Iโm lucky to be able to write most anywhere, and under plenty of less-than-ideal conditions (i.e. the New York City subway). But I prefer to listen to music when Iโm working, as it fuels my creativity and inspires me. Music was particularly important while I worked on my debut novel, Fan Club, which deals with a cultish fandom that worships an international pop star. I needed the ideal soundtrack to fuel my creativity and get me into the mindset of a superfan. Here are the five songs I had on repeat while drafting.
Suspiria by Goblin
My writing is heavily inspired by cinema. For my debut novel, Fan Club, I often listened to the soundtrack to Dario Argentoโs 1977 horror film about a deadly ballet school on repeat as I worked. In fact, the name of my fictional pop star, Adriana Argento, is a reference to the directorโs work. The title song has a haunting melody and seriously creepy vocals.
No Tears Left to Cry by Ariana Grande
Pop music was my guiding light while working on this novel, which is about a disenchanted millennial office worker who becomes obsessed with an international pop star. โNo Tears Left to Cryโ feels like the kind of song that gets you hooked on a particular artistโanthemic and emotional, personal yet somehow universal.
Doll Parts by Hole
This song feels like a very true expression of young female angst and longing (โSomeday you will ache like I acheโฆโ come on!) which is very much at the center of my novel. Listening to this song brings me back to some of the most vulnerable moments of my life. Plus, itโs about Kurt Cobain.
4. Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
Lover, Taylor Swiftโs seventh studio album, was released the summer I worked on Fan Club. This is probably my favorite song from the record, and I think it fits the bookโs more light-hearted moments. Thereโs almost a montage quality, like it would play over a party scene in a movie. But a darker beat and perfectly-imperfect vocals add a sinister edge to an otherwise upbeat pop song.
5. Twin Peaks Theme by Angelo Badalamenti
When in doubt I always turn to the soundtrack to David Lynchโs Twin Peaks. The soothing instrumentals (yes, Iโm aware that Iโm probably the first person to ever describe something related to Lynchโs oeuvre as โsoothingโ) help me focus, while providing that eerie sensation I find so central to my writing practice.
Erin Mayerย is a freelance writer and editor based in Maine. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Man Repeller, Literary Hub, and others and she was previously an associate fashion and beauty editor at Bustle.com. FAN CLUB is her first novel.
