This is probably old news to some of you, but I just learned about a study that says the sounds of a coffee house may boost creativity. There’s actually a web site called Coffitivity which plays a coffee shop soundtrack called “Morning Murmur.” You can also get an app for your phone.
I’m not a fan of doing actual work in Starbucks, but I once had a boss who wrote most of her thesis in a coffee place. I don’t like writing in complete silence; I need music. Somehow it clears my mind of useless prattle and allows me to think about what I’m doing. As of this week, my preferred background is Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor. Not depressing, just beautiful.
How about you? Total silence, white noise or music?
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
Oh I agree with you on this one, listening to music, like right now at Bach’s Overtures, or at times at Mozart inspires me. Thank for sharing this.
I love playing Bach, but not listening to him. Weird, I know.
Have heard that children listening to Mozart do better on math exams too.
I have not heard this, Carole. As to your question, I need the kick start of music, but once I get rolling I need quiet. Often at the rough notes stage in a short story, it comes together quicker if I play solitaire with my left hand while I scribble with my right! Beautiful photo!
Thanks, Cheryl. I forgot to mention that I get some great ideas when I’m under the shower. Something about those negative ions.
I’m impressed that someone can play solitaire and scribble at the same time!
Anything but being anywhere near a Starbucks….the only creativity they engender in me is how to get rid of them. I need silence to write……I sometimes listen to classical music but it tends to take me off on another track:)
I used to love Starbucks, but now I find them annoying. Love that logo though. 🙂
I’m a white noise person. I can’t just sit in a Starbucks because I’ll get distracted and people watch.
I tried editing photos on my laptop in a Starbucks one time and was constantly asked about the photos. Never again.
I often go to the coffee shop to write because when I’m at home, I get distracted (or you could call it planned procrastination) by all the things I “should” be doing. Laundry. Vacuuming. Dust bunny cleaning. At the coffee shop, it’s out of sight out of mind. 🙂
So true. When I was a translator I tried working at home and had the same problem. Now I just forget about it. 🙂
I hadn’t heard this either.
I’m a total silnece or chaos type. I prefer silnece but I can work in a café, not with music though.
I’m OK with silence, but find it does nothing for my creativity. I usually check email or read novels in total quiet.
I prefer writing in a pub. But most of the time I write at home in silence, unless you count Miles’s snoring.
Ha ha! I am smiling right now thinking of Miles’ expression yesterday.