Habits with Reading and Writing

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

I am mostly motivated to read in the mornings and sometimes before bed. The appeal of the book is a large factor to a good reading experience. If it is a textbook and it's all grey scale with the same size fount throughout, I am immediately deterred. If it has colored or larger headings, bullet points, or notes in the margin, I am more interested. When reading a fiction novel, I enjoy reading about a dystopian world, something that requires imagination. If it is warm and sunny, I want to be outside with a book. That is kind of difficult if I have to read on my laptop. So I'll sit by a window indoors or open a window so I can hear and feel the outside. 

How would you describe your very best writing experiences?

If I writing for school and need other materials around me, I will work best in a study environment like the library or a table in my home. If I am writing casually, I like to sit in my bed with the tv on. It has to be something I have seen before. 

How do you set up these things for the best reading or writing time you could possibly have?

Light: 

I prefer either natural light or yellowed light. I love to read/write outside or by a window.

Music:

If I am in the mood for music, I can write listening to indie folk/tunes that I do not know the words to. If I am reading, I cannot listen to music that has any words. I will listen to movie scores, or folk acoustic. Other times, I do not want music, or would prefer listening to the natural setting outside.

Body position: 

If I am reading for fun, I do not like to be at a desk. This will look like snuggling up with a blanket and fuzzy socks on the couch, lounging in a cushy chair with my feet up, or hammocking outside. If I am reading for school/research, I need to be at a desk with a highlight, pen and notebook nearby. If I am writing, I am at a desk with my laptop or my bed with my back propped with pillows. 

Food and/or drink:

I like to read and write with coffee or water. Anything else would distract me.

Wiggling or being still: 

I move a lot. But I stay in one place. When I find the spot that works for me, I will set up shop there. I will however, constantly readjust how I'm sitting. Which is normally with my feet off the ground.

Nearness of other people:

Not often will I read/write away from other people. If I am really engaged in a fiction book, I will want to read where no one is around so that I can comfortably react to the book. Often though, I prefer to be around other people. This does not always mean that I know them. I like to read/write at coffee shops. I will go there by myself. I just like the environment. As well, I am picky about who I read/write around based on how productive I want to be. 

How long does a writing or reading session need to be for you to get really involved and get a lot of work done?

I need to give myself an hour to feel successful. It takes me 30 minutes to really delve into something because I have to plan everything out beforehand. If I am reading/writing longer than an hour then I am being productive. With reading for fun it still takes me 30 minutes to let a book catch my full attention. 

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

During the morning/day while the sun is out, the dining room table in front of the window. At night, my bed with the lamps on. When it comes to write that requires a lot of concentration, I need to be isolated.