Writing fiction requires that you dive into your character’s mind, heart, and soul. Lots of writers talk about the best material coming from a trance state, when you feel as if your character is talking/acting through you.
Choosing music that reflects my character and/or the themes in the book helps me to get into my trance state.
I carefully choose a different soundtrack for every book that I work on. The music that is inspiring me for the novel that I’m writing now (which is about two musicians) is the gorgeous guitar playing of Andy McKee.
The Art of Motion CD is the first thing I turn on when I sit down to work. If you’re out there, Andy…thank you!