The Use of Music While Writing

The use of music while writing is an interesting topic and often appears on the Absolute Write forums. I thought I’d share my thoughts on the subject.

Music massages the creative muscles in my brain, helps me think of scenes and sometimes inspires me to write. And there are times music distracts me from finishing my writing (usually music with lyrics does this) and stresses me out when I am unable to find the one song that matches the mood, energy and emotion of a scene I’m writing. Sometimes I feel I rely on music more then I should for my writing, ultimately slowing down my productivity.

So is music a good thing or a bad thing for me? I don’t think it is a negative thing, just that I worry to much about the ‘soundtrack’ for the story I’m writing. I have to remind my self sometimes that a story isn’t a movie, thus doesn’t require a musical score.

I actually find my writing is better when there is no music playing, but I have trouble creating a scene without music. I’ve been using music now during my thinking stages. The music will be playing and I’ll have my head buried in my pillow or arm or hands, as I create a scene to music.

I’m thinking this is because music is like smell, in that it evokes memories and feelings the brain has associated it with.

Cutting short again, because I mistakenly uploaded this. What’s your thoughts on using music while writing?