Behind the Scenes #3: My Writing Soundtrack for Trefury, Tracks 2 & 3

Sometimes you just need mood music as you write. Here are a couple of songs I listened to a lot to help me stay in the zone as I worked on my debut novel, Trefury: Mendi's Curse.

The first one is found on OC Remix: Chrono Trigger 'Crying Mountain' by Saiko:

This song was my transition song, or the travel theme song. Appropriate transitions are important to storytelling, and the beat helped remind me to keep them brief and to the point. You want to keep moving with a story, not get bogged down in one place.

The next song is also found on OC Remix: Diddy Kong Racing 'Shiva Nataraja' by Guifrog:

I really went for a heavy mishmash of Asian and Middle-Eastern (with some Western) vibes when designing the country and world a couple of my lead characters come from. It helped listening to upbeat Asian-techno and Indian dance music. Pandora was also a help when I really wanted to get into that mindset.

These are just a couple of the mood music songs on my playlist. I have several more. Many writers prefer this kind of music to write to, rather than songs with words. I limit my non-worded music, trying to especially avoid soundtracks, as these tend to make me think of the movies they come from and the characters in those movies. But there are times when I don't have any specific song that fits the theme, emotion, or situation I'm writing about. Then I queue the non-movie, no-words music.

Question for you:
How important is mood music to your writing process? What do you look for when choosing your mood music?

Previous Behind the Scenes Posts:
Behind the Scenes #3: My Writing Soundtrack for Trefury, Track 1
Forbidden Without Knowing Why
Let's Talk Hair

Music to Write By #8: Groovin' with Command and Conquer

... And I'm back.

Let's get back into things with not one but two fun songs to help boost your writing productivity and creativity. Both of these songs were remixed by Scott Peeples on OC Remix and both come from the game Command and Conquer. They're laid-back, chilling out kinds of songs with some funky things woven in. Personally, I like listening to them while outlining, brainstorming, or editing.

First up: Command and Conquer: 'On the Prowl Redux'

And next: Command and Conquer: Red Alert 'Mud Mix'

Question for you:
What's your current theme song or mood music for the story you're working on?

Do you want even more ideas for music? Be sure to check out the entire on-going series on my blog of "Music to Write by":
 Music to Write By #1: OCRemix Doom 'Jade Spawn'
Music to Write By #2: 'The Different World' by Peter Schilling
Music to Write By #3: OCRemix Deus ex 'Siren Synapse'
Music to Write By #4: OCRemix Chrono Trigger Aqueous Transgression
Music to Write By #5: OCRemix Chrono Cross Another Inspiration
Music to Write By #6: OCRemix The Binding of Isaac 'The Clubbing of Isaac'
Music to Write By #7: Valentine's Edition
Music to Write By #9: Adiemus

Music to Write by #6: OCRemix The Binding of Isaac 'The Clubbing of Isaac'

Time to go into high gear in the dead of winter!

The stakes are high, adrenaline's rushing, the clock is ticking, your protagonist has to pull of the impossible, things are about to get crazy ...

Have a moment like that in your story? Then this high powered piece might help you stay in the zone. The Binding of Isaac 'The Clubbing of Isaac' was remixed by Big Giant Circles. Check out the YouTube link below and remember that you can download OCRemix music directly from their website for free.

Do you want even more ideas for music? Be sure to check out the entire on-going series on my blog of "Music to Write by":
 Music to Write By #1: OCRemix Doom 'Jade Spawn'
Music to Write By #2: 'The Different World' by Peter Schilling
Music to Write By #3: OCRemix Deus ex 'Siren Synapse'
Music to Write By #4: OCRemix Chrono Trigger Aqueous Transgression
Music to Write By #5: OCRemix Chrono Cross Another Inspiration
Music to Write By #7: Valentine's Edition

Music to Write by #5: OCRemix Chrono Cross Another Inspiration

This piece, remixed by Scott Peeples, is gorgeous, lilting, and soothing. Don't think elevator music soothing, but rather inspirational, as the title suggests. Would work well in a writing soundtrack for a moment of realization, heading out into breathtaking new territory, a romantic moment, or perhaps a place emotionally abstract. Have a listen:

Do you want even more ideas for music? Be sure to check out the entire on-going series on my blog of "Music to Write by":
 Music to Write By #1: OCRemix Doom 'Jade Spawn'
Music to Write By #2: 'The Different World' by Peter Schilling
Music to Write By #3: OCRemix Deus ex 'Siren Synapse'
Music to Write By #4: OCRemix Chrono Trigger Aqueous Transgression
Music to Write By #6: OCRemix The Binding of Isaac 'The Clubbing of Isaac'

Music to Write by #4: OC Remix Chrono Trigger Aqueous Transgression

This month's feature music has more of a soundtrack feel, though still high-powered for writing an action scene, or to get your blood pumping anyway. Definitely more of a sci-fi or thriller vibe, than fantasy, paranormal, or horror. Of course, I could be surprised and you might find it fits in perfectly with any genre.

Enjoy! Stay tuned for next month's selection. And happy writing!

Music to Write by #3: OCRemix Deus ex 'Siren Synapse'

This month's music selection is one of my techno favorites. With a distinctively Asian vibe, Deus ex 'Siren Synapse' remixed by Alexander Brandon and Big Giant Circles, makes for great adrenaline pumping music as you write. Futuristic is the first adjective that comes to mind. Playful, beautiful yet not to be trusted. Check it out and see if you like what you hear.

Do you want even more ideas for music? Be sure to check out the entire on-going series on my blog of "Music to Write by":
 Music to Write By #1: OCRemix Doom 'Jade Spawn'
Music to Write By #2: 'The Different World' by Peter Schilling
Music to Write By #4: OCRemix Chrono Trigger Aqueous Transgression

Music to Write By #1: OCRemix Doom 'Jade Spawn'

Starting up another series of posts, these ones aimed for certain Saturdays. Need some good instrumental music to create the mood or get you in the zone while writing? This month I recommend Doom 'Jade Spawn' from OCRemix's vast archives of remixed gaming music. The music is downloadable and free, which is the best part. There are some very talented remixers sharing their work. This particular piece has a suspenseful tremor the whole way through it. Good for channeling tension or creating build-up to a climax. Be sure to check out ocremix.org for more great music and stay tuned for future recommendations from me. Enjoy!

Do you want even more ideas for music? Be sure to check out the entire on-going series on my blog of "Music to Write by":

Music to Write By #2: 'The Different World' by Peter Schilling