When I’m writing, I often use (or create) a playlist of songs that help me get into the mood for the piece I’m writing.
Sometimes it’s a particular song that has helped to inspire the story. Sometime’s it’s a genre – mournful celtic music is one that works particularly well for me – that helps me zone out of the world and into the story.
On the flip side, sometimes music also helps me tune into a story I am reading.
So how about you? Do you use music when you write? When you read? If so, what kind of music? How do you listen to it? What works for you?