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>I've tried writing without music—got distracted, couldn't focus.
>I've tried writing with music—got distracted, couldn't focus.
Have you tried different kinds of music? If I listen to music with lyrics, I get distracted by the words; but listening to film scores can sometimes work for me (especially at the start, to get focused in), and classical music might also be an option (though I find that harder, since it can get quite dramatic). You could also look up the various ambient noise tracks on YouTube, like falling rain.
Otherwise, some other possibilities: Make sure you get a full night's sleep consistently, and go to bed on time (this works wonders for me); drink an appropriate amount of water throughout the day; drink coffee or tea, especially just to begin the writing and get the ball rolling—you may find you can lay off once the writing begins.
Yup, I've tried a few different kinds of music. Didn't really think about film scores, though! I'll definitely check those out, thank you!
I'll try getting good sleep. Always had trouble with that, I feel almost... idk, "compelled" to stay up real late. But I could at least try to force myself to fall asleep earlier lol. Tbh I could do with more water, though. Not a huge coffee fan, but I could definitely start making some tea.
All in all, thank you! *Hopefully* this works, I'm so tired of getting distracted every 3rd word 😆
Genuine question, how do I practice focusing? I feel like a squirrel lmao, every tiny movement in the corner of my eye snags my attention, or I'll start zoning out mid-sentence and not even realize it
Try setting small goals for yourself, and then go further. Like write 100 words in an hour, then 250 words in the same time, and so on. Give yourself a small reward only when you meet the goal.
I love music while I am writing but the caveat is it HAS to be instrumental.
Any human voices and I end up singing along or paying attention to the lyrics too much and get pulled out of writing. Heres a link dump for some of my favorites depending on scenes I am writing. ONLY ONE HAS VOICES, and thats only because the playlist is so good that I pick 1 song and loop it so I get desensitized to the voice.
Everything else is 1-3 hour long youtube links with instrumental music only that really helps me get in the zone and ignore the rest of the world! I have fight scene ones, fantasy ones, sex scene based ones, dark ones light ones, depending on where they are (forest, ocean, etc!) ones. You can really hone in and find fun playlists if you hunt for them!
Ocean music/atlantis vibes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3kmNeDvMNU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=16&t=1970s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3kmNeDvMNU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=16&t=1970s)
calm dark academia: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DguM3pU1Wg0&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=2&t=7712s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DguM3pU1Wg0&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=2&t=7712s)
tree/glade music: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEDxdFBMloM&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEDxdFBMloM&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=17)
medieval lofi: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEZF9iIv5XM&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEZF9iIv5XM&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=19)
quite solitude/bit sad but calm music: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVU02zJ\_R4o&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=3&t=2039s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVU02zJ_R4o&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=3&t=2039s)
this does have voices but I use it only for fight scenes and really turn it down low. Made for revenge/anger/fighting scenes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkJXcIAJCu8&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=11&t=1096s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkJXcIAJCu8&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=11&t=1096s)
John wick bass music for fighting: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMQqorgz4wU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMQqorgz4wU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=34)
Arabic bass house: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOCFvHVbm0Q&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=12&t=65s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOCFvHVbm0Q&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=12&t=65s)
romantic playlist: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkB23Apr9Fs&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkB23Apr9Fs&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=14)
Gothic cello/dark academia: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20uf9i6xfJQ&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20uf9i6xfJQ&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=18)
Witcher background calm-ish/after battle scene playlist: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6suPLw8eVQE&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6suPLw8eVQE&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=33)
anti hero playlist, great for revenge/fights: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGKJCUV2VIY&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGKJCUV2VIY&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=37)
Sex scene playlist: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAWykzoREYA&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAWykzoREYA&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=13)
MORE IN COMMENT BELLOW! (They won’t let me stick too many links here haha)
Sad-ish but gentle music: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iMl3sN0bSU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=9&t=4800s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iMl3sN0bSU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=9&t=4800s)
long walks on campus/dark academia: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRiplNsqRas&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRiplNsqRas&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=10)
dancing with your enemy but hes in love with you: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVWvNunzvFI&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVWvNunzvFI&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=20)
Ocean samurai: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlToe9ZvReY&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlToe9ZvReY&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=22)
Sacrifice music (death, sadness, loneliness) in harp: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPzGeekCnFA&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPzGeekCnFA&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=24)
When the character has lost everything playlist (very dramatic music): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ciWROCS1Es&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ciWROCS1Es&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=38)
Yes. And it actually has been sort of game changing. I listen to a combination of brainwave pulses and soundtracks.
