Music, Writing, and Inspiration – My Noveling Trinity

One of my favorite things to do when working on a novel or other lengthy writing project is to create a playlist or “soundtrack” for the novel. It can help me get into the main character’s head or capture the feeling or mood of a story. This is especially helpful when I’m writing out in public. I’ll plop down in a coffee shop with my laptop, plug in my earbuds, and be transported into the world I am creating.

The playlist comes in handy again later after I’ve stepped away to come back with fresh eyes. I’ll pull it up and listen to it on repeat in the revision stage of writing, as I am now with Too Far Gone, to get things just right.

With this story, it’s important for me to capture the unexpected moment and feelings of my main character, Milo, as he falls in love for the first time, struggles with his own shyness and anxiety, and confronts his self-loathing and withdrawal to stand up for her. The intensity of his growing feelings surprise him, and yet he just can’t seem to get out of his own way before it is too late.

Although the details of the story remain shrouded, in listening to the soundtrack you may get a sense of some of the conflicts Milo faces in his desire for friendship and love with Lia. Happy listening!

1. Faster – Matt Nathanson
2. Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop – Landon Pigg
3. Little Black Backpack – Stroke 9
4. (I Just) Died in Your Arms – Cutting Crew
5. Let It Be Me – Ray LaMontagne
6. Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
7. Glow – Donavon Frankenreiter
8. She’s Got a Way – Billy Joel
9. The Only Exception – Paramore
10. If It Kills Me – Jason Mraz
11. Shine – Anna Nalick
12. Someone Like You – Van Morrison
13. Better Days – The Goo Goo Dolls
14. Waiting in Vain – Bob Marley & The Wailers
15. Hide and Seek – Imogen Heap
16. Fix You – Coldplay
17. You Wreck Me – Tom Petty
18. Bandages – Hot Hot Heat
19. Best Day of My Life – American Authors
20. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
21. You & Me – Dave Matthews Band

What kind of music do you like to write to? Let me know in the comments below!