Creating a playlist is a delicate art. I remember spending time as a child picking out the perfect songs on iTunes, putting them in the perfect order, and then burning them onto a CD (yes, I’m aging myself!) I have playlists for working out, for driving in the car, for getting ready… the list goes on. But most importantly? I have a playlist for writing. Not only do I have a writing playlist, but I have a bespoke playlist for every single project I write. So today, let’s dive into how to create a writing playlist that will help you feel productive, motivated, and inspired.
Why you should create a writing playlist
Before I tell you how, let’s talk about why.
There are a lot of good reasons to create a writing playlist… even if you HATE listening to music when you write. The truth is, I very rarely listen to music when I’m writing. My ADHD brain finds it distracting. Maybe you like listening to music when you’re working, in which case, creating a writing playlist will be perfect for you. But even if you don’t, it can help.
One huge reason to make a writing playlist is that it can get you in the right headspace to create. I personally have a lot of writing rituals that get me in the mood to write; for example, I might burn lavender incense, light my favorite beeswax candle, or spend a moment meditating before I dive in. Listening to my writing playlist is another great way to get in the right headspace. When you’ve created a playlist that suits the voice and mood of your project, listening to that music creates the right vibe. Think of it as an auditory moodboard!
Another reason to create a writing playlist is it can help you understand your characters better. When I’m planning out my story, I like to choose a song to represent each character’s arc and journey. Choosing a song that represents their emotional journey can help you gain new insights and connect with your characters on a deeper level.
Lastly, if you enjoy listening to music when you write, a writing playlist specific to your current project helps you set the tone of your writing session, which can make it easier for you to focus and create a productive creative environment.
How to create a playlist
I like to take several days or even weeks to work on my writing playlist. As I develop my project, I jot down songs that might be appropriate for this specific piece of writing, and once I have enough I add them all to a Spotify playlist. It takes this much time because I want it to feel organic. When a song feels forced or like it doesn’t quite match the tone of your project, it can really take you out of the headspace you’re trying to cultivate.
It’s easiest for me if I start with the tone of the song, rather than the content of the lyrics, and then I work from there. A thriller might need something dark and ominous, while a romcom might need something upbeat and happy. I like to create projects with a haunting, otherworldly feeling, so I lean into that. I find when I’m primarily thinking about voice and mood, it really helps me select what I want. Sometimes I discover that there’s a preexisting album that totally nails the voice and I don’t need to create a playlist at all; I wrote an entire book while listening to Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks and it was an absolute delight.
Sometimes a specific artist will just have the right tone and sound for a project, even if none of their lyrics completely match the story. For example, the book I’m writing right now just feels like a Noah Kahan book. I started my playlist by adding a few of his songs that have the right vibe. Next, I looked to other artists that I love–like Hozier, Danny Schmitt, and Taylor Swift, especially the Folkmore eras–and added some of their songs as well. I gave that a listen and it helped inform me where I was going from there.
One thing I like to do is add all of my songs on Spotify and see what the algorithm suggests I add. Sometimes the vibe isn’t correct at all, but I’ve been surprised by the number of times the algorithm has totally nailed it and I add the suggested song to the playlist. I have discovered some music I really love this way!
At the end of the day, there’s really no wrong way to create a writing playlist. This is just what works for me. Give my system a try and see what works for you. I’d love to see your playlist when you’re done, so drop me a line!
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