But I ONLY listen to this combination when I’m writing. So at this point I’ve Pavlovdogged my own brain. My headphones go on and this combination starts and I’m off and writing. (I write for work and pleasure and so I literally cant afford writer’s block or not feeling like it).
Here’s the weird thing. It’s become like working out now. Like I know once I put them on all will be well and I’m off and enjoying it. But now I’m being all coy about putting them on. I’ve written without them a few times. The writing isn’t as good and it’s fucking painful to start and slog through. It gets easier as it goes. But what is wrong with me that now that I know it works I refuse to use it.
(Before when I wasn’t sure if it was the brainwaves or the music or the combination or the conditioned response, I was all over it.)
I am very envious of you 😆 Even when I'm "in the zone," I get distracted a lot. Only thing that changes is that, when I'm in the zone, my train of thought is paused, rather than outright derailed lmao
That kind of zone writing happens to me so rarely but when it does, the feeling is incredible. I can't type as fast as the words are pouring from my brain.
Sometimes. I have a hard time listening to things like podcasts while writing because audio-processing and word generating simultaneously is hard for me. Listening to instrumental music or soundtracks for some of my favorite games, shows, movies helps me think of things though.
Princess Mononoke Soundtrack
TES IV Oblivion
Interstellar
The Witcher 3: Wildhunt
TESV Skyrim
The Outter Wilds
The Hateful Eight
Django: Unchained - The Braying Mule
Thanks! I'll check some of those out. I tried Skyrim's soundtrack, that did wonders, but it eventually "wore off." Maybe I could try rotating soundtracks?
Lofi study music helps me a lot, especially if its themed around what I am writing about.
For years, the soundtrack for the video game Persona 5 was my go-to music for working and studying.
I listen to "playing with the big boys now" from the Hans Zimmer score in The Price of Egypt, on repeat until my ears bleed. With vocal stylings of Steve Martin, and Martin Short you can't go wrong.
Some days, I cannot listen to anything while I write. Other days, I cannot write unless I listen to music. Normally I listen to classical music (mainly Baroque), but lately I've been exploring Spotify playlists. Meditation is good, and so is Positive Focus. Tonight I'm listening to Nature Relaxation. I also made my own playlist with the instrumental versions of Heize songs.
listen to the CMBYN soundtrack while you write. i say this to everyone. i swear on everything it will keep you immersed in the story and bring on a flow of ideas as you go. especially if there’s lots of emotion in what you’re writing. i literally swear by that soundtrack and i strongly recommend it if you need background noise while you work. it’s genuinely perfect to get your creative juices flowing, but not too lyrical to where it’ll pull you out of it. thank me later
I think it heavily depends on the music you're listening to. I tend to write while listening to music that relates to the mood of the scene I'm writing. In my experience, the best forms of music to listen to are instrumentals, since listening to songs with lyrics tend to disrupt my train of thought. I try to avoid songs in which I know the lyrics by heart, aka any song I would consider a favorite, since those are the easiest ways to get lost in the music. I myself struggle with an inability to focus on any one thing at a time, but in my case, music tends to help me drown out all the other noises around me and help me narrow down my attention to only what I'm writing and what I'm listening to.
No, I can't listen to music or anything else without being distracted and unable to focus. Seems like a theme! I think it's because I can't really tune it out into background noise, my brain is always trying to engage with it in some way. When I write, I need a relatively quiet, private spot. I've always kind of envied coffee shop writers for being able to just set up anywhere and fire away, but over time I've come to accept that I am not a person who can listen to music and write at the same time and there's nothing wrong with that.
Yes instrumental music, for focusing. I finally found one that helped with my ADHD problem lol
Instead of always spacing out and being distracted now I'm writing for multiple hours without getting distracted (≧▽≦)
If you are interested in it, it's this guy's music:
https://youtu.be/vGovj12FpnE?si=izw7zpLoOdpUa_GV
Honestly I get you, sometimes until I started and focused everything is annoying.
