WRITING TIPS: MUSIC ON REPEAT

One of my oldest tricks for writing is to use music in the background.

I try to find an album or a single song that isn’t too intrusive, but perhaps lends itself to cinematic qualities that match the tone I am looking for.

Using the same music each writing session allows me to return to a similar headspace.

BUT . . . it can get tiresome.

There are a few bands and albums I can’t listen to again since I played them on repeat during a draft.

There are others that I return to, fondly remembering their guidance.

I don’t always listen to music when I write (more often I do not). But I always listen to music in the car. During a novel draft, I will not change whatever album I’m listening to. The time in my car listening to music is generally when I think about what I’ve written and what I want to write next. Having consistent music keeps me in a similar headspace. Of course, after a month of the same album, it’s usually a relief to change up an album when a novel draft is completed.

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