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The Character's Playlist: Compiling Music that Your Characters Would Listen To and Writing to It
Have you ever tried writing to music? If you've ever found yourself listening to a song and thinking, 'This is precisely what my character would listen to,' then you're ready to build a character playlist. It's a customized music collection that brings your character's powers to life. Our memory is closely linked to our senses, and by associating certain music with writing, you can train your brain to switch into specific character modes. This not only encourages you to begin writing but also fosters an environment that inspires your most excellent work and expands your comprehension of your characters. For instance, Nina Varela did this for Crier and Ayla, the two main characters from Crier's War. Each of their playlists has songs that express who they are via the music they listen to.
Here are some things to remember when making a playlist for your character:
1. Understanding your Character
It would be best if you considered how they respond and interact with people emotionally. Think about how their personalities might be classified and whether they are gloomy, pleasant, bothersome, or chirpy. What type of music would they prefer? What did their past look like?
2. Based on their Personality
It is important to choose music that relates to their persona, such as uplifting pop tunes for optimistic characters and punk rock for emo characters. Of course, you must pay attention to the rhyme and speed of the song to better tie your imaginative works to them.
3. Character Arc
Every character in a story experiences growth, which leads to character development. This is the most vital part of the tale and must be written simply yet artistically. Selecting music that genuinely elevates the progress and motivates the writer is critical to bringing the arc to life.
4. The Period and Setting
The novel's timeframe and setting are essential aspects of the tale. Keep this in mind while choosing music for your character's playlist. For example, if your work is set in a fantasy world, ethereal music will enhance the feel. Also, you don't want to include a future song in a novel set in the ancient past.
5. Cultural Influence
A character's cultural background is another critical factor that might enhance your story. When creating a character playlist, include local and traditional musical features from the region in which they reside.
Understanding these elements is important and helps writers in creating a character that resonates with their readers. Creating a character playlist is a fun and creative way to deepen your connection with your characters and enhance your writing process. There is no right or wrong method to accomplish this. Creativity is a personal experience, and everyone has their perspectives. However, if you are building your first playlist, it is a good idea to draw inspiration from existing playlists. There are currently a number of playlists pre-read for authors on free streaming sites, which are also classified by genre. All you have to do is listen and add them to your list.
Written by Readers’ Favorite Reviewer Manik Chaturmutha