Fess up--what kind of music do you listen to when you write?

[wgjones3]

Okay, okay, I know at first, this seems like a stupid question. But, it's been proven that music can affect our brains. So, my question is, do any of you use music to get into the writing mood, and if so, what do you listen to?

[Unregistered]

I'm with Tim on this one. If I've got music playing, even quiet background music, it distracts me too much. "The sound of silence" is the song for me when I'm writing.

Jim

[james_pence]

Oops! That previous post was from me. Forgot to login.

Jim

[cawheat]

I usually listen to whatever mood I'm in. If I'm writing an editorial and making fun of something (which I do a lot!) I listen to some good ol' rock. If I'm playful, some playful music. If I'm introspective, deep stuff.

I find it feeds my fire.

I also do "the sounds of silence" too, because sometimes I just can't focus.

[E. H. Brown]

Ok, I admit it. I'm a music freak.

I actually seek out certain songs for different chapters as I write. Music helps me keep the particular mood I want throughout a scene. Sometimes the tunes can truly inspire me (especially soundtracks).

I listen to many types of music while writing, including:

> the aforementioned soundtracks (Gladiator, The Mummy Returns, Titanic, Far and Away are some of my favorites)

> Christian (for writing I usually go with praise)

> World (Irish, African/tribal, (Asian) Indian, Middle-Eastern

> Ambiance (Enya is great)

> Classical (Ravel's Bolero is one of my favorites, but there are unlimited song types in this category)

There are times, however, that I simply turn off the music. Not often, but on occasion. Everyone has their own writing quirks, and music is certainly one of mine.

EHB

[wgjones3]

I guess I never did say what I listen to. :D

I've ripped most of my CDs into mp3s, so I have my music collection on my computer. The music I've listened to more than any other when writing is probably The Corrs. Their early work (From the albums Forgiven, Not Forgotten and Talk on Corners) has scored a lot of my late night writing sessions.

When I feel like rocking, I turn on Tourniquet, a Christian metal band, one of the best heavy metal groups ever--and powerful lyrics to boot (Tim, take note!:D). I find this is helpful for writing action sequences and fast paced scenes. I've also found that ZOEgirl's helps me write a faster paced story. It's not rock, it's Christian pop that rivals anything on MTV, and it helps me feel a little bit younger than I really am :D

As for the classical side of things, I've got a wonderful CD by Ian Whitcomb that features recordings of songs played on the Titanic, played on period instruments. I have also found that Gustov Mahler's first symphony puts me in a very inspired frame of mind. I use the classical music to help me inject some passion into my work when I'm feeling dry.

As for the sounds of silence, it's never silent around here. I have to play something to drown out the noise, or else I'd never get anything done. Oh, to dream of a day when I can afford a nice, quiet place in the country, but I'd still probably have to have my music fix while I was writing, even then. :D

[christianwriter]

I listen to a variety of music while writing, and sometimes no music at all, depends on the mood I am in. I listen to Nicole Nordemann, Point of Grace, Jillian Ryan, Denise Williams, Steven Curtis Chapmann and to Celine Dion, Jo Dee Messina, Reba, Martina McBride, Clay Walker, just a little bit of everything I guess, accept for rap or Heavy Metal!
In Christ's Love
Michelle
:)

[dannyrhowell]

I listen to WhiteHeart CD's when I write. I also listen to WOW worship stuff and HillSong praise stuff mostly when I write my bi-weekly column for ChristianWriters.com. I've always liked to listen to music as I wrote. Got to have my tunes.

drhowell