Someone asked what my writing music “playlist” is.
Since I just wrapped up the first draft of book 4 in my “Enoch Wars” series a couple weeks ago, and will be starting the first draft of book 5 in mid August, this is a timely question. And, yes, there’s a powerful writing lesson below you can use regardless of what your playlist is or what kind of writing you do.
So chill them zombies out.
Anyway, the playlist depends on what I’m writing.
For fiction (when writing book 4 a few weeks ago) it was:
1. “Requiem For a Dream” original song (had to find the song on YouTube — I have never seen the movie, I just dig the theme for writing)
2. “The Brides” from the Bram Stoker’s Dracula soundtrack
Basically, what I did was, I put one of those two songs (depending on the chapter) on a constant loop. This is a writing trick (that works great for copywriting too) I learned a while back from a former bid’niz partner and it works great for keeping me focused.
Which song I played depended on the chapter.
When I wrote a chapter about the evil villain, I played the Dracula song.
When I wrote a chapter about the so-called “hero” I put on the other one.
The only exception was chapter 8 where I listened to the Miami Vice theme over and over for reasons that will make perfect sense for fans of my Miami Vice-obsessed vampire character Fezziwig.
The point?
Other than my taste in music is boring for you?
For me, writing is all about emotion and focus. And, I highly suggest you tap into the feelz (good or bad — just don’t let the feelz dictate the editing process) in a way that keeps you focused, then write and see what happens.
You can always edit later.
As for non-fiction, emails, copy, etc?
Usually movie soundtracks for that, too.
But, not always.
Okay, enough.
You can read the first of my twisted monster novels free online here:
But, a word of warning:
The derangement bleeds off the page.
Don’t read if you have a weak stomach…
Ben Settle
P.S. I won’t say it’s great literature (it’s not). But, the reviews mostly agree it’s an entertaining, and, yes, disturbing read. It’s also a fast read, too. In fact, just this last weekend a girl I know told me she started reading it on her beach vacation. And, she said she got through the first 9 chapters in a day.
Of course, she also said:
“Just to let you know, I’m holding you personally responsible for the completely bizarre and twisted dreams I had last night”
Bone App-e-teet…
