The Writer’s Playlist –
Soundscapes for Creativity
Writers have all sorts of different preferences when they write. What they might snack on, how they sit, how hot or cold the room is, and what they might allow into their space to listen to as they work.
Personally, I’m pretty darn choosy. Silence is my frequent companion. Interrupted occasionally, of course, by things like loud cars in the distance and slamming doors or someone else’s loud radio as they pass by with car windows open.
Yeah, it’s a tough life for writers. Distractions in the form of sounds, music, talking, laughter, rumbling cars, can be hard to handle. Also, the decision as to what to listen to if you’re one who likes something in the background as you create can make for a difficult one.
On those occasions when I want something in the background to soothe or to block out other distracting noises I have a few preferences.
Music can be good though when working I prefer music with no lyrics I might end up tempted to be humming or singing along with. Words in the music can be very distracting for me. So I tend to choose instrumentals and avoid ones that demand their own attention. I also tend to like something that has a pretty strong beat that I keep at a low volume.
My favorite leans toward Mozart. And, in particular, The Mozart Effect CDs such as Strengthen the Mind. Unlock The Creative Spirit. Heal The Body (Yes, I still have CDs). But, at this point, we can stream the music as well. Just choose that option. There’s also lots of stuff on YouTube featuring Mozart; just toss in the search for “Mozart Effect Music For Study” and you’ll find quite a list of available videos.
There’s also a book about the “Mozart Effect” if you’re interested.
I also rather appreciate bird sounds when I’m in the mood for some backgrounds sound. Mine is yes, another CD. This one with “Backyard Bird Songs” that I purchased at a local shop that supplies bird lovers with seed, birdbaths and feeders, etc. Nothing on it but bird calls. It’s very relaxing. YouTube again has some offerings. Search “Morning Bird Sounds For Studying”. I generally choose longer playing recordings so I don’t have it abruptly end just when I’m going good.
A few friends have told me they favor a white noise machine. These are touted mostly for sleep or for a baby’s room or whatever, but they can be very effective in blocking out noise you don’t want distracting you with something like rain falling, a creek burbling, a train passing by, birds singing, or any number of other ‘natural’ sounds. The link in this paragraph is to just one of many at Amazon. Just throw in the search “white noise sound machine” and check out what you see.
There you go. The environment of the writer can be extremely important to the creative process, so choose what suits you best or just enjoy the sounds of the tapping of your keys as you write. Experiment. It’s all good.
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I prefer silence too