Monday, August 15, 2011

Writing to Music

My daughter, Jessica,  loves to write her novel with music blasting in her ears.  I wondered how she could possibly concentrate with lyrics pouring into her brain. I like my surroundings to be peaceful when I write. Unfortunately I don't get this situation often.  (Like right now when I have kids bouncing around on my bed!) 
I remember, my old Creative Writing teacher turning on Classical music to inspire our most colorful prose.  It did seem to spark my imagination, but I've never really repeated the exercise, until today.  Jessica convinced me to try writing to some of my favorite songs. She helped me set up my playlist, handed me a pair of headphones and set me free to see what I could accomplish.  I was amazed at how I could block out the other noise of the household and focus on what I was creating.   I did start humming along, off key I'm sure, but I was able to compose more material than normal.  I probably won't plug into the music all the time, but occasionally it's good to try a new approach.  I'm glad I listened to my daughter.

Do you write to music?  If so, what's your favorite?  If not, what kind of environment do you  need to be most productive?


Kathy

6 comments:

  1. Kathy, you must be so proud of Jess. She's awesome! :)

    I'd love to write with music, but I just can't. I like the traffic noise in the background, but that's about it!

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  2. You're daughter is so sweet. So glad I virtually met her. :)
    I can only write to music if it's an intense scene. Like a love scene or chase scene... something that requires me to really get in the mood. Narration and dialog require total silence tho. I prefer quiet unless I really need to amp up the tension. :)

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  3. Talli- Thanks! I think she's awesome too (I might be a little biased though). Who ever thought I would love the teenage years?!

    PK- Thanks! She loves being part of the writing community.

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  4. I prefer the silence, but resort to music when I need a little white noise to block out the racket coming from the 3+ boys in the house. :)

    Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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