Write to Music

Some people like to have something playing in the background all the time when they are working, writing, or studying - the TV, radio, music. I prefer silence, as a rule, as I am so fond of music that if it were playing, I would be tempted to stop what I'm doing and concentrate on what I'm hearing instead.

But music can play an important part in your writing routine by helping you to relax, by putting you into an inspired, creative frame of mind, or by getting you into a particular mood.

Why not try writing to music this week? Put on a different type of music each day you sit down to write and see what effect it has on your creativity. Don't forget to make a note of what you listened to and how it affected your writing. Does it make any difference whether you are listening to the music through headphones?

Here are some suggestions to get you going:

• Beethoven's Eroica Symphony
• Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto (especially the end section which is less familiar to most people)
• The Magic Flute by Mozart
• The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky
• Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet
• Anything by Abba
• Traditional or folk music, such as Scottish country dancing music, Irish jigs
• New Age ambient music
• Brass band marches
• Gregorian chant

If you find a piece of music that particularly affects your writing or which you enjoy writing to, write a comment at the foot of this blog and share it with me and my readers.

Happy listening!