Readers often ask what inspires me to write my stories, what drives my characters, and how do I come up with all those fantasy names. My typical answer is rum. While I’m drinking my way to The New York Times Bestseller List, I also listen to a lot of movie scores. The music puts me in the right mood without any distracting lyrics. If I’m heroically writing at a coffee shop for everyone to notice, the music drowns out important conversations like, “I’ll never get this assignment done on time,” or, “should I text him again?” (Yes, you should text him and then shut up until he replies.)
Now that you’re in the holiday spirit, consider these music gift ideas for your favorite starving author. It’s a great way to show that you support their writing without actually having to read their novel. Below are some of my favorite go-to soundtracks for writing. While a lot of these are available through streaming services, your writing loved one will appreciate physical or digital copies. If their muse leads them to a scenic writing spot, chances are good there won’t be internet access. Below are some of the best gifts for writers.
Avatar by James Horner
He also composed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, which is my all time favorite soundtrack. Unfortunately, I can’t write to it. I watched the movie so many times growing up, I can picture scenes in my head when listening to it.
Bicentennial Man by James Horner
Passengers by Thomas Newman
Cutest little movie about Stockholm syndrome ever.
Oblivion by M83
Unbreakable by James Newton Howard
Meet Joe Black by Thomas Newman
Every other song is happy, or sad. I cut out the happy songs when preparing to kill off a beloved character. I don’t cut out the sad songs.
The Dark Knight Rises by Hans Zimmer
Man of Steel by Hans Zimmer
For those heroic writing sessions
Wonder Woman by Rupert Gregson-Williams
Also available on vinyl. I’d recommend digital or hold out for 8-track tape.
Star Trek 2009 by Michael Giacchino
There are a lot of great scores out there by Giacchino worth checking out, this is the one I listen to most.
The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance Vol. 1 by Daniel Pemberton
One of the reasons I loved the Netflix series so much is this soundtrack.
Lost in Space by Christopher Lennertz
I drunk-tweeted Mr. Lennertz one night to tell him how much I enjoyed this soundtrack. Even if the tweet didn’t make much sense, he replied with a polite ‘thank you.’
Cloud Atlas by Various Artists
Game of Thrones by Ramin Djawdi
Darkest Hour by Dario Marianelli & Víkingur Ólafsson
Princess Mononoke: Symphonic Suite by Joe Hisaishi
How to Train Your Dragon by John Powell
Battlestar Galactica by Richard Gibbs
Apparently this is a collector’s item now because it’s selling for $44 on Amazon. Just for the holidays, message me and you can purchase my copy for $43.
Serenity by David Newman
One big damn soundtrack. 😉
Firefly by Greg Edmonson
I’m also selling tickets to alternate dimensions where they have seven full seasons of Firefly. Tickets also $43.
Barry White Gold Disc 1 and 2
This is for when they’re done writing. Related MUST SEE: Ally McBeal Barry White Bathroom Dance
These are just some of my favorites. If you aren’t sure which one is a good fit, most of them have samples you can listen to on Amazon. Be sure to come back next year to see the list of songs I can’t stand – the perfect gift for writers you hate.
Happy Holidays!
About the author
David J. Pedersen is a native of Racine, WI who resides in his home town Kansas City, MO. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He has worked in sales, management, retail, video and film production, and IT. David has run two marathons, climbed several 14,000 foot mountains and marched in Thee University of Wisconsin Marching Band. He is a geek and a fanboy who enjoys carousing, picking on his wife and kids, playing video games, and slowly muddling through his next novel.
Learn more about David on his website: www.gotangst.com
And be sure to pick up the audiobook of his first fantasy novel, Angst.