Post #32 – Memoir Writing, Journaling – Amber Starfire
Many writers I know use background music to keep them motivated. I, on the other hand, usually journal in the dead, still quiet of early morning, because I don’t want anything to influence my writing. Still, when I’m struggling to write about a particular topic because it’s too painful, or because I’m having difficulty being honest with myself, the right music helps me break through the walls of my own resistance. The right music works by evoking poetry, emotion, and a sense of creativity.
Journaling to music — even if you are not really listening — sets the tone of your writing by influencing you emotionally. For example, if the music feels dark and ominous, your writing may also take on that tone. Music, then, is another tool in your writing toolbox: you can use the underlying feel of a piece of music (upbeat, optimistic, sentimental, angry, broken-hearted, or spiritual) to help you express that emotion in your journaling.
How do you find the right music? Ask yourself what appeals to you most about the music you enjoy listening to. Do you tend to focus on lyrics? Or is it the rhythm and melody that most attracts you to a particular piece? Determine what most influences you on an emotional level and create playlists to fit specific moods. When you need to write about something sad, listening to sad music can help you access words from the deeper, sadder part of your heart. If you want to set an upbeat tone, but you’re not feeling all that upbeat, try listening to music that is hopeful and positive in tone. You will most likely find that your own emotion is raised by it.
You can also use music as inspiration — listen to it before writing — and then choose a quiet environment in which to write. Use lyrics as writing prompts. Or, if you’re like me (I almost never really hear lyrics, only melody and rhythm), listen to instrumental music that evokes the mood you’re looking for. When I need help concentrating, I sometimes listen to a recording of white noise.
If the idea of using music as a writing tool intrigues you, try these ideas to find what works for you:
- Movie soundtracks and classical music are good resources for mood producing background tracks.
– - Try giving particular characters in your life or particular themes their own song or piece of classical music.
– - If you’ve been obsessing about worries and problems, try playing some quiet new-age or instrumental music while you write. See if this doesn’t subtly change your emotional state. Or try something with undeniably happy lyrics (Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” never fails to cheer me up).
– - If you’re not sure what works for you, try putting your iPod or music collection on “shuffle” and see what happens.
– - If you don’t know what you want to write about, try using music as a writing prompt.
– - If you have trouble concentrating, try trance-producing drumming or long sound tracks with repetitive rhythms.
– - Try online tools, such as Pandora, to create song mixes for you.
Do you already use music as inspiration or for evoking moods when you write in your journal (or for any kind of writing)? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience.
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For more journal writing tips and prompts, be sure to connect with Amber on Writing Through Life.
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Image Credit: Ian Lott
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