Wednesday, 1 April 2026

IWSG April 2026

Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Melissa MaygroveCathrina ConstantineKate Larkinsdale and Rebecca Douglass. 


After missing last month I'm not fooling around for our April 1 edition but going straight in with this month's IWSQ question, which is a fun one: If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

I don't write with a playlist or any music on because I'm one of those writers who needs total silence and as few distractions as possible. That's not to say music isn't a huge inspiration to me in terms of scenes, ideas, characters - brain work in general. So I've delved into putting playlists together for my books in the last few years more with the aim of sharing with readers. But I might try using them when it comes to edits on my current works. I'd say my taste leans towards alt rock and the idea is each song links to a specific event, a theme in the book or just a vibe.

Here's the playlist for my book published a few years ago, The Becalmer: 

 
And the book I'm querying now, Mirror Me, dealing with cloning and trans issues:

And a bit short because it's a work in progress like the book it relates to but I've started one for the book I'm editing, with a tentative title Artificial Life. I'd say each playlist has a key song that fits for the overall theme and here it's the Beastie Boys "Sabotage". More will be added here as it comes to me!  
I also have my newest WIP that I'm drafting but that hasn't reached a playlist stage. Still trying to hammer down the themes and vibes on that one! I'll be looking forward to checking out your answers for this one. Do you enjoy writing or editing with playlists? As always the IWSG entrants can be found in the list here!

25 comments:

J Lenni Dorner said...

Cool playlists. The Becalmer one caught my eye.
April is the ideal time to refresh goals and turn small daily actions into major wins, utilizing the season's new energy for growth.
“Every day is a chance to begin again. Don’t focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations.” ― Catherine Pulsifer


J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) @JLenniDorner ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge international blog hop

Natalie Aguirre said...

I'm like you. I enjoy music, but like to write in silence.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's cool you put together playlists for your fans.

Crystal Collier said...

I love that you have playlists to help promote stories! That's epic. One day, Nick, I want to be as organized and awesome as you. ;)

Melissa said...

Great playlists. I actually recognized some of the songs / artists on yours!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Welcome to the Machine - nice choice!

Liza said...

I also write in silence. I've never developed a playlist for a book, but it sounds like it could be fun.

Leigh Caron said...

What a cool idea....putting playlists together for your fans. I will keep that concept in mind when the time is write...when I'm published!!!!!

Liz A. said...

Wow, you put a lot of work into those playlists. (I've never made a playlist, so I am in awe.)

Jennifer Lane said...

I love Depeche Mode and Eyes without a face. Great playlists!

Toi Thomas said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I like the idea of having a playlist to connect with readers. I love that there are now so many ways and options for creating playlist than there used to be.

Kate Larkindale said...

what cool playlists! I've never actually put them together, but for certain books, I definitely have a playlist...

Nick Wilford said...

Thanks! Need to harness that energy for sure.

Nick Wilford said...

Yep!

Nick Wilford said...

Yeah... I've had a few readers, but "fans"? Elusive it seems.

Nick Wilford said...

Well I could say the same, I can't imagine the level of organisation or know where to start to write a musical!

Nick Wilford said...

Thanks!

Nick Wilford said...

Thanks! I love Floyd but they were also Andrew's favourite band, so it's emotional.

Nick Wilford said...

It is fun and I imagine it as the soundtrack for my adaptation if it ever got to that point!

Nick Wilford said...

That was my aim originally but I'm going to start using them to get in the zone for edits.

Nick Wilford said...

Not too much work, I still write in silence but I definitely imagine certain songs playing over scenes. More fun than work.

Nick Wilford said...

Good taste - thanks!

Nick Wilford said...

Hope you're well. Yep it's easy to do.

Nick Wilford said...

Thanks!

Sandra Cox said...

I love that you're putting playlists out for your readers! What a great idea.