Music while writing. A question for the ages…
Some scream “Yes, absolutely!”
Others, “Never. It’s a distraction. Focus on your work.”
And In Between?
For me, I think music can greatly enhance writing. I also understand it can distract if the tune doesn’t fit the mood I’m trying to create.
For example, I once wrote a dramatic prologue — all in the rain, the dark, desperate battles happening, that sort of thing — while listening to the start of the “Bells of Notre Dame.” If you’ve ever listened to that tune, you’ll know the part I mean. The dramatic choral chanting that later becomes Frollo’s theme.
On the other hand, there have been times when I’m trying to write a chapter, and I find myself constantly heading over to Apple Music to change tunes — an indicator I’m allowing the music to distract me.
So, how do I answer? Is music helpful when writing, or is it not?
The Solution
The short answer is…
Drumroll, please…
… it depends on the person.😂
Seriously though, I think if you’ve never tried listening to music when you write, try it. Give it a go. But pick music that fits the theme of what you’re writing.
If you’re writing a heart-wrenching goodbye between two dying friends, you might want to chose a lament or a sad orchestral piece.
If you’re writing a battle scene, think of your favourite battle scene — whether it’s from a movie, TV series, anime, you name it — if that music got your heart racing in the show, chances are it’ll get your heart racing in your writing.
Which is good, because emotion in writing is everything. If your heart’s racing — you’re totally pumped — you’re completely rooting for your hero as you write — well, chances are your reader will feel those things tenfold.
Which means your story is epic.😊
In Conclusion…
If you don’t like listening to music as you write, don’t. Heck, do what works for you!😉 There have been times I’ve thrown the headphones down myself.
But if you have tried it and like it, I say go all out. Because there is something really special when you listen to music that moves you — and your emotion spills out in your writing. After all, letting readers experience something deep within — making them feel, truly feel, is what the best writing is all about.
And that’s something beautiful, friends, music or not.
What’s your opinion, Storykeepers? Do you listen to music as your write, and how does it affect you? Share in the comments below!
I completely agree with this! For me personally, I can listen to music while I write… but it has to be music that goes with the theme of what I’m writing, as you mentioned in this post. That’s why I’m making separate playlists on Spotify for each different “theme” I might be writing about. So far it’s working!
Same XD
I *almost* have too many playlists.
Hi Anatra!
C’mon. Is there ever such a thing as too many playlists?😉😁
Hi Annabelle! That’s awesome! Sorry it took me so long to reply, I’m still really new to this. I’ll make a huge effort to reply promptly in the future! I look forward to sharing more posts with you!
I really need to make playlists too … it might save the time I spend trying find just the right tune in my library when I could be writing😂.
I’m always listening to music while writing, especially if it’s a dramatic scene that makes your heart race, but sometimes I also like the quiet solitude of no music, or just listening to a nice worship song. I’m always listening to music if I’m drawing something dramatic too. This blog is very helpful Hadassah, I really appreciate the work you put into it.
I love music, and I reckon I should make playlists too, my life would be easier then!