Do you listen to music when you write?

[AriTillett]

Listening to music really keeps me focused when I write. I think it's harder to write without music, honestly.

[Dietzel]

I've found that a certain kind of music really helps me get focused and in the right mindset for writing. If it is moody music, just instrumentals (e.g., Max Richtor), it is not only not distracting, it is a channel for me to get into the tone I want in my writing.

[AliceRose]

It really all depends on the sort of music, and what sort of thing I'm writing. I'm currently doing some home studying as an adult learner, and when I'm doing essays and things I can't concentrate with music on. If I'm writing for my own pleasure, sometimes I find having music on helps things flow a little more. Nothing too noisy or distracting, though!

[littlebirdyg]

I feel more empowered emotionally in my writing when I'm listening to music. It's an odd thing. I can write to a song based on my character's mood, but I seem more motiveated when I play something pop and upbeat. That seems to get me going at a more positive pace than anything else.

[Wrycatcheer]

I can only do it if I haven't heard the music in question before. Otherwise my brain gets too caught up in sort of mentally humming the tune.

[Casey_Harvell]

At times, it depends on my mood and the level of background noise.

[dunzee]

Not only do I listen to music, but I have to be in a busy cafe with lots of activity. I think this is contrary to most writers? Any one else write in this way.

[KailaMarie34]

I usually start by listening to music, just to having something that is slightly distracting as I write and then once I'm into it, I turn it off, or when it finishes the album, I won't put anything new on.

[jadelioness]

I don't listen to music when I write because it is too distracting. I use natural music like the sound of the birds outside or the fan blowing in the back ground. I find this much more stimulating. I can't have complete silence though.

[EnglishLit2013]

I absolutely always listen to music when I write. Sometimes I find songs that fit the mood of what I am trying to say, but other times it is just for the background to help me focus. There are occasions that I make sure my concentration is not broken, so I will choose to have silence.

[Carrie R]

Stephen King mentions in his book 'On Writing' that he'll crank the rock tunes when he writes. I can't imagine doing that. I need quiet or else something akin to white noise, like a crowded airport or noisy cafe. But I prefer the quiet of my den.

[stotle71]

It depends more on the type of writing I am doing than on the music itself. Music tends to trigger my emotions, so if I'm in the middle of an academic article that needs to be written with complete objectivity, silence is preferred. On the other hand, if I'm writing fiction and need to drag my emotions to the surface, then music can be very helpful.

[AutumnWind]

Most of the time I'd prefer complete silence when I write, especially if I'm into it. The words of the song would often distract me and I'd end up singing along and thinking about the song instead of writing my scenes.

Sometimes, though I need to get in the 'zone', so what I'd do is that I'd create a playlist of songs that would reflect or express the sentiment and theme of what I'm writing. That way, the music serves not as a distraction, but an amplifier of feelings and emotions.

[julieg25]

I usually listen to music whenever I write. I don't normally write stories, but I have written a few for assignments. I write mostly poetry and listening to music helps me with flowing the words together.

[Keef Arlington]

When I write I listen to my ipod and on that is mostly rock and pop, but I usually write battles, snipers and War.