At the beginning of concept creation, there’s a lot to consider about what an initial idea could become if processed correctly. Is the theme strong? Is there relatability in the conflict? Are the characters realistic and likable? Where should this story begin and where should it end? Why should this even be developed, anyway?

When the questions begin to outweigh enthusiasm, it can be hard to identify a proper angle of approach. And, to be frank, it can suck the fun out of the creative process. It is in response to this writer’s woe that I have begun to experiment with different rituals that help me find the focus and the fun of story creation. Most recently, I’ve found my latest writing hack in approaching the tone of my project through making a “Mixtape for Screenplay” playlist on Spotify.

Now, I know I haven’t exactly invented the wheel, here. However, in applying this to my work, I’ve found that it has helped me in ways I feel are imperative to share with both the curious writer and the familiar one. I’ve boiled down the positives of adding this step into a writing plan to two major benefits: 1) Use as inspiration during the idea development phase and 2) Creating an instant head space for writing sessions.

So, let’s say that I have the bare bones of an idea, but no real direction at the start. A great way to build on the idea at the top is to consider how I feel when I think of the idea, or perhaps how I want the idea itself to feel. Is this story going to be cool? Scary? Upbeat? Sexy? When I picture the opening credits, what’s playing? Don’t be afraid to get self-indulgent, over-imagination is the hallmark of writers everywhere. At this stage, I can afford to tell myself Rihanna would love to write the theme song for my show. Once those musical floodgates open, allow those melodic waves to flow into a new “Mixtape for (Project Title)” playlist.

Once the playlist is established, it becomes an invaluable tool throughout the rest of the creative process, particularly where writer’s block or procrastination comes in. For me, it’s always hard to dive into writing, especially at the start. That blinking cursor of death on a blank page can be daunting and, in my opinion, slightly judgy. Somehow, I can hear it saying, “Aren’t you supposed to be a writer or something? Why am I still blank?” Add that to the endless list of other reasons I can come up with to not work and the next thing I know, I’ve wasted a whole afternoon binging Bob’s Burgers. It can get really bad.

In those moments, I’ve found that what I’ve been lacking is the proper head space. Enter my super rad playlist for this super rad project. All of the work I have put into creating a playlist that defines my pilot or screenplay translates into the perfect tool to utilize when I need to get in the right mood to tackle that project. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Even if this seems like a frivolous step to add to the journey of concept creation, I consider it to be a worthwhile venture, at the very least, for those scripts that refuse to be conquered. Best case scenario, we have a new writing trick up our sleeve. Worst case scenario, we reaffirm our amazing taste in music to ourselves, and we have another dope playlist to back it up. There’s really no losing.

About the Author

Mercedes K. Milner is a Co-Founder and Administrator of the Write or Die Chicks and the Writers Group Coordinator. She is a staff writer for the WODC Blog and she heads the Reading on Writing column.