve got to get back on track. Somehow.