Writing and Music
This past week in my League of Utah Writers group we did a fun a little exercise. Our chapter president put together a few songs and had us write a story to the music. The point was to showcase how much a shift in songs can change the way we write.
I often write with headphones in, and I become so focused that I don't even notice the music until something strikes me. The funny thing about doing that exercise was that I wrote what I wanted to anyway. I started thinking of a plot line and I plowed my way through. But I wasn't really feeling it.
In fact, when I got home I tore out the pages I wrote and threw the story in the trash. I didn't think the music had really influenced me until I crumpled up the story, becasue none of the music that played matched what I was going for in a story line.
So here's something to consider. Before you sit down to write, visualize the scene, find the perfect song and keep it on repeat. That way you'll have the same tone to your writing. It might even fuel you more than you expected.
Here's the song I was listening to while writing this post, do you think it influenced me?
I often write with headphones in, and I become so focused that I don't even notice the music until something strikes me. The funny thing about doing that exercise was that I wrote what I wanted to anyway. I started thinking of a plot line and I plowed my way through. But I wasn't really feeling it.
In fact, when I got home I tore out the pages I wrote and threw the story in the trash. I didn't think the music had really influenced me until I crumpled up the story, becasue none of the music that played matched what I was going for in a story line.
So here's something to consider. Before you sit down to write, visualize the scene, find the perfect song and keep it on repeat. That way you'll have the same tone to your writing. It might even fuel you more than you expected.
Here's the song I was listening to while writing this post, do you think it influenced me?
Comments
Though I'll admit my mood while writing can affect which songs I remove from my playlist that day.
I'm usually "aware" of the music...if it's something that pulls me out of the writing, it has to go. Most times I make a play list to keep me with the flow. I'm a poet, and didn't even know. :p
Cool idea!
I'm not particularly fond of that song. :P
Your new son is so precious! I agree in that I hate being pregnant too. But it's so worth it every backache and bout of indigestion. lol
I can't write to music, but I listen to it when I'm not writing and always find inspiration--even if it's just a word I haven't used in a long time.
I guess I shouldn't admit that I ended up getting my ENTIRE NaNO idea for this year to the beat of, (I'm 30 and even I am embarrassed to admit it,) One Direction and their song "What Makes You Beautiful". The song really has NOTHING to do with the idea. But who am I to look a gifted horse in the mouth?
I hope to read more from you soon! :)
Mandi