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The music that gets you writing
I’ve got a big piece of writing on just now, a major project that I’ve been developing for months but need to complete (in first draft anyway) by next Tuesday. To shift the mood from research and note-taking to writing ‘proper’ (if you know what I mean) I’ve been experimenting with some different music to get into the flow.
This morning I’ve been experimenting with baroque music. It’s supposed to be great for learning and concentration. I first came across it when I was doing some early research for this project and have been trying it out in various different contexts ever since. It’s a bit too early to tell but I’d say it is helping me to focus, and to get the words to flow.
The CD I’m listening to is Baroque Garden for Concentration - you can listen to a sample by following the link.
Does music help to get you writing? And if so, what music do you choose to get the words to flow?
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Since my OS was upgraded, I haven’t had access to my music yet because much of it wasn’t where I left it.
Before the update (and once I get everything set back up), I tend to write to one of two things. I had a playlist of favorite songs that I refer to as my personal playlist. That helped sometimes. What got me more motivated, though, was a playlist that combined all of my Eric Stuart Band and Edwin McCain songs. I can get an amazing amount of work done while listening to that playlist, possibly because one of them is an incredible wordsmith, and I find listening to him inspiring.
This is a great entry! I enjoyed reading it. I need to get mine pulled together.
Hi Rebecca, thanks so much for sharing that. I’m afraid to say I don’t know either of those bands/musicians - so I’ll go off and explore them in a little while. I was interested that you find the art of a wordsmith inspiring. I do too, but I think I tend to avoid anything with words when I’m writing so it doesn’t distract me. It’s definitely worth experimenting though.
Joanna
PS I hope you manage to get your playlists up and running again soon.
Hi Laura
It’s an interesting question isn’t it. I hope you’ll share your playlist on your blog when you have it ready!
Joanna
Sometimes music helps, sometimes it is a distraction! It totally depends on my mood I think, and there are definitely times I just want quiet! If I do have the music I prefer something I am familiar with - if it’s new music I tend to pay more attention to absorbing it, rather than focusing on work!
Hi John, I agree that it depends on the mood and the music. I think it also depends on which stage of the writing you’re at. I was in full blast mode this morning to break the back of the writing project and I did it with no soundtrack at all.
Back to editing what I’ve written tomorrow so I can indulge in some musical accompaniment.
Thanks for stopping by
Joanna