Learn To Write: Use Music As A Tool By Listening To Music That Matches The Mood Of What You Are Writing.

Have you ever read a book and truly felt the crushing darkness of an ominous scene, or have you ever felt the warmth and pure joy of characters who had reached the end of their journey? I mean really felt it?

     If you want your writing to be the best that it can be, then you must make your readers truly ‘feel’ the scene, and, in order to do that, you must also ‘feel’ it while you are writing it.

     Here is one ‘outside-of-the-box’ way to do it: Listen to music that matches the mood of the scene that you are portraying. Your mood has a direct influence over your writing. Harness it. If you went to a funeral, and then you immediately went to a barbecue, you wouldn’t exactly be the life of the party, would you? Even if you uttered the words, “I am having the time of my life,” your tone, your mannerisms, and your expression would convince your listeners otherwise. That is the power of your mood.

     It is a fact that music is one of the most powerful influences in our lives. Listening to dark and heavy music sets you in a darker mood than light and upbeat music does. Remember when I mentioned the funeral/barbecue? Your words are slave to your mood, and your mood, or ‘vibe’, can be influenced by simply a song or two. In other words: what you are listening to translates into your writing.

     When I discovered this, I used it as a tool. When I am writing an ominous scene, I listen to Arch Enemy. If I am writing a fast-paced, action or chase scene, I listen to Metallica or Slayer. For a mellow scene, my go-to is Black Sabbath, and I pull out Taylor Swift or Tori Amos for light and hearty emotional scenes.

     I, personally, find it impossible to write about how a man was disemboweled by an axe when Taylor Swift is pouring her heart out about wearing sneakers while the other girl is wearing short skirts.

     I know that some of you think that you won’t be able to focus while listening to music, but give it a chance! Simply adjust the volume until you find something suitable for yourself, or, at the very least, listen to your music of choice before you write.

     In summary, music is one of the most powerful influences in our lives. Utilize it to truly put your mindset into the scene in which you are after, and your readers will not only read your scenes, but they will feel them, too. That is power, my friends.

     So, plug in your headphones, and start writing!