The video below doesn't qualify as a playlist -- it's just a really smart TED talk by J.J. Abrams, a producer and more importantly, a screenwriter who is a master of keeping the audience glued to the screen. That's a similar challenge to the one faced by us fiction writers, whose sole mission -- really -- is to get readers to turn the page (and then tell their friends about our great book).
Abrams calls his screenwriting trick a "mystery box." Present the reader with a question, a mystery, and withhold the answer as long as you can -- at least until you've asked a few more questions. Sequential mystery boxes, done well, is more powerful than any other tool good writers use.
Another is compelling characters, and J.J. talks about those too. It's 18 minutes. Just click play.
Music for Writers
When I'm on a schedule and writing fast, I like to have my music with me. I created this website so I have cool tunes with me no matter where I'm writing.
I just click the play button for my genre-of-the-moment (SF or fantasy, usually), minimize the browser, and go to work in my trusty Wordpad.
Most veterans of Nanowrimo know the power music has to make the writing happen, no matter what. So... can the right music fire the muse? Make us write faster? Write better?
Look to the right, at "Playlists by Genre," click on what grabs you, and happy writing. If you have a music suggestion, leave a comment.
I just click the play button for my genre-of-the-moment (SF or fantasy, usually), minimize the browser, and go to work in my trusty Wordpad.
Most veterans of Nanowrimo know the power music has to make the writing happen, no matter what. So... can the right music fire the muse? Make us write faster? Write better?
Look to the right, at "Playlists by Genre," click on what grabs you, and happy writing. If you have a music suggestion, leave a comment.
Youtube music for Horror/Thriller
We all know there's plenty of horrifying stuff on Youtube, so this playlist was probably inevitable. It's got Bauhaus's "Bela Lugosi's Dead," Prodigy's "Voodoo People," and the long and bloody mix of New Order's "Confusion" heard in Blade.
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About Me
- Steve White
- Steve has taught math and science in the United States and South Korea... and he sure digs the writing thing.