I'm just wondering if you prefer musical accompaniment when you write or do you prefer a library-like silence? If you prefer to have music, what do you listen to?

I've found I can write either way, but I think I write better when I have a little background music. Lately, when I'm writing, I've been listening to albums by Bic Runga, Norah Jones and a compilation I made of Blues, Jazz and other chill-out music.

Anyone else?  

I write at work with the low drone of voices on phone calls all around me. Not that I prefer it that way, I just don't have a choice.

I write with my music on. Depending on what scene I'm doing.. If it's an action scene I'll play my rock music or heavy metal. if it is a love scene I play soul or rap. When I'm writing dramatic sequences I listen to soft rock...

Dead silence, preferably very late at night.

Bert, that would be my other preference. When I am inspired at home, it is always after midnight, and often around 1am. Probably because my mind is more lucid around those times...

I listen to a little Beastle Boyz and some John Mayer, maybe a few Emo bands with a dash of Punk rock.

Quoted from George Willson I write at work with the low drone of voices on phone calls all around me. Not that I prefer it that way, I just don't have a choice.

I try to write at work, when I can, also... I figure it's the only way I'm ever likely to get paid for doing something I like!

I use some orchestra, usually some good blending sounds of the orchestra help me, but if not that then a library silence. Also I listen to the T.v when it is on, which calms me down(don't ask) lol.

I listened to my goonies soundscore when writing my script, because it reminded me of the tone of the film which helped immensly.

When I write poetry, I like to listen to rap when I'm angry and enya/opera when I'm totally at peace and happy.

I always preferred to write during the day myself, once it gets past 10pm, my brain gets too tired to really focus. I have the luxury of living on my own so I don't have the distractions of family or kids.

Andy  

Depends on what I'm writing. I actually put together soundtracks for my scripts (if you like I can show you what I mean), generally ranging between 13 and 15 songs, some licensed, others from other scores, some classical, it just depends. Once I've settled on a soundtrack I pick certain songs to use for different scenes. Each scene has to have a distinct feel while keeping the overall tone of the script itself. That's why one of the first things I do is pick a theme song of sorts, that lays out the tone.

Generally, it's loud stuff (Rammstein) or stuff from a few of my favorite composers (Hans Zimmer, Harry Gregson-Wiliams). I have a stock playlist I draw from sometimes that is just a bunch of songs I think have a good apocalyptic feel to it.

Trust me, it would make sense if you saw it.

I never listen to music when I write. I think if I did it would be non-vocal, maybe a film score.

My job is quite relaxed and it involves writing so no-one would think it strange to see a screenplay on my monitor, but for some reason I can't focus on my own writing in an office environment.

My best work comes to me in the dead of night, and in silence.

I make soundtracks too, and I just listen to the soundtrack of the script I'm making

I listen to music all the time, but sometimes if I'm concentrating really hard, the music irritates me. But mostly, if there's a part I'm writing that's really angry and hateful, I'll listen to Linkin Park or some other rock bands. Sometimes, music gives me hints for the pace and feel of a script I want to write.

I listen to music that goes with the mood of the scene (lately a lot of Delerium, Conjure one, Balligomingo, Rocketbob). Instrumentals are a must. Current aid to my evil writings: http://www.robertduncan.com
He very thoughtfully allows the public to download his scores for different film moods.

Yeah I always listen to Heavymetal, Korn, Slayer, slipknot, hopefall, hammerfall etc etc. But hey I'm a Goth so the music helps me out a lot when I write, somethimes I need the silence of a dark room.