Music

Hello, Intrepid Blog Reader, I’m here today to answer one of the burning questions about writing: music or no music? In other words, should I listen to music when I write, or not? The personal answer for me is a simple no. I don’t want my storytelling to be influenced by what I’m listening to, and I know myself and that I would definitely be influenced. I love music and its many forms. From classical to rock to country to alternative, I’m down for it. I also know that having Wagner’s Charge of the Valkyries blasting while I’m writing a tender emotional moment would not work well. Maybe it would for you. I’ve read interviews with people who talk about selecting music appropriate to what they’re writing that day. I admire their effort to create an atmosphere that’s comfortable for them to write. Me? Sounds like too much work. Plus, in some cases I don’t know what I’m going to write during a session and I’d prefer to find the path myself, not through another listen to London Calling. Can music be inspirational when you’re writing? Of course! Just like so many other things you have to decide for yourself (outline vs. no outline, Word vs. Google Docs, morning vs. evening, etc.), you can add music to the list. If you’re undecided, try it both ways. I used to listen to music when studying and I still do when reading, but not when banging away at the keyboard. And if you need inspiration when you’re writing that first draft of the final war between good and evil, you could do a lot worse than Wagner.