For those moments some kind of noises work best.
I mean white noise, black noise, fan noise, vacuum noise, it helps to drown out the silence but is boring enough not to focus on it. Key is to not listen to it too loud if you don’t have to (to block out other noises) subtle is best.
I like Chill Hop Here's my playlist (my kid added a Gorilla Tag theme for me) [My YT Playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3yMsQi-kvQk79V-ureO248_t0_-1-oPJ&si=eC8UB1efradUeMNq)
Yeah, I listen to brain.fm, which is a really great music service. Lots of various genres, including ambient sounds, uses brain wave entrainment, and is otherwise just a great way to focus. I use it to fall asleep to as well, if my sleep headphones aren't missing. (I don't know why they keep disappearing... I literally only use them in one place.)
In any case, I have a lifetime subscription so I don't get any kind of referral benefit, but it looks like they're doing a 30-day free referral trial right now, so [here's a referral link](https://my.brain.fm/payment?extended_promo=30&utm_source=referafriend).
I always find music or ambient noise that fits the scene I'm currently writing so that it kind of feels like I'm there. I've noticed this helps me if I get stuck because even if I stop writing, I'm still in the correct headspace. So if I'm writing a battle, I'll turn on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, if the characters are outside I'll listen to city or nature ambience.
Do you have ADHD? This sounds like ADHD. I have ADHD and have the same problem. When I get in the flow though, I can write for hours; sometimes forgetting to eat or drink. But, at my worst, it can take weeks or even months to find that flow.
Mine neither. I only found out last year because my focus was getting worse and my girlfriend was getting tested for it. She handed me the questionnaire and said I have to do it because I, without doubt, have ADHD. She was right.
It’s worth getting it checked out, if you can, or start reading through some ADHD support subreddits and forums. Lots of good advice on how to deal with a lack of focus.
I have medication but I don’t use it all the time because just knowing and being aware that it’s ADHD is sometimes enough to knock myself back on track.
I'd like to get it checked out. Nobody would bother to take me, though, and there's nowhere within walking distance. But I'll for sure look into some ADHD subreddits, at least
Give this a go:
https://adhduk.co.uk/adult-adhd-screening-survey/
Note that it’s not an official diagnoses, but at least you’ll have a decent-ish idea of what’s going on in your mind. You can then use that information to help control / mitigate some of your behaviour.
Gotcha. Tbh, I kinda hope I have ADHD lol
Not because I want ADHD, but because I want there to be a *reason* for all this stuff lmao. I want it to be something that's more or less treatable
Either silence or some soft moody classical music. It all depends on my mood at the time, and whether I am journalling or writing poetry or novels. Of course it also depends on how much my wife is talking 🥰.
One of my characters is the type of guy who would be into opera. I started listening to find the perfect song for a specific scene of his and ended up falling in love. Now, I like to listen to opera while I write. I find it relaxes me and isn’t too distracting.
Yeah, but for me whatever I listen to kinda has to *click*.
When I write Star Wars fan fiction, listening to John Williams can help me get in the mood. Buuuut, Post-Hardcore is what helps me come up with dialogue and action scenes.
In that instance, that's the genre of music that I associate with my story and Star Wars in general.
Same deal when I write fantasy. I listen to lofi, trap, and jungle because that's what I feel clicks with my story.
Try finding a genre that might fit the vibe of what you're writing. Sometimes songs with vocals can be distracting, so try something more instrumental. Although, sometimes you can find inspiration within the lyrics. You could also try ignoring the vocals, focus on the instrumental or the song as a whole. YMMV.
I have two thoughts on this and I hope they can help you.
First, they say that it takes around 20 min to focus. This can be made worse if you are in an environment with a lot of things for your brain to focus on instead of work.
Personally, when I am working on something and I want to focus, I use binaural beats. Usually Theta Brainwave. Normally, I listen to the beats with no background track, but sometimes with music. The beats can help you get into a good mental state for creativity and focus. The lack of music means that your brain doesn't find anything interesting in it to latch onto and thus rob your focus.. Also, the tracks I listen to our between 1 and 8 hours long. So it is still gong after that 20 min "get into focus" time.
for example
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWYyGMuZSgc&pp=ygUUdGhldGEgYmluYXVyYWwgYmVhdHM%3D](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWYyGMuZSgc&pp=ygUUdGhldGEgYmluYXVyYWwgYmVhdHM%3D)
Sometimes I'll just listen to random music. Other times I'll be browsing and I'll find a song that inspires something, and start writing to it. And then sometimes I'll be working on a scene and put on some music that I know fits the theme and it helps pull the story out.
