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If you’re like me, you often hear other writers talk about the music they love writing to. You’ve tried it several times, but haven’t been able to make it work. The music is too distracting. You either want to dance along with it or you just can’t focus on the words you need to write.
I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. I had given into the idea that I just need silence to write. That’s one reason getting up so early works for me. Ahh…that blessed quiet. The peace. Beautiful silence.
The ideal writing environment.
Right? Maybe not…
Last week, I read another online writers’ discussion about music. I only clicked the link to the discussion because the title had nothing to do with music. It was something along the lines of “Focus tip.”
Turns out it was another music topic, but this one caught my eye because it was something I hadn’t heard of before. The writer suggested writing to gaming music. That music, the author stated, is designed to increase focus.
That caught my attention. Though I didn’t hold much hope, I decided to give it a try. I searched for a youtube video of the game mentioned and found one that is 3.5 hours long. At first, the music was a little distracting, but soon I forgot all about it and found myself typing a bit faster than normal.
I even felt invigorated and more relaxed at the same time. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but somehow it is.
As I’ve been writing to gaming music each day, my writing speed and focus has increased. It’s hard to believe the difference it makes! Just yesterday, I blew my highest daily word count out of the water!
So, if you’re in the same boat as me, give this a try some of the songs that have worked for me. I’ve compiled them into a playlist.
What do you listen to while writing? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Image Source: http://pixabay.com/en/music-notes-abstract-159870/
A few more to put into youtube: Halo and sequels, Mass Effect (all three), Diana’s theme from League of Legends, Diablo, Skyrim, Oblivion, Myst, Assassin’s Creed, Morrowind– all on my writing music playlist. Depending on what type of scene I’m writing, I sometimes skip over the more rousing bits of soundtracks and keep the environmental.Sorry not to link, but I have to go to sleep shortly!
I’m enjoying your blog posts and indie advice. Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestions, Jane. I’ll have to check those out tomorrow!
I’m glad you like the indie posts. I’ve been aiming for one of those types of posts a week.
I’ve been using movie soundtracks. Specifically stuff by Hans Zimmer lately. Sometimes at dangerous volumes.
George Lucas wrote the Star Wars movies listening to classical and says it made a difference somehow in the rhythm of the movies. So I started using movie soundtracks to write thinking it would work both ways.
I’d imagine game soundtracks and movie soundtracks work similarly.
I do notice I type much faster (at least during some music). Also, I hope the emotion in the music will help emotion (what I believe is the soul of art) to come through in the writing. For me, it really blocks out distraction from writing.
With all that said, I still think I would have to agree with Stephen King in that, you are the source of creativity. You don’t need coffee, alcohol, music, or drugs to make you a better writer or artist. It is your mind that matters not anything else.
Thanks for the suggestions! I think I’m going to add movie soundtracks next. That’s a great idea. So far, I love the gaming music.
I agree, none of the other stuff is necessary, but I’ll gladly take whatever I can that helps with productivity. 😀