A while back someone asked in the comments about the music I like to listen to while I write. And I thought that was a great question and was a perfect thing to write about and then I saw something shiny and forgot all about it.
But then I spent some time writing and listening to music last week and it reminded me that I’d never answered the question. That, combined with the fact that it would be next to impossible to write anything interesting about my day today, led me to decide this was a great time to share my musical selections with you in case you’re interested.
Now, I need to clarify a few things. This is only what I listen to when I’m doing serious, focused writing at Starbucks or somewhere other than sitting on my couch at night. At night I’m usually listening to the sound of a hunter whispering about a deer he just shot or a safety expert talking about the importance of a home defense system. Also, by serious, focused writing I mean writing an entire paragraph before I check Twitter or Facebook or play another round of Candy Crush.
My playlist tends to change a little depending on my mood, but I usually like something low-key with good lyrics. When I wrote Sparkly Green Earrings I listened to almost nothing but Andrew Peterson, Dave Barnes, Ben Rector, and Christy Nockels. And while I was writing The Antelope in the Living Room, I listened to a lot of The Civil Wars and Mumford and Sons.
Right now I’m working on a third book that’s supposed to come out in April 2015 assuming I actually get it written. This is what I’ve been listening to the most this time around:
1. Crowder – Neon Steeple
2. All Sons & Daughters – Live
3. Need to Breathe – Rivers in the Wasteland
4. Ellie Holcomb – With You Now
5. John Mayer – Born and Raised and Paradise Valley
6. The Oh Hellos – Through the Deep, Dark Valley
7. Andrew Peterson – Counting Stars
8. Ben Rector – The Walking in Between
9. Lady Antebellum – Golden
10. Ben Howard – Every Kingdom
Here’s another important component of this list. Some may call it a quirk. I have to listen to all my music on Shuffle. It completely throws me off if I can predict what song is coming next.
But I do love having certain music I listen to while writing a book. It’s like those songs become old friends by the time it’s all said and done and the lyrics inspire me as I try to put my own words down on paper.
In between playing Candy Crush.
And checking Instagram.