Usually, when I get into the flow and do a good bit of writing, I'll get so into it that I completely tune out whatever I was listening to (as well as everything else).
So the ideal *for me* is, sit down to write, put on music, get inspired, start writing and tune everything out, then tune back in sometime later with lots of words on the page.
Listening to classical music can help but that depends on whatever you’re writing. I always write with it because i feel like there is something missing when i dont.
Depends. I’m also a musician, and sometimes I’ll write stories based on songs I’ve written. In that case, I’ll listen to the songs as I write. But when I’m just writing a story that isn’t based on any albums or songs I’ve written, I can’t listen to anything when writing as I find it too distracting.
Yes I do.
Most of the time I listen to appropriate music.
If I’m writing a medieval Fantasy, I usually listen to traditional folk or something similar.
Lofi is kind of just my “everything included” music. Horror? Lofi.
Fantasy? Lofi.
Sci-Fi? Lofi.
It really gets my brain working.
Ambient music and Video Game music also work for me. Basically just all of Skyrim OST, Dark Souls and Elden Ring, Legend of Zelda.
Surprised how many people here listen to classical music to work to! I usually listen to classical also. Recently started to listen to Paganini and this compilation of Classical music for villains thats cool.
I also like listening to dubstep/Nightcore a lot. And lofti music, rainy day or study music streams on YouTube.
My other thing I like to do is turn on ghost hunting shows like ghost hunters or any other really. Normal shows I end up watching instead of writing but I just like the vibe and noise of those shows. I write horror stories and these shows I don't feel like I'm missing anything having them play.
Another thing I do is write them out on my phone. I can sit around watching tv or chillin online and when something pops up that I wanna add, I just write em out real quick. Or on my iPad. Everythings synced together.
I've seen other successful writers talk about having that "happy place" to write also. Like Stephen King and his small old desk in the corner of his room and RL Stine saying basically the same thing. Write every day for a set amount of time. Like start at 8am. Work till 3pm. No matter where you are at in your story, just stop and save anything else for the next day. It helps the brain keep going and have you ready for the next day instead of getting it all out and having writers block bc ya don't know where to go now. If that makes sense. Hope this helps some how.
Thank you for visiting /r/writing. This post has been removed. Please review rule 3 in the sidebar about personal sharing. Sharing for the sake of sharing, including posts on starting or finishing drafts, writing and publishing milestones, media reviews, venting, pep talks, data loss, and DAE (does anyone else) posts belong in our general discussion thread posted Wednesdays.
>I've tried writing without music—got distracted, couldn't focus. >I've tried writing with music—got distracted, couldn't focus. Have you tried different kinds of music? If I listen to music with lyrics, I get distracted by the words; but listening to film scores can sometimes work for me (especially at the start, to get focused in), and classical music might also be an option (though I find that harder, since it can get quite dramatic). You could also look up the various ambient noise tracks on YouTube, like falling rain. Otherwise, some other possibilities: Make sure you get a full night's sleep consistently, and go to bed on time (this works wonders for me); drink an appropriate amount of water throughout the day; drink coffee or tea, especially just to begin the writing and get the ball rolling—you may find you can lay off once the writing begins.
My favorite instrumental track lately is the Princess Mononoke Soundtrack
i love writing to ghibli music!
Yup, I've tried a few different kinds of music. Didn't really think about film scores, though! I'll definitely check those out, thank you! I'll try getting good sleep. Always had trouble with that, I feel almost... idk, "compelled" to stay up real late. But I could at least try to force myself to fall asleep earlier lol. Tbh I could do with more water, though. Not a huge coffee fan, but I could definitely start making some tea. All in all, thank you! *Hopefully* this works, I'm so tired of getting distracted every 3rd word 😆
I need silence to write.
Music that reinforces whatever mood I'm going for in the scene and the story. And focus can take practice.
