As a pimply awkward teen, who was a big unabashed fangirl, I loved when authors included playlists of music they listened to when writing. It was a tiny peek into their writing process and into their personal lives–specifically their taste in music. Even now, sometimes when I hear a certain song, it reminds me of the book.
When I started writing, I always made playlists for my bigger projects. Even for novels (and half-written novels), one of the first things I do is make a playlist. It’s a good way to set the tone and atmosphere for future writing. Usually, I’ll add songs as I go, as the plot, characters, or whatever changes.
Since I’m a big over-sharer, I want to share the playlist for my WIP (The Curious Adventures of Winifred McQuary). It’s a strange (or curious [budum-ch!]) mixture of instrumental music and not, even some soundtrack music mixed in. Enjoy!
- One Summer’s Day (From Spirited Away) by Joe Hisaishi
- Summer Days by Kai Engel
- Don’t Let it Pass by Junip
- A Town With an Ocean View (From Kiki’s Delivery Service) by Joe Hisaishi
- Far Away by Junip
- Tristana by Nils Frahm
- Let Go by Frou Frou
- The Sixth Station (From Spirited Away) by Joe Hisaishi
- From Finner by Of Monsters and Men
- Mess Around by Cage The Elephant
- Trip Switch by Nothing But Thieves
- I’m Not Your Hero by Tegan and Sara
- Ambre by Nils Frahm
- Wait by M83
- Closer by Tegan and Sara
- Pstereo by Emilie Nicolas
- Reprise (From Spirited Away) by Joe Hisaishi
- Dreams by The Cranberries
- The Dragon Boy/Bottomless Pit (From Spirited Away) by Joe Hisaishi
- I Was A Fool by Tegan and Sara
- Lover, Please Stay by Nothing But Thieves
- Don’t Let It Go by Beck
As you can see, I like music from Studio Ghibli (specifically Spirited Away, which was a direct influence on the book in general).
What music do you like to listen to while writing? I’d love to know!
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Jenna Goldsmith 