TL;DR: Not every author does, but I like to write to music. I create a playlist for every project, and today, I’d like to share with you my Spotify playlist for Anonymous Source. Take a listen »
Every author has her own writing routine. Some of us have to write in one designated place at the same time every day, with lavender-scented candles burning in the background, or ain’t no words gonna get written. Other writers need a frequent change of scenery with ambient background noise to keep things fresh and stimulating. And still others need to be locked in a sensory deprivation chamber with no sounds, no windows, no internet, and no way out.
Me, I like to change up the routine from time to time, but there is one part of my writing ritual that rarely varies: I need music playing directly in my ears. (And wine, but that’s a topic for another day.) Whether said music has lyrics or is instrumental doesn’t matter much to me; I just need to connect with it in some way: Creatively, emotionally, mentally, whatever-ally.
Listening to music not only blocks out distractions and get me in the mood to write, but it also helps me when I hit a wall. I can just stick my Dr. Dre’s in my ears, tie up my tennies, take a walk, and let my mind wander. The combination of fresh air, sunshine (if I’m lucky; I do live in Ohio, after all), music, and physical activity allow my brain to relax and work out solutions naturally.
For each project, I create a new Spotify playlist containing music that fits the theme and mood of the novel I’m working on. This becomes a soundtrack of sorts for the mental movie playing in my head. I continually add to it, even when the project is complete. I may return to the list to grab songs that fit other works in progress—or just to have another listen, because it’s a kickass playlist.
For your listening pleasure, I’d like to share my playlist for Anonymous Source. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys reading with music on, this will be perfect to play in the background when you finally get your mitts on a copy of my debut novel. If not, it’s also great for car rides and dog walks and general jam sessions.
Tell me in the comments if there are any other songs you think would fit this playlist’s vibe!
Cover photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash
