When I was filling out my information for NaNoWriMo, I was intrigued by the question, “what music do you listen to while writing?”
It was something I never really thought about before because I listen to music/have the TV on most of the time that I’m in my room or on the computer writing. When I thought about it, a few different artists came to mind, specifically John Mayer, Taylor Swift and Gavin DeGraw.
To me, music while obviously awesome, doesn’t really play a prominent role in my actual writing, but I’d definitely say it serves as a source of inspiration.
I’ve loved John Mayer for as long as I can remember, have attended several concerts and his music just speaks to me. His lyrics have gotten me through tough times and I can listen to him over and over again without getting sick of his music.
Yesterday, John Mayer’s new (and wonderful) album Battle Studies came out. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to buy it until a few minutes ago (so all you other hardcore fans got a few extra hours on me), but let me say IT IS WONDERFUL. It’s very calming and much less political than his last album. John is going on tour in the coming months and will be in Philadelphia in February…I definitely want to buy tickets.
Perhaps I should start listening to music more as I write? Maybe it will get me in a calmer mood to actually sit down and get some writing done.
Does music play a prominent role in your writing? How? What do you listen to before you write or while you are writing?
Oh, John Mayer — my one true love! I've been listening to "Battle Studies" so much, I think my iPod is going to stage a revolt. It is fabulous — you're right: much less political and soothing. Every time I listen to "Edge Of Desire," I feel my heart splintering.
I got tickets for the D.C. show on Feb. 20!! They're great and they cost me half of a whole paycheck for four people. But it'll be soooo worth it! LOL. That John — always taking my money and my devotion.
OK. So back to your real question! I do listen to music while I write — if only to drown out everything else that's happening around me! I wouldn't say it plays a prominent role because I don't need it to write, but I do enjoy it.
My favorite "writing music" includes Owl City (kind of weird, but it works), Ingrid Michaelson, Ray LaMontagne, Carrie Underwood, Sara Bareilles, The Fray and, of course, JM.
If anything, I think music helps me sit still and focus on one thing. For me, sitting down to my computer and committing myself for writing for x amount of time is a really difficult thing. I'm easily distracted by other things and music gives me a reason to just stay where I am and focused on the task at hand.
That being said, I wish I listened to music a little more during NaNoWriMo, because I completely FAILED. I know I still have a few days left, but I only have around 14,000 words and I have so much school work ahead of me that I doubt I'll find the time to write 36,000 words in a novel that has definitely hit a major roadblock (I have no idea where to send my character next!).
Best of luck with your writing endeavors and keep listening. John Mayer is wonderful and he frequents my playlists.