Music and Writing

Music has a powerful effect on our emotions and is able to trigger memories, certain moods, and an array of feelings. As writers, we can use this to our advantage when crafting scenes and creating characters. But we also need to be aware that music can be a distraction and can interfere with our writing process.

I remember lying in bed one night, many years ago, and this sexy R&B song came on the radio (I’m worse than a kid when it comes to bedtime rituals). I was working on an early rendition of my contemporary romance Sometimes Love Just Isn’t Enough. The song was perfect for a seduction scene I was contemplating putting in there. The wife, at this point, had decided that she was tired of waiting for him to start something with her. She wanted to have another baby, but he didn’t want the responsibility. So here I am thinking lusty thoughts (OK, I’m a smut slut), and great scenes, and... I fall asleep. Yes, I fell asleep. When I woke in the morning, I forgot everything. I was mad and my characters refused to cooperate and tell me what they were doing the night before. So now, I try not to think about scenes when I am getting ready to sleep. Proving I suffered from CRS (Can’t Remember Shit) even when I was younger. (Have I really been working on this book for 15 years or more?)

(That scene has since been removed from the book since it didn’t play into how I needed the book to go.)

When I listen to Motown, and Quiet Storm music I can write the most tender loving scenes. Scenes that would make a tough man melt, and make a strong woman cry. 

Metallica will help me when my characters are pissed off at someone. Like me, my characters are helped by the pounding of the music in their blood. The louder it is, the quicker the anger dissipates and life can be fixed and go on like normal.

It’s important to find a balance between the music and the writing. If the music is too loud or too distracting, it can hinder my writing process, making it difficult to concentrate and focus. It’s important to find a volume and style of music that enhances the writing process without becoming a nuisance.

When I use it correctly, music can be a great help to me, inspiring creativity and enhancing the writing experience. But it’s important to be aware of its potential drawbacks and make adjustments as needed. So the next time you sit down to write, consider putting on some music but make sure it’s the right music for what you’re doing.

Happy writing!