Why you should make a soundtrack for your novel

Order Up! Serving you creative inspiration #2

If you are like me, music and movies are such a pivotal part of your writing process. A song can transport you to a specific scene and all of a sudden you can see it more clearly than before. A film can spark new ways to write dialogue or maybe help you paint a picture of the setting you have been trying to capture. The possibilities are endless. But what I have found to be the most influential in the process of writing my book has been building a novel soundtrack. 

I started making a Spotify playlist years ago, when I finished my first draft. There were songs that captured a feeling, songs that felt like my main character's anthem, songs that had me taking the long way home while driving so I could daydream about my story a little longer. It’s all about the mood for me rather than the actual lyrics. If I can see my characters interacting to the backdrop of these beats and rhythms, I suddenly feel the novel as a whole, like it has a beating heart. My novel needs music to propel the motion forward. To keep me writing. 

I’ve also found that a novel soundtrack allows me to “work” on my project when the writing just isn’t happening. I can just press play, go for a walk, or get in my car for a drive, and suddenly, the world of my novel is unfolding before me. It's a quick way to get there in my mind. Even if I’m not at my desk, I can feel as though progress is being made. Daydreaming is such a sacred and important part of writing for me. I need to figure it out in my brain before I get to the page. I’ve always been a daydreamer, one of those kids caught staring into space frequently, and now, as an adult, I need something to remind me it's okay to daydream, to stare at a wall and let my imagination unfold. Music is wildly helpful. The playlist part comes in handy because the familiarity of the songs triggers me to get into novel thinking mode. I’m craving out space in my mind once the music starts. This is time to devote to your novel in your head, it says to me.

If you are feeling stuck or far away from your work, I highly recommend making a soundtrack for your own work in progress. Spotify is great for this because after you start building a list, it will automatically suggest more songs that are similar in vibe or tone. I’ve discovered a lot of new music this way— many of the songs below.

Here is a little sneak peek at part of my novel soundtrack so far:

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Wiped Out! By The Neighborhood

The Neighborhood was my most listened to artist according to my 2023 Spotify Wrapped. This song is one of my favorites from their album of the same name. The best part to me is when the song completely switches its mood and becomes a whole other thing. The way it ebbs and flows and then comes to an alarming climax mirrors that of the structure of a novel for me. There is a lot of feeling packed into this one, and I find myself zoning out quite easily. 

striptease by carwash 

This is the perfect song for a teens falling in love montage. It's a song I often played when I was figuring out the connection between my protagonist and the love interest.

Halah by Mazzy Star

I mean, it’s Mazzy. And yes, absolutely, “Fade Into You” is on this playlist as well because it's a perfect song and bursting with so many feelings; how could I not?? But I also love “Halah” for its similar melancholyness.

Robbers by The 1975

I mentioned this music video in my piece about how influential music videos have been throughout my life as a creative and in my novel work. It’s a toxic love story which always gets my writer brain spinning. I’m a big fan of this band, but this song, in particular, has been a huge source of inspiration for my current project.

Ride by Lana Del Rey 

This is my main character's anthem. “Been trying hard not to get into trouble, but I’ve got a war in my mind,” is written in Sharpie above my desk. It’s a phrase I come back to often to keep my story moving forward. My novel has lots of inspiration from Lana because she is one of my most influential artists. This song (and music video!) will always hold a special place in my heart and keep me close to my protagonist.

GUM by ill peach 

I don’t really know what it is about this one, but I can see what’s happening in the song so clearly that it immediately puts me into a cinematic frame of mind.

“There’s always gum under the table. Stacking sugar packs, trying to make it stable.” 

I don’t know. I just love it. 

Space Song by Beach House

I was stuck on a particularly climactic scene for a long time until I heard this song. If my novel ever gets turned into a movie (yes, I’m dreaming of that), I will insist this song makes the cut. It has the power to transport me to that exact scene every time I hear it.

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I’d love for you to comment with your own novel soundtrack hits if you have any! Add them below!