I’m often asked about the details of my preferred writing environment — the setting, the ambiance. I’m a bare bones writer who enjoys solitude and appreciates nothing more on my desk than a laptop and a tea light — my six-hour “contract” to show up, stay put, and write.

To avoid diversion, I turn off my cell phone and limit my writing screen to two ingredients: a white page and a black background.

My desk is situated by a window that overlooks a well-seasoned, rugged oak tree in our front yard. When there are noise distractions outside, I put on headphones, turn the volume low, and listen to instrumental music.

For me, the essential element for music to write by is that it must transport me to the ocean:

I want to hear the seagulls screeching overhead and waves crashing on the shore.

I want to taste the salt in the air and dig my toes in the sand.

I want to squint from the brilliant shimmer of sun glancing off the waves.

I want the sea breeze to ruffle my hair as it carries the briny smell of seaweed.

Encinitas, CA

With this in mind, I created The Key of Sea — a music playlist to write by. Even though I’ve listed specific tracks below, all of the recordings on each album are transportive. Bon voyage!

Nova Scotia

Album – Ocean Dreams

Artist – Dean Evenson

Track – Lightly Salted

Whale Point, Eleuthera Island — Bahamas

Album – Earth Spring

Artists – Frank Smith & Kat Epple

Track – The Open Sea

Bellingham Bay, WA

Album – Ocean Waves

Artist – Deuter

Track – Théoule-Sur-Mer

Coronado Island

Album – The Property of Water

Artist – Paul Adams

Track – The Serene Dance of Thunder

Footsie on the Beach

Album – Simply Beautiful

Artist – Nadama

Track – Whale Song

Aberdeen, Scotland

Where do you want your music to transport you?

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