Playlists for Works in Progress
Let’s take a peek at the cogs inside the machine and talk about why I write and how I write on Behind the Scenes Sunday! Today I’d like to talk about a topic that can divide writers and readers alike — music.
Some people can’t read and listen to music at the same time. Some people like nothing better than pumping some tunes while cuddling up with their favorite book. Writers are similarly split. I’ve known many writers who can’t stand to work in anything but blessed silence. I’ve known others who need white noise, or the background sounds of a busy café, to work in, but can’t imagine putting on T-Swifts latest and trying to compose. Other writers swear by movie or video game soundtracks while working.
Personally? I love having music on while I work. In fact, it’s practically the only way I can write these days. If I don’t have music playing while I write, I find I get very distracted from the work I’m doing, my mind drifting — especially if I’m working in a crowded place.
The music I like to listen to depends a lot on what type of writing I am doing. I like to create playlists for each of my projects and write with them on in the background while I work. My music tastes are varied, so I have songs on their from all kinds of eras and artists, but they generally have to fit what I think of as the “vibe” of the story. For example, here’s ten songs I listened to while writing Hungry is the Night:
- I Want to Break Free by Queen
- Cringe by Matt Maeson
- Blue by MARINA
- Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
- Hunger by Florence + The Machine
- Let Me Down Slowly by Alec Benjamin
- Learn to Live by Alice Merton
- Missed Connection by the Head and the Heart
- Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
- Breathe Again by Sara Bareilles
If you’re intrigued enough to want to listen to more, check out the full Spotify playlist below. Comment with what your favorite song is from the playlist and I’ll tell you what inspired me to add it!
Robin Jeffrey 