When I’m writing, I often use (or create) a playlist of songs that help me get into the mood for the piece I’m writing.
Sometimes it’s a particular song that has helped to inspire the story. Sometime’s it’s a genre – mournful celtic music is one that works particularly well for me – that helps me zone out of the world and into the story.
On the flip side, sometimes music also helps me tune into a story I am reading.
So how about you? Do you use music when you write? When you read? If so, what kind of music? How do you listen to it? What works for you?
I can’t listen to music when I read, but I always do when I write.
I prefer alternative metal, and sometimes — some songs, particularly by NIN — inspire me to write stories simply by the incredibly powerful mood they create.
I wrote a flash piece titled “The Great Below” based on NIN’s song by the same name. Incidentally, it can be read in its entirety in the same amount of time (or less) than the songs need to play. :D
I love writing on music.