NaNoWriMo: 5 best songs and soundtracks for writing fantasy novels

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Y’all know I simply cannot let November pass by without attempting the #nanowrimo hullaballo. (NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month. It’s a lot of fun trying to write a full novel in one month!)

And whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, you know playing music that matches the themes you’re writing can really get you in the mood … for prose. 😉

So if you, like me, are writing a fantasy novel this month, here’s some musical inspiration to listen to while you write…

Image shows Fourth Wing fan art 🎨 by Jesslyn @jrtart on Twitter X.

Image credit: Fourth Wing fan art 🎨 by @jrtart_ (Jesslyn) as featured on X (Twitter)

Top 5 musical soundtracks to listen to while writing fantasy novels

Here’s my 5 personal favourites, in no particular order.

1. The Witcher soundtracks for Netflix seasons 1 and 2

Netflix’s The Witcher had some absolute bangers to play on repeat while writing action scenes.

My faves to play on repeat from the season 1 soundtrack on Spotify or YouTube Music:

  • Toss a Coin to Your Witcher
  • They’re Alive
  • The Song of the White Wolf

Season 2 faves on Spotify or YouTube Music:

  • The Golden One
  • Witcher Training
  • Burn, Butcher Burn!
  • We’re Your Family (*weeps*)

No faves from season 3 – yet – because I didn’t watch season 3 until they’d already announced that the delectable Henry Cavill wouldn’t be in season 4, and that just wrecked me. I mean, it’s unforgiveable.

2. Stardew Valley OST game soundtrack

I became obsessed with this video game this year (shout out to the mobile app for Android, v1.5), and the soundtrack is just … chef’s kiss.

Think cozy fantasy… Think visiting the local inn and tavern for a pumpskin spice ale… Think wandering through an ancient forest…

Playing this in the background never fails to make me smile. 🥰

Listen to it now on Spotify or YouTube Music.

3. Te Ao Mārama (Lorde)

For more of an island fantasy vibe, you can’t go past Lorde’s Māori album.

It’s beautiful; it’s haunting; it’s a sound bath for a writer’s brain.

Listen to it now on Spotify or YouTube Music.

4. Act One: Infinight Interns (Tales from the Stinky Dragon) by Micah Risinger

I know I’ve already talked about how much I love Micah’s soundtracks, but I can’t help myself. I can’t talk about fantasy music without mentioning them!

And their first album is – in my opinion at least – still their finest.

You’ll laugh, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, you’ll be writing up a storm.

Listen to it now on Spotify or YouTube Music.

5. Moana original motion picture soundtrack (Disney)

At the moment, I’m writing a fantasy novel that’s loosely based on the lore of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, the regions where I grew up and travelled.

Music like the soundtrack from Moana is perfect for background to this landscape.

Listen to it now on Spotify or YouTube Music.

…

That’s my full list for now, so happy listening and happy writing, folks!

Catch you on the flip side of November… 📚📖📝🖋🐧

-TJ

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