We all write. Whether it be a paper for class, an article for this lovely site, or something of a more creative nature, those keyboard keys always get a bit of use. Yet, silence does not always create the most inspiring of conditions. So, what ever is a poor writer to do? Pop music makes you want to dance, Indie takes your soul to another plane, and Rock-- well, Rock was just a complete 'no, no' from the start. Although everyone may not agree with those statements, the truth is that there are some of us who can't produce a single properly constructed sentence with lyrics flying through our heads. If you are one of those people, I have come to save you. You may have heard of instrumental music before, you may have thought it boring or dull or completely wrote it off because that's what snooty, rich people listen to in their free time. But ladies and gents, do I have some news for you: in my opinion, instrumental music is the best music to listen to if you want to have a productive writing session. And guess what? Not a single one of my favorites come from the mind of Mozart or even Bach. My favorites come from a new age of maestro geniuses. The best part is, you've probably heard a lot of them for I don't look to history for my music selection, I look to movies. Yes, soundtrack scores are definitely the way to go if you believe those posh composers of old are too fancy for you. But, wait! There's more! Being the fantastic lady I am, I've compiled a list of my all time favorites as they sit in my Apple Music playlist a tab away. You can even listen while you read. (I know, I'm too kind for this world.)

1. Rise Above- Veigar Margeirsson

Dear God above, this song! Gorgeous from start to finish, it has been the first song on this playlist since I discovered it last April. If it sounds even slightly familiar, it was the song paired with the A Little Chaos trailer. Literally, like all you have to do is put some lengthy, Rickman baritone over it and you have the trailer. However, another reason for its placement in my playlist is that it's the perfect song to listen to when you're getting ready to write. You've just sat down, trying to get your thoughts in order, and you start your playlist only to hear this? You'll get results every time! Because, Lord knows I do. I can't give a money-back guarantee, per se, but I definitely recommend you try it. Maybe let me know how it goes in the comments?

2. Cambridge, 1963- Johann Johannsson

This is the perfect song to play when you've gotten your bearings. You're writing at the speed of sound, the keyboard's even smoking a bit, and you just sit back for a minute, proud. It is in this moment that you realize that this piece of writing, no matter what type, it going to be great.

3. Lily's Theme- Alexandre Desplat

And with all that hope bubbling up, you set your nose back to the grind stone, but soon you're going to realize that there must be some sadness. That's where this one comes in. We all know it-- or at least if you don't, never tell me because I'll unintentionally take it personally and never look at you the same. If your book happens to start out sad, then this is perfect, seeing as it starts out the last Potter movie, to listen to. Take some inspiration from it and go write something that'll tear readers hearts out later! We'll forgive you in time.

4. Dumbledore's Farewell- Nicholas Hooper

Carrying on with the sad train, this one is perfect if you're writing a death scene. (Obviously) Or you can just listen to it with headphones in for a full sadness overload if you've lost your momentum and just want to cry about it.

5. George's Waltz(2)- Shigeru Umebayshi

I cannot tell you how many times I've just put this song of repeat. It's passionate, it's still sad-- perfect if you're writing something dramatic. Yet, also great to get you back in the mood and write because you know you have it you-- this song is only a catalyst to inspire.

6. A Little Chaos- Peter Gregson

Headphones or a nice sound system are an absolute requirement for this one. (I've actually cried real tears of joy from doing it.) Because it's absolutely beautiful and has this inspiring nature about it that makes you want to write forever. Great for resolution writing here! It'd be a fabulous ending to a playlist, because it's the ending song to this movie, but, at the same time, it's just too good to put lower than six.

7. The Imitation Game- Alexandre Desplat

Are you writing a spy novel? Well, this one's perfect for it. It has that sort of gritty-ness to it that makes you ready to pull out the proverbial guns and take down an assassin.

8. In Noctem- Nicolas Hooper

OK, so I lied. This one has lyrics-- I'll give a dollar to anyone who knows them, because honestly it's just too beautifully sad to even resonate. Not only does it make you fear for the Death Eaters about to sneak into Hogwarts and kill Dumbledore, it prepares the way for your heart to be ripped out. Perfect if you're writing something with tension or slight notes of oncoming doom.

9. I Will Keep You Safe- Ramin Djawadi

This is my absolute favorite song of Ramin Djawadi's, and not just because it has an underlying sadness, which I now realize that I apparently gravitate towards... It has an aspect to it that gives you hope. Yes, this person will keep me safe, and I believe in them.

10. Courtyard Apocalypse- Alexandre Desplat

Nothing says absolute destruction like this song. If you've seen this film, you know exactly what's happening. And for those of you who haven't: 1) Shame on you. 2) It's a slow motion fight scene that is one of the most beautiful in the franchises history. (That's a whole eight movie span, people!)

