Writers
have routines that help them get into the flow of writing. For some, this
involves a simple act such as making a cup of coffee or tea. Other writers,
though, may struggle to get into the headspace needed to write, especially if
they are trying to squeeze in a thirty-minute writing session in between other
commitments. Having an established workspace helps, but individuals can
continue to struggle at times.
This
has happened to me numerous times. I sit down to write, but distractions arise,
or I must push myself to type out the words. At these moments, music has helped
me focus and write.
Although
each writer should establish a routine that works for them, playing background
instrumental music is a beneficial choice to maintain focus and encourage
creativity throughout the writing process. In the prewriting stages, certain
music enables writers to imagine and visualize the scenes of their story. Then,
as the music establishes the tone and mood of the scene, an individual can more
easily write the scene based on what they visualize.
For
example, during a screenwriting class, I needed to write visually since screenplays
are intended to be produced as films. To prepare for the writing sessions, I
played fantasy music to get me into the headspace of the story. After spending
time imagining the scenes, I found myself in a better position to work on the
screenplay. The fantasy music also encouraged me to stay focused on the tone
and mood of the story as I wrote.
Not Just for Fiction
Writers
Lest
people conclude that music is only for creative writers who are penning novels
or screenplays, playing instrumental music in the background can assist writers
with any form or genre. I completed a great deal of my academic writing for
classes and assignments while listening to the music of Mozart, Beethoven,
Chopin, and Bach. Also, instrumental worship music is often playing as I draft
articles. The rhythm, speed, and tone of the various songs make me feel relaxed,
which allows me to focus and work.
Recommendations for Writing
with Music
When sitting down for a
writing session, not just any music will do. Some individuals may appreciate
songs with lyrics, but I have found that instrumental music promotes greater
focus because lyrics can distract. Another aspect to keep in mind is the mood
the music evokes. Does the sound make you feel what you want to convey in the
scene you are writing? Upbeat, cheery music is not the best choice if you are drafting
an intense conversation between characters or creating an emotionally moving
scene after the protagonist experiences the death of a loved one. Thinking
about how the music affects your writing and how it can assist you in setting
the mood and tone are vital details to consider.
Here are a few
recommendations of music for writing based on my experience while working on my
novel-in-progress and writing articles.
- For the writer of fantasy
or speculative fiction – Blue
Turtle has a YouTube channel that showcases original art
animation and music perfect for writing fantasy. A few of the videos change
things up with piano and lo-fi music, but overall, it is an excellent choice to
listen to as you draft a fantasy novel or short story. As a bonus, the animation is superb and
follows the adventures of a young mage named Ithya.
- For the writer seeking
focus – Some of the most helpful music that I have encountered while working on
a variety of projects is classical music. HALIDONMUSIC offers numerous videos and playlists that are excellent choices for any writer.
I have found their “Classical Music
for Reading,” to be inspiring, thought-provoking, and helpful when I experience writer’s block.
- For the writer of
biblical topics, Christian growth articles, or devotionals – A variety of playlists and
videos exist that include instrumental worship music. Some consist of hymns
while others are comprised of contemporary Christian music. Either way, the
music can encourage you to praise God as you write and remember the reason you are writing. Two YouTube channels that I recommend for Christian writers are Josh Snodgrass
and Dan
Musselman. Their music can also be found on other platforms,
such as Spotify.
The Connection Between Music
and Story
We
should not be surprised at how songs and writing overlap. As I mentioned in the
introduction post to this blog series, story has always been interwoven with
music since songs were used throughout history to convey tales and the
important deeds of individuals. Today, music continues to inspire stories by
igniting the imagination of writers.
Now
that we have seen how music inspires stories, the next post will investigate
how literature has inspired music.
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