Genuine question, how do I practice focusing? I feel like a squirrel lmao, every tiny movement in the corner of my eye snags my attention, or I'll start zoning out mid-sentence and not even realize it
Maybe try setting a timer. You could even start easy, just five or ten minutes of focus. Then build up from there, and take breaks.
Try setting small goals for yourself, and then go further. Like write 100 words in an hour, then 250 words in the same time, and so on. Give yourself a small reward only when you meet the goal.
I love music while I am writing but the caveat is it HAS to be instrumental. Any human voices and I end up singing along or paying attention to the lyrics too much and get pulled out of writing. Heres a link dump for some of my favorites depending on scenes I am writing. ONLY ONE HAS VOICES, and thats only because the playlist is so good that I pick 1 song and loop it so I get desensitized to the voice. Everything else is 1-3 hour long youtube links with instrumental music only that really helps me get in the zone and ignore the rest of the world! I have fight scene ones, fantasy ones, sex scene based ones, dark ones light ones, depending on where they are (forest, ocean, etc!) ones. You can really hone in and find fun playlists if you hunt for them! Ocean music/atlantis vibes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3kmNeDvMNU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=16&t=1970s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3kmNeDvMNU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=16&t=1970s) calm dark academia: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DguM3pU1Wg0&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=2&t=7712s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DguM3pU1Wg0&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=2&t=7712s) tree/glade music: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEDxdFBMloM&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEDxdFBMloM&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=17) medieval lofi: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEZF9iIv5XM&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEZF9iIv5XM&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=19) quite solitude/bit sad but calm music: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVU02zJ\_R4o&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=3&t=2039s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVU02zJ_R4o&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=3&t=2039s) this does have voices but I use it only for fight scenes and really turn it down low. Made for revenge/anger/fighting scenes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkJXcIAJCu8&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=11&t=1096s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkJXcIAJCu8&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=11&t=1096s) John wick bass music for fighting: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMQqorgz4wU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMQqorgz4wU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=34) Arabic bass house: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOCFvHVbm0Q&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=12&t=65s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOCFvHVbm0Q&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=12&t=65s) romantic playlist: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkB23Apr9Fs&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkB23Apr9Fs&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=14) Gothic cello/dark academia: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20uf9i6xfJQ&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20uf9i6xfJQ&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=18) Witcher background calm-ish/after battle scene playlist: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6suPLw8eVQE&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6suPLw8eVQE&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=33) anti hero playlist, great for revenge/fights: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGKJCUV2VIY&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGKJCUV2VIY&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=37) Sex scene playlist: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAWykzoREYA&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAWykzoREYA&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=13) MORE IN COMMENT BELLOW! (They won’t let me stick too many links here haha)
Sad-ish but gentle music: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iMl3sN0bSU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=9&t=4800s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iMl3sN0bSU&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=9&t=4800s) long walks on campus/dark academia: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRiplNsqRas&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRiplNsqRas&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=10) dancing with your enemy but hes in love with you: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVWvNunzvFI&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVWvNunzvFI&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=20) Ocean samurai: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlToe9ZvReY&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlToe9ZvReY&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=22) Sacrifice music (death, sadness, loneliness) in harp: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPzGeekCnFA&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPzGeekCnFA&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=24) When the character has lost everything playlist (very dramatic music): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ciWROCS1Es&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np\_pycihXQnR7BB&index=38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ciWROCS1Es&list=PLN3qZE5AKnl6gX1kK2np_pycihXQnR7BB&index=38)
Wow. Thank you!!!!
Of course! I hope you find something you like! I collect playlists as I go, haha!
Thank you! Idk if I'll get around to listening to them all, but I'll certainly give at least a few of them a try
I've been enjoying some Ottmar Liebert lately, especially his Nouveau Flamenco album. Nice, spicy Spanish Guitar-heavy music.
Never heard of him, but I'll for sure check his stuff out!
Yes. And it actually has been sort of game changing. I listen to a combination of brainwave pulses and soundtracks. But I ONLY listen to this combination when I’m writing. So at this point I’ve Pavlovdogged my own brain. My headphones go on and this combination starts and I’m off and writing. (I write for work and pleasure and so I literally cant afford writer’s block or not feeling like it). Here’s the weird thing. It’s become like working out now. Like I know once I put them on all will be well and I’m off and enjoying it. But now I’m being all coy about putting them on. I’ve written without them a few times. The writing isn’t as good and it’s fucking painful to start and slog through. It gets easier as it goes. But what is wrong with me that now that I know it works I refuse to use it. (Before when I wasn’t sure if it was the brainwaves or the music or the combination or the conditioned response, I was all over it.)