11. London, 1988- Johann Johannsson

I don't know what feelings are brought to life inside you when you listen to this one, but I get desperate undertones of sadness at first and an overwhelming excitement around the half-way point. So, translating that to writing-- perhaps something to listen to while you're writing a rising action? There's a problem at hand, but it's OK because we're going to fix it later on.

12. Making Love- Peter Gregson

It's kind of obvious what purposes this one has been included for, right? Lock up the children and turn your browsers on private because this one's for... Romance! (Dah! What were you thinking?) No, this one is the perfect song to skip to if you're at the point in your novel where the two main characters, or just one, confess their love for each other. Brilliant results every time!

13. George's Waltz(1)- Shigeru Umebayashi

No, before you even question it, I did not include the same song twice. This one is a brighter version of the other-- it gives one the same passionate feelings as the other, but without all the crying. Also, if you put it on repeat, you can't tell where it ends and begins. Talk about some fantastic composing! No, this one's to pep you up! If you're writing that paper, you've been sad because you lost your fire. Well, not anymore! On the other hand, if you've been writing your novel and it's been pretty sad, why not clue the audience in as to why? This is the perfect song to write a flashback to! And not just one of those, this is why I'm sad flashbacks. No! It can be a happy one too!

14. Paperman- Christophe Beck

Not only is this score amazing, if you haven't seen Disney's animated short Paperman, you're missing out! Where does this come in during your writing journey? Anywhere really, but if you're looking for something specific, I'd say perhaps if you're writing copious amounts of dialogue. I wouldn't say it should be a heated exchange, but rather a lighthearted one. Yes, this one is for writing fluff and fluff excursively! (It's OK, you may have to through it all out in the editing process, but at least you had fun, right?)

15. A Brief History of Time- Johann Johannsson

This is some nice mid-book resolution music! Everything is sort of all right at the moment, nothing too pressing has our protagonist's attention. It's just something nice to enjoy-- a little calm before the storm, if you will.

16. Lily's Dream- Alexandre Desplat

But, wait! The storm approachith, and with it comes another problem for our leading lad or lass. Yes, this is my turn to song for anything resembling bad news, new-found obstacles, or the relieving of, up until this point, hidden conditions.

17. Awaken (feat. Jack Liebeck)- Dario Marianelli

And what happens when we face a problem?! We mope! that's exactly what this one is for! Can you hear the desperation?! Is it within yourself? Well go write about it for Christ's sake!

18. End Titles- Rachel Portman

Yet, as soon as our characters feel like their lives are over forever, someone comes in to save the day. And with them comes hope to carry on and persevere.

19. The Cottage On the Beach- Dario Marianelli

This one may not exactly coincide, but it's perfect for sleuthing! You're character, or yourself if you're writing academically, is on a search for the truth. Will they find an integral piece of the puzzle? If you want your plot to move along they will.

20. The Prize of One's Life... The Prize of One's Mind- James Horner

The desperation, the surprise-- some truth has been found! The truth is tough and if you want to be able to process it for yourself, you have to sit down into your character's shoes. How do they react? Only you can decide, but this song will definitely help.

21. The Lady Caliph: Nocturne- Ennio Morricone, Yo-Yo Ma, & Roma Sinfonietta

With this newfound knowledge, you can go a few different ways. If your character's mentalities verge on the depressing and forlorn, this one is a definite option. It has substance, something your character also has.

22. Prologue- James Newton Howard

However, if your character gets a bit turned on at the thought of revenge, then you should skip to this one. Bryce Dallas Howard might not be the only Lady in the Water after you're done. Get inspired to kill, or at least maim. These people deserve it.

23. Little Edie On Chair- Rachel Portman

This one is here for the mere fact that it gives you hope at the end. We all struggle at the close sometimes, and that's why this one is a must have!

24. Please Be Naked- The 1975

And you thought that composers couldn't write "normal people" music. Ha! Despite what the title of this song may lead you to believe about it's purpose here, (Ya perverts!) it's one of my favorite songs to write humbly to. By that, I mean it's a great confession and confrontational song. It doesn't sound action packed, and in truth, it's not. However, that doesn't mean one can't completely splay themselves before another to this song. How the other character responds is another story entirely, but it's the main communicator's job to start the conversation in the first place. Resolutions abound from good communication, people! Especially if you're like me and write romance.

25. The Lady Caliph: Dinner- Ennio Morricone, Yo-Yo Ma, & Roma Sinfonietta

Can you hear the last page of your book being turned? Yea, well, you're welcome for locating the soundtrack to your life. Seriously though, as Rise Above was a song to get you ready to write, this one's purpose is to calm you down and prepare you to go on about your day. You've had a grand writing session, you maybe even finished whatever it was you were working on. (In that case, congratulations!) Yet, work may still need to be done and this song makes you want to come back for more again, and again, and again.