Where did the last 12 years go? That’s how long I’ve been writing romance — May 1995 I sat myself down in front of my brand spanking new PC and typed Chapter One for the very first time. It was my birthday, which meant I got to choose how I spent my day and I chose to spend it in my pyjamas locked away in the office pounding out the opening chapters to a novel.
I don’t know that I’ve ever again written as many words as I did on that first day and I did it wrapped up in the storyworld I’d created without any props (apart from the pj’s and coffee on tap and birthday chocolate, I imagine.) Isn’t there a saying about continuing as you start? In my case I’ve continued to write in that same environment — pyjamas and solitude. Anyone walks into my room — or even breathes in my space — and it drags me out of the storyplace, out of whichever character’s head I was inhabiting at the time. For this same reason I have never played music while I write. I thought this would be a similar distraction, although I have used signature music and/or songs as part of my get-ready-to-write routine.
But recently I found myself in a writing rut, not enjoying what has always been a joy. To shake things up I decided to try writing with music in my ears. Other authors swear by it. I’d acquired an MP3 player that I could actually work. 
And as I scoured the CD collection and download lists, it suddenly seemed logical that — given the right music — this wouldn’t be an external distraction but an entree into the storyplace. So far the music is working some cool magic although I have to get me some decent headphones. (Do those ear-buds annoy anyone else or is it just me?)
During the process of selecting my playlists I got to thinking about what music attracts me and why. It’s very similar to making reading choices, isn’t it? Some artists I listen to for voice — more literal than for books 
— and some for the words, whether lyrically beautiful or quirky or just plain clever. Some I listen to for the story (these are not on the writing playlist, as they create their own storyworld) and some for the rhythm (my walking and housework playlist), and others for the mood or atmosphere they evoke. This last category are the perfect ones for writing. I even have my late-night playlist, the one I plug into my ears if my head is racing and I know I’ll have trouble sleeping.
Are you a music lover? When do you like to listen to music and what kind? Who are your listening to at the moment?
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I don’t listen to the radio, so when it comes to singers and songs with words, I have mostly 80s and 90s stuff. But I do see movies, and I have soundtracks. I guess mostly instrumental (like Star Wars) but some aren’t, and a big one that I listen to is Phantom of the Opera (the movie, though I do have the original cast, the original Canadian, the 1925 Lon Chaney version, yadda, yadda, yadda). . . and classical instrumental stuff. And lots of Christmas.
Lois
by Lois
on May 11th, 2007 at 7:27 am
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Hi Bron,
I can’t live without music. First thing in the morning I use my CD player. Me and my MP3 player are inseparable. I hear everything from Rock, Pop, Hard Rock & Heavy Metal.
At the moment I am listening to the album by Chris Daugherty, that was a recommendation by Shelley Bradley and I can’t thank her enough that she recommended the singer to me.
by Danny
on May 11th, 2007 at 9:35 am
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I love music any and all. I don’t really have a favorite type, but I will list to everything. I have a favorite singer and he would be Kenny Chesney. I love his music and the sound of his voice is heavenly. I normally listen to his music while I write. He brings out my inspiration.
by Patty L.
on May 11th, 2007 at 10:38 am
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I can’t write without music. Most of the time it’s smooth jazz because vocals are distracting. Right now I’m listening to Rick Braun. But sometimes (like when I have to do a love scene) I put on Luther Vandross or Prince depending on how hot the scene has to be. 
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I love all types of music, although, my three year old son usually wants to listen to his kids music. I like the soundtrack to the Harry Potter movies when I want some soothing stuff to listen to. Lately, I haven’t really listened to much except I did buy a cd by a group called “Daughtry”. The guy was on American Idol last year and his cd is very good. I like his rock music. I also like music from the 60’s and 70’s. It just depends on the mood I’m in. I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother’s Day and a great weekend!
by Janet
on May 11th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
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Just this week I went out and bought 2 bocellis, il divo, michael buble, and celtic woman. I love a lot of different kinds from country rock to alternative. just no heavy metal, heavy rap or too much jazz lol.
by catslady
on May 11th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
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all type what ever sounds good.
by kim h
on May 12th, 2007 at 1:12 am
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I’m more a classic rock, 70’s - lover…Eric Clapton, Moody Blues, Cat Stevens, The Beatles, Chris DeBurgh and Leo Kottke. I also like Sublime and Pearl Jam (the slower , not so heavy songs). Finally, just recently I started to go over my old Dan Fogelburg and Dan Hill CD’s.
by Laurie G
on May 12th, 2007 at 5:28 am
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I love most kinds of music - country, rock, heavy metal, easy listening, pop. Some examples would be Toby Keith, Bon Jovi, Rob Zombie, Michael Buble, Michelle Branch. I also like Bocelli, Josh Groban, Fall Out Boys, Trapt, Korn, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan.
Laurie I like the 70’s stuff too - was just playing some Dan Hill in my head the last few days LOL.
And the list goes on and on. I think I’ve brought my whole CD collecton into work (we don’t get radio reception in our office). I love having music on - it’s a requirement.
by Stacy ~
on May 12th, 2007 at 8:58 am
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I like different types of music. Except rap or hip hop. Do not care for that. I love Nickelback.
by Kimberly L
on May 12th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
