Writing Playlists

I recommend that anyone who writes a lot, or even just a little for fun but especially for those who write professionally, create a playlist of their favorite songs on their computer or iPod to listen to when they are writing. It has helped me get through writers block before, as well as helping me let the words flow out of my and keep me concentrated. I'm a music freak so this is a major part of my creative process. I highly recommend making one for yourself. It really does wonders.

I have a writing playlist! It actually evolved sort of accidentally. I just started hearing songs that reminded me of my story. It's really helpful to play them when you're writing.

I just listen to the Foo Fighters, I must make a playlist!

How about to listen Muse, R.E.M and interpol? I like alternative music when I am free writing.
Japanese music (classic and modern) is excellent in comic and funny actions between my characters, also in figths.

I listen to music depending on the genre. If I'm writing something romantic, I'll listen to "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion or "Say It Again" by Marie Digby.

Horror: "Haunted" by Evanesence

Coming-Of-Age: "Brave" by Idina Menzel and/or "Metamorphis" by Hilary Duff

Adventure: "Taking Chances" by Platinum Weird, "Like Whoa" by Aly and AJ


Hope this helps!

DW

P.S. For those of you who say, how can a DEAF person listen to music? I pop a CD on the player and do it up over half (sometimes to the max) of the maximum sound. And my hearing aid helps too.

Wow. Can't believe I never thought of this before. I just did it. Hope it works wonders.

Use Finetune for playlists: it's really cool and easy-to-use.

http://www.finetune.com

Be careful. Songs with words can throw a spanner into your creative engine sometimes and result in poorer work.

I listen to classical music: Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Wagner are my favorites.

I've found that the very best thing for me to listen to whilst writing has been trance/electronic. The steady, repetitive nature of it turns it instantly into a background rhythm for my brain and makes me work pretty well. Most of it doesn't have lyrics to distract you, either. The stuff's not real popular in America but here are a few of my favorites: Ferry Corsten, Above & Beyond, Deepsky, Chicane, Way Out West, and Gabriel & Dresden.

I tend to listen to music soundtracks

LOTR works a lot of the time, as do some songs from Disney classics. However, I tend to stick to the stuff without words, so as not to be distracted.

Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks work... there's a lot of such things.

But, yeah, a writing playlist is great - and definately helpful. Well, in my experience.

The author Stephenie Meyer (Host, the Twilight Series) lists the playlists for her stories here http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight_playlist.html here http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/nm_playlist.html and here http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/ecl_playlist.html.

A lot of the songs that I listen to when I write come from bands like Seether, Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, and Three Days Grace because they have lyrics that are meaningful to me.

I love that she listened to 'why does it always rain on me?' for Twilight. Poor Bella hates the rain!


As I am a fan of older songs (70s, 80s) it's quite hard to find suitable playlists. I usually listen to some Billy Joel or Rolling Stones if I'm having trouble writing. One song I used to listen to all the time when I was moody and couldn't find the right words was Sweet's 'Wig Wam Bam.' That song just makes me smile. I write a load of nonsense afterwards but at least it's something.

If you like complete peace and quiet while you are writing then this isn't for you. If you're not sure just try experimenting and see what works. One thing I will say is don't just listen to music that you like - if you are writing from the point of view of a character who is really angry or annoyed then listening to your least favourite artist can get you in the right frame of mind. I find that classical music is good for concentration.

I have found that listening to your favorite t.v show's soundtracks help.
For me It has to be veronica mars soundtrack.
Also movie scores are excellent.

Clair de lune by Claude Debussy and Someone Else by Thomas Newman are both great when your trying to be inspiring or powerful.

It depends.

I listen to what goes with what I'm writing (usually i have a score worked out for my stories, like what would be playing when if it was a movie), like for a fast chase with suspense etc I would have Shut me Up by Mindless Self Indulgence.


Basically listen to whatever goes with what your writing, whether that be classical or acid punk. ^_^





this is the playlist to one of my books: http://www.playlist.com/node/40462261

Hm. I'm wondering now if I should try to change my playlist. XD

I find it too much of a bother for me to be so specific about my music that it fits whatever scene I'm writing. Either I don't listen to it, or when I do I'm usually stuck. ^^;

Music-wise, though, I've found that videogame tunes work as well for non-lyric stuff to listen to. I'm wondering, though, if listening to stuff I know so well kinda stiffles the creative process because I'm concentrating on humming to the music instead of writing. It's great for proofreading, though!