Choosing background noise and letting life be my muse.

I don't know how many other writers like to lay music while they're working, but I do. Just like countless studies state that instrumental music helps students retain knowledge while they are studying, I have that there are benefits when writing as well. Not only am I more likely to remember some of the smaller details without taking notes (I am dreadful at doing this), but the music itself helps to get the 'noggin joggin'. If I am listening to a light flowing type composition like the ones marketed toward meditation, I am inspired to write a more relaxed scene. The character would be more likely to participate in a soft bonding conversation or perhaps some companionable snuggling if I'm a writing a romantic tale. If I switch to some industrial or perhaps instrumental heavy metal it helps me focus on writing chase or fight scenes. Ambient styles or dark chamber music lead me into writing about the inner conflict of my characters, like a loss that they experienced for example. Jazz is great for some of the more smutty scenes. Gere of music impacts the direction my story goes as well as the tone of the scene that I'm writing.

However, if I have to stop writing mid scene for any reason, its hard to pick back up and spend almost as much time switching between music styles to regain momentum as I do actually finishing that scene. God forbid I try to write when anyone other than myself is at home though. When I'm not working I can enjoy the netflix ADD of my family, or even the sounds of their simple movements homework is done and plastic ponies are being groomed. These activities can be inspiring, however focusing enough to write at that moment is challenging. I keep a notebook in almost every room of the house as well as my purse because of this. When I can remember to write down an idea based on an interaction I had the grocery store or based on the retelling of what happened at my daughter's middle school that day, I can carry these things into an existing project or as the start of a new one.

Branch out your musical taste from 'old town road', Usher, or Lamb of God. Listen to some video game soundtracks, recreated viking style music, or even some Mozart. You might be surprised by where they take you and what you could imagine while listening. Pay attention to drunk that sits alone at the same bar stool every time you go out with your buddies, he could have a story to tell without you ever interacting with him. Listen to your kids argue for a minute before you break it up. Not only are you giving them the chance to problem solve on their own, but you might hear an inspiring tid-bit straight from the mouth of babes. Let the music set the mood, let life be your muse and take your time. Stress just blocks the mind.