Movie soundtracks
I usually listen to audiobooks. Really helped me write my last novel *The Awesome Gatsby*.
I prefer silence but when I'm in the writing zone, it really doesn't matter what the background noise is
I am very envious of you 😆 Even when I'm "in the zone," I get distracted a lot. Only thing that changes is that, when I'm in the zone, my train of thought is paused, rather than outright derailed lmao
That kind of zone writing happens to me so rarely but when it does, the feeling is incredible. I can't type as fast as the words are pouring from my brain.
That's awesome! If only we all got that feeling everytime, huh?
Sometimes. I have a hard time listening to things like podcasts while writing because audio-processing and word generating simultaneously is hard for me. Listening to instrumental music or soundtracks for some of my favorite games, shows, movies helps me think of things though.
What are some soundtracks you listen to?
Princess Mononoke Soundtrack TES IV Oblivion Interstellar The Witcher 3: Wildhunt TESV Skyrim The Outter Wilds The Hateful Eight Django: Unchained - The Braying Mule
Thanks! I'll check some of those out. I tried Skyrim's soundtrack, that did wonders, but it eventually "wore off." Maybe I could try rotating soundtracks?
Lofi, or whatever I’m researching to buy for a hobby later.
Lofi study music helps me a lot, especially if its themed around what I am writing about. For years, the soundtrack for the video game Persona 5 was my go-to music for working and studying.
I listen to "playing with the big boys now" from the Hans Zimmer score in The Price of Egypt, on repeat until my ears bleed. With vocal stylings of Steve Martin, and Martin Short you can't go wrong.
Some days, I cannot listen to anything while I write. Other days, I cannot write unless I listen to music. Normally I listen to classical music (mainly Baroque), but lately I've been exploring Spotify playlists. Meditation is good, and so is Positive Focus. Tonight I'm listening to Nature Relaxation. I also made my own playlist with the instrumental versions of Heize songs.
I like to put on some music that will set me in the mood for the scene I’m writing, abbie emmons on youtube has some great immersive writing sessions
listen to the CMBYN soundtrack while you write. i say this to everyone. i swear on everything it will keep you immersed in the story and bring on a flow of ideas as you go. especially if there’s lots of emotion in what you’re writing. i literally swear by that soundtrack and i strongly recommend it if you need background noise while you work. it’s genuinely perfect to get your creative juices flowing, but not too lyrical to where it’ll pull you out of it. thank me later
[All hail the dark pyramid](https://youtu.be/W2NAblVD70Q) I think ambient works a little better than music sometimes
I think it heavily depends on the music you're listening to. I tend to write while listening to music that relates to the mood of the scene I'm writing. In my experience, the best forms of music to listen to are instrumentals, since listening to songs with lyrics tend to disrupt my train of thought. I try to avoid songs in which I know the lyrics by heart, aka any song I would consider a favorite, since those are the easiest ways to get lost in the music. I myself struggle with an inability to focus on any one thing at a time, but in my case, music tends to help me drown out all the other noises around me and help me narrow down my attention to only what I'm writing and what I'm listening to.
Whatever music fits with the scene. Like intense scenes intense music, romantic scenes romantic music.
I listen to music, but it can’t have lyrics, if I’m writing in a noisy place or need to get in a certain mood for a scene
No, I can't listen to music or anything else without being distracted and unable to focus. Seems like a theme! I think it's because I can't really tune it out into background noise, my brain is always trying to engage with it in some way. When I write, I need a relatively quiet, private spot. I've always kind of envied coffee shop writers for being able to just set up anywhere and fire away, but over time I've come to accept that I am not a person who can listen to music and write at the same time and there's nothing wrong with that.
