I write while listening to music, mostly because the world beyond my headphones is too chaotic.

I write in an old-school paneled study in the middle of a large farmhouse in rural Iowa. I have pine floors, a big cherry desk, and a small window. The room is cluttered with papers and books and gifts from friends.