I’ve really been noticing lately how much more I need silence (or at least near silence) when I write, rather than the attention grabbing, storytelling music that used to inspire me. Maybe it’s a sign that I’m getting older and am starting to value my quiet time more, or maybe I’m progressing deeper and deeper into undiagnosed ADHD. Either way, I’ve been finding more and more solace in instrumental music, and I wanted to share some of my favorites, for any other writers out there who are as distractible as I am.

1. Divenire by Ludovico Einadi


I’ve got to start this off on a high note. When I hear Divenire, I have a very distinct picture that pops into my head. I picture a girl living a smothered life (I picture it in Victorian England, with a girl who has just learned that she is about to be sent to finishing school, but who am I to give orders?). At 1 minute, 45 seconds in, she finally makes the decision to escape from whatever it is she’s being held down by. Then at 2 minutes, she realizes it’s not just good enough to walk away, she’s going to run for it. Picture it, please.

2. Rue’s Farewell by James Newton Howard

Because you were really wanting to cry today, right? I’m not exaggerating when I say that this song makes me weep. Not cry, weep. It makes me weep bittersweet, tragic tears (although if you haven’t read the book or seen the movie, I can’t guarantee any results), and remember why I want to be an author. Yes that’s right, I want to be an author so I can make people cry. Enjoy. 🙂

3. Gandalf Falls

If you try to tell me that the scene this song goes with didn’t rip you apart to your very core, I will call you a liar.

4. Song For Bob by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis

I almost feel like I don’t need to say anything else. Just listen to it and you’ll understand.

5. Transatlanticism by Death Cab For Cutie

I know this doesn’t really go with the rest of the selections, but it can’t be passed over. I  once wrote a death scene with it playing on a loop in the background, and to this day when I hear it, I feel like I’m in the room with those characters, saying goodbye to a loved one.

6. What Are You Asking Me? by James Newton Howard


In case anyone is unclear, I love movie scores and I love James Newton Howard.

And just because I’ve got Tolkien lingering in my brain:

The strangest video I’ve found on the internet today… Don’t get me wrong, I’m as pro-Legolas as the next girl. It’s just, I don’t know… When I think of Legolas, he doesn’t really bring Cotton Eye Joe to mind, but maybe it’s just me.