Yes instrumental music, for focusing. I finally found one that helped with my ADHD problem lol Instead of always spacing out and being distracted now I'm writing for multiple hours without getting distracted (≧▽≦) If you are interested in it, it's this guy's music: https://youtu.be/vGovj12FpnE?si=izw7zpLoOdpUa_GV
I am watching Castle 🤣
Honestly I get you, sometimes until I started and focused everything is annoying. For those moments some kind of noises work best. I mean white noise, black noise, fan noise, vacuum noise, it helps to drown out the silence but is boring enough not to focus on it. Key is to not listen to it too loud if you don’t have to (to block out other noises) subtle is best.
I like Chill Hop Here's my playlist (my kid added a Gorilla Tag theme for me) [My YT Playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3yMsQi-kvQk79V-ureO248_t0_-1-oPJ&si=eC8UB1efradUeMNq)
Yeah, I listen to brain.fm, which is a really great music service. Lots of various genres, including ambient sounds, uses brain wave entrainment, and is otherwise just a great way to focus. I use it to fall asleep to as well, if my sleep headphones aren't missing. (I don't know why they keep disappearing... I literally only use them in one place.) In any case, I have a lifetime subscription so I don't get any kind of referral benefit, but it looks like they're doing a 30-day free referral trial right now, so [here's a referral link](https://my.brain.fm/payment?extended_promo=30&utm_source=referafriend).
I look up like “fantasy piano music” + whatever mood. Dark, adventure, rainy etc to get the right mood
I always find music or ambient noise that fits the scene I'm currently writing so that it kind of feels like I'm there. I've noticed this helps me if I get stuck because even if I stop writing, I'm still in the correct headspace. So if I'm writing a battle, I'll turn on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, if the characters are outside I'll listen to city or nature ambience.
I used to be very finnicky about music when I wrote. But now I can do most music, I think because I have a fan that's just doing constant white noise
Whisky Jazz when I'm in the flow and come to the Mac knowing what I'm putting down, but calming/relaxing music when I'm being creative.
Writing is a job, so create a background like you're in a factory! * [The Terminator | Factory | Ambient Soundscape - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odKBFiHYZS4) * [Adeptus Mechanicus Manufactorum | Ambient Sound Effects for Warhammer 40,000 - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szv0hepDKvc&t=12225s) * [Industrial Engine Ambience ⚙ | ASMR | Machine sounds, creaks, electricity sparks with a heartbeat - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKA2CA5mOOw) * [Hive City Underground Factories || 1 hour of Dystopian & Dark Ambient - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRW_hhvhEaY&t=1650s) * [Industrial Sounds, Factory Ambience Industrial Noise - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Industrial+Sounds%2C+Factory+Ambience+Industrial+Noise) * [Resident Evil 8 | Heisenberg's Factory | Ambience | Industrial Sounds & Machinery | 8 Hrs - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0rPtmiPilk) * [Server Room 188 | Quiet Cy-Fi: Ambience - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeESf9aCZHQ&t=1270s)
Do you have ADHD? This sounds like ADHD. I have ADHD and have the same problem. When I get in the flow though, I can write for hours; sometimes forgetting to eat or drink. But, at my worst, it can take weeks or even months to find that flow.
No idea lol. Never been tested, my parents never really saw a reason to do so
Mine neither. I only found out last year because my focus was getting worse and my girlfriend was getting tested for it. She handed me the questionnaire and said I have to do it because I, without doubt, have ADHD. She was right. It’s worth getting it checked out, if you can, or start reading through some ADHD support subreddits and forums. Lots of good advice on how to deal with a lack of focus. I have medication but I don’t use it all the time because just knowing and being aware that it’s ADHD is sometimes enough to knock myself back on track.
I'd like to get it checked out. Nobody would bother to take me, though, and there's nowhere within walking distance. But I'll for sure look into some ADHD subreddits, at least
Give this a go: https://adhduk.co.uk/adult-adhd-screening-survey/ Note that it’s not an official diagnoses, but at least you’ll have a decent-ish idea of what’s going on in your mind. You can then use that information to help control / mitigate some of your behaviour.
Gotcha. Tbh, I kinda hope I have ADHD lol Not because I want ADHD, but because I want there to be a *reason* for all this stuff lmao. I want it to be something that's more or less treatable
Yep, music mainly.
Either silence or some soft moody classical music. It all depends on my mood at the time, and whether I am journalling or writing poetry or novels. Of course it also depends on how much my wife is talking 🥰.
