I hear that writers often create soundtracks for their current work-in-progress. It helps to set the mood, get them in the zone, hear their characters speak to them.
I have been asked if I create soundtracks for my books, I do not.
However, I do write to music and it has to be a specific type – instrumental movie soundtracks. 
I wrote Empty Cup to the soundtrack for Master and Commander. I must have listened to that CD hundreds of times. And I still love it. Three-quarters of the way through the first track is the most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard. But, I digress…
I always choose movie soundtrack music that is instrumental. I find the singing distracting when I’m trying to focus on words, but the music helps me zone out any other noise (headphones help too!) The music doesn’t need to reflect anything in my novel, it’s sole purpose is to keep the outside world out.
I’m currently working on a middle grade fantasy novel and I’ve expanded my listening selection. My current CDs of choice are:
- Master and Commander
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Jurassic World
- Thor
- Star Trek: Into Darkness
