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I’ve talked to many writers over the course of the last few years. One of my favorite things to ask my fellow welders of the pen is if they listen to music when they write. Interestingly enough, as per my experiences, very few writers actually do.
I was astounded at first that very few writers actually listen to music whilst writing. Simply because music is critical to my own adventures in prosing pose. While I have written in sheer silence, I found doing such was miserable, empty, and uninspiring. To me silence isn’t golden… it’s loathsome.
Although, I’ve heard much of the same rhetoric about music from those who prefer to write in silence. I suppose it’s just a case of ‘Different Strokes’.
I let music transport my mind and my soul far away to a world of imagination. I simply write what I see while on this expedition into the world of sound. Many writers do this via traveling about on trains, or planes, or boats, and to various cities, all in the name of collecting experiences to inspire their writings. Yes, I have traveled about, most recently to New Orleans for inspiration regarding my short horror series which visits the area quite a bit. But I don’t have to make any plans, nor do I need to budget a trip… All I have to do is fire up the record player or click the MP3, and I’m in my own world.
To delve deeper into the subject, I only prefer to listen to one band while I write. Not because I cannot write to any other band, or style of music. I have done so. However, this one particular band pairs nicely with my words as I write them. In fact I am listening to them as I type this. The band is ‘My Dying Bride’.
I’ll share with you the song I’m listening to, as well. Although, it’s up for you to decide if you enjoy their music like I do.
I present to you “The Manuscript” by My Dying Bride:
The title of the song is fairly appropriate, since manuscripts are what authors do in fact write.
I suppose in the end it’s all about whether someone enjoys music, or loves music. But if you don’t like to listen to music while you write, I implore you to give music a second chance. Find a band, a piece of music that just feels right to you. This time go into the session with the music as a vessel. A vessel that you commandeered to take you to your world of creativity. Let the sounds, the lyrics, the vibe float you away. Let the music be a part of you. Feel the energy, feel the power and let it be transformed into your manuscript.
The worst that can happen is that you are unproductive, and accomplish nothing. Like you haven’t done that before! The best outcome? You discover a new realm of creativity, and a new muse to inspire you.
-Colonel D. R. Acula