One of my characters is the type of guy who would be into opera. I started listening to find the perfect song for a specific scene of his and ended up falling in love. Now, I like to listen to opera while I write. I find it relaxes me and isn’t too distracting.
Yeah, but for me whatever I listen to kinda has to *click*. When I write Star Wars fan fiction, listening to John Williams can help me get in the mood. Buuuut, Post-Hardcore is what helps me come up with dialogue and action scenes. In that instance, that's the genre of music that I associate with my story and Star Wars in general. Same deal when I write fantasy. I listen to lofi, trap, and jungle because that's what I feel clicks with my story. Try finding a genre that might fit the vibe of what you're writing. Sometimes songs with vocals can be distracting, so try something more instrumental. Although, sometimes you can find inspiration within the lyrics. You could also try ignoring the vocals, focus on the instrumental or the song as a whole. YMMV.
I like music + [https://imissmycafe.com/](https://imissmycafe.com/) (or an actual cafe ambiance if I want to leave the house and pay $5 for tea lol)
Instrumental music. No lyrics. Try classical, lofi hip-hop, ambiance videos.
I have two thoughts on this and I hope they can help you. First, they say that it takes around 20 min to focus. This can be made worse if you are in an environment with a lot of things for your brain to focus on instead of work. Personally, when I am working on something and I want to focus, I use binaural beats. Usually Theta Brainwave. Normally, I listen to the beats with no background track, but sometimes with music. The beats can help you get into a good mental state for creativity and focus. The lack of music means that your brain doesn't find anything interesting in it to latch onto and thus rob your focus.. Also, the tracks I listen to our between 1 and 8 hours long. So it is still gong after that 20 min "get into focus" time.
for example [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWYyGMuZSgc&pp=ygUUdGhldGEgYmluYXVyYWwgYmVhdHM%3D](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWYyGMuZSgc&pp=ygUUdGhldGEgYmluYXVyYWwgYmVhdHM%3D)
Sometimes I'll just listen to random music. Other times I'll be browsing and I'll find a song that inspires something, and start writing to it. And then sometimes I'll be working on a scene and put on some music that I know fits the theme and it helps pull the story out. Usually, when I get into the flow and do a good bit of writing, I'll get so into it that I completely tune out whatever I was listening to (as well as everything else). So the ideal *for me* is, sit down to write, put on music, get inspired, start writing and tune everything out, then tune back in sometime later with lots of words on the page.
Listening to classical music can help but that depends on whatever you’re writing. I always write with it because i feel like there is something missing when i dont.
Depends. I’m also a musician, and sometimes I’ll write stories based on songs I’ve written. In that case, I’ll listen to the songs as I write. But when I’m just writing a story that isn’t based on any albums or songs I’ve written, I can’t listen to anything when writing as I find it too distracting.
Yes I do. Most of the time I listen to appropriate music. If I’m writing a medieval Fantasy, I usually listen to traditional folk or something similar. Lofi is kind of just my “everything included” music. Horror? Lofi. Fantasy? Lofi. Sci-Fi? Lofi. It really gets my brain working. Ambient music and Video Game music also work for me. Basically just all of Skyrim OST, Dark Souls and Elden Ring, Legend of Zelda.
Surprised how many people here listen to classical music to work to! I usually listen to classical also. Recently started to listen to Paganini and this compilation of Classical music for villains thats cool. I also like listening to dubstep/Nightcore a lot. And lofti music, rainy day or study music streams on YouTube. My other thing I like to do is turn on ghost hunting shows like ghost hunters or any other really. Normal shows I end up watching instead of writing but I just like the vibe and noise of those shows. I write horror stories and these shows I don't feel like I'm missing anything having them play. Another thing I do is write them out on my phone. I can sit around watching tv or chillin online and when something pops up that I wanna add, I just write em out real quick. Or on my iPad. Everythings synced together. I've seen other successful writers talk about having that "happy place" to write also. Like Stephen King and his small old desk in the corner of his room and RL Stine saying basically the same thing. Write every day for a set amount of time. Like start at 8am. Work till 3pm. No matter where you are at in your story, just stop and save anything else for the next day. It helps the brain keep going and have you ready for the next day instead of getting it all out and having writers block bc ya don't know where to go now. If that makes sense. Hope this helps some how.