It’s always interesting what I run across when I’m doing research for a story. For my Dream Weaver series, which kicks off with Dream Man, I did a lot of research on the subject of dreaming. It was fascinating to learn about the sleep stages, what happens during REM, and what dreams might mean. Yet one article I kept regarded daydreams or mind wandering.[1]
According to research results, on average people aren’t thinking about what they’re doing thirty to forty percent of the time. That’s a lot! The human brain just seems hard-wired to wander. Most often, the mind slips to everyday things such as “to do” lists. Fantasies are the next most common, with worries coming in third. In this way, the human mind seems to devote time to problem solving or planning for the future.
My wandering thoughts are like everyone else’s… I go to my “to do” list. Yet my “to do” list includes my writing. If I’m stuck on something, the answer often comes to me in these little flashes of random thought. If I think too hard, though, the answers just won’t come.
So how do your daydreams work? Do you get more than grocery lists and carpooling schedules? Do you think the list is in the right order? I’m curious about what’s more interesting – your daydreams or the ones you have at night?
[1] Science Paying Attention to Not Paying Attention by Malcom Ritter, Associated Press, http://www.msnby.msn.com/id/17690541/
This series looks and sounds absolutely amazing. I really enjoy your books.
sounds like a fun book. Honestly, I think my daydreams are more interesting just because I remember those! Most dreams that I remember are memorable for something bad that happens, rather than good.
I don’t usually remember my dreams after I wake up.. I’m a new reader to your books,looks like I found another new author to follow .. do you have a blog page ?
Thanks, Carolyn. I hope you like the series.
Good point, Rachel. Although, I remember the weird ones, too!
Hi Ruth. My blog is on the home page of my website, so just go to http://kimberlydean.com.