The soundtrack approach to novel writing

Recently I was commiserating with a writer friend about the trouble I have switching between different parts of my book. She had a surprisingly practical suggestion: Give each part its own soundtrack. Listen to different music as you work on each section, and make sure it’s the same music every time. And then, she said, the words just flow out.

In essence, you’re training yourself the way Pavlov trained his poor dogs. But with fewer harnesses and wires, and considerably less detachment.

I’ve yet to try it but hope to create some playlists soon. Until then — since I need some new music anyway — I’m trawling Largehearted Boy’s Book Notes archives and listening to Katherine Lanpher’s Must Have Festival interviews for ideas.


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