IWSG 01 Apr 2026: In the Groove
QUESTION: – If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?
MY ANSWER: – My favorite writing niche is my comfy couch, with its wide window view of trees, green grass, and iguanas clinging to the branches.
When I need to get in the writing grove, my first choice is André Rieu. His unique celebration of music enhanced by the orchestra’s radiant ball gowns fills me with creative energy.
Curious? Click the link and celebrate life with André Rieu.
Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG) is enjoying its monthly blog-fest invented by Alex J. Cavanaugh. IWSG is a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.
The awesome co-hosts for our March 4th posting of the IWSG are Melissa Maygrove, Cathrina Constantine, Kate Larkinsdale, and Rebecca Douglass
Andre Rieu, unique, glorious, but how do I persuade my husband that our friend Helga, who just happens to live in Vienna, really means her invitations?
Unlike Londoners and other down south Brits, when they say ‘ we must do lunch’,
That sounds like a peaceful and inspiring view! I can’t have an outside view when I’m writing because then suddenly… I’m outside doing outside things and far away from my laptop. Inside walls with no windows for me. 😉
Hi Jean,
It’s it interesting where are imagination takes us? One minute writing and the next thing we know we’re off in another direction!
I also listen to music while I write.
Hi Alex,
You have an interesting playlist.
Cheers!
No music, but I look out the window a lot. Sometimes I stop to watch the little birds (I really should learn WHAT those little brown birds are). Iguanas would be cool, but I don’t think they’d handle our climate very well :p
Hi Rebecca,
Maybe, once a week a 2 to 3-inch Gecko runa across our living room wall. Their local name is Cuetzas and they make kissing sounds. We love them!
Yup, they don’t so so well in cold climates
Hi Lynn!
Very soothing music. I could write to that! Thanks for sharing 😉
Hi Diedre,
André Rieu is a gifted musician and conductor. Another Andrea Bocelli — the world‑famous Italian tenor.
Cheers amiga
A lovely and inspiring setting! Iguanas are among the most entertaining creatures I’ve had the privilege of watching. The only thing I’d rather they not do is fall onto my head, which one or two have done.
Hi Lee,
Yup…those creatures are not, “…rain drops are fallin’ on my head…”
haha
Andre Rieu is so soothing. I can see why you can write with him and a cozy couch sounds nice too.
Hi Jenni,
André expresses so much joy and pure excitement as he conducts the orchestra or sometimes dances with someone in the audience.
Cheers!
You sounds like you have a cozy place to write.
Hi Natalie,
Yes, for some reasoning feet up on a step stool and laptop in my lap seems to work for me.
I sometimes use instrumental movie scores or classical music to get in the mood, but it’s not the best thing for me to write to. Brown noise works best.
Hi Melissa,
I agree, music can certainly change the mood. Thanks for introducing me to Brown noise. First I ever heard of it.
Cheers,
I think I’d probably never write with a view like that! I’d just stare out the window.
Hi Kate,
It is refreshing to look out the sliding glass doors and see the trees covered in green leaves and blue sky filling in the empty space.
Iguanas climb on the limbs. If it’s cold they can’t seem to move until the sun comes up and thaws them out.
I’m impressed you can write with that Love in Venice video playing. The horn honking alone would drive me bananas. I prefer to write in silence or with instrumental music intended to enhance focus.
Hi Janet,
As I’ve reflected on what inspires, what’s going on when I’m writing, and later during the editing process I’ve learned a thing or two about me.
I realized André is more of an inspiration rather than tooting along in the background.
That sounds like a fabulous spot to write. I have to stare at a wall with no windows or I’ll set the computer down and go play in my garden instead.