As usual, I came to the computer this Monday morning with a million blog ideas and nothing to say. Then I read a post by a blog I follow called, 1PublishedGirl, about her book soundtrack. She says, and I quote because it’s a fabulous quote, “Writing without a soundtrack is like writing without a keyboard.”
It’s a split jury on listening while writing. A lot of authors say they can’t write with music playing because they get distracted from the page by the tune. Or more specifically, the lyrics. I’m of the half that prefers to listen to music while I write. The songs, familiar and at a low volume, actually help me to focus on the story.
Even though I often reference music in my novels, I don’t create a playlist specific to whatever I’m working on. Instead, I have my “go-to” artists that help create an ambiance for creativity. I’m so conditioned by these songs, that when I’ve heard them in the car, store, or restaurant, I have the urge to write.
I wish I could make you guess what I listen to. I wish I could see your reaction when I tell you. Because I think you’ll be surprised. Or think it’s odd. Think I’m odd, lol…
First and foremost, I listen to all things Simon and Garfunkel. It’s a playlist culled from the Old Friends compilation. Next up is the band Traffic. Followed by additional Prog Rock groups like Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, Blind Faith, Uriah Heep, and Genesis. I find their sounds to be calming, comfortable, and inspiring. (I have the attention span of a gnat, if I was paying attention to the songs, I would NEVER make it through a twelve minute tune.)
These may be my Top Five choices for this blog, but I listen to a long list of songs, over and over. Some days the number of loops is a better indication of my progress than my word count. This writing playlist got me through Pocket Money — Available now on Amazon, Kindle, and B&N, and also at Abet Books and Games, Books on First, and Book World.
It will surely get me through the next book, too. Which, after putting together this post, I am eager to work on…must write…from the beginning…
Mary Lamphere 
Love your band suggestions. I went through my adolescence listening to those bands but have not thought of them in years. I’ll have to try to travel through time and see if they inspire me like they do you. Even if they don’t, I’m sure they will bring back fond memories.
My go-to is more instrumental music, Pandora’s Cinematic Orchestra Radio or just some epic Celtic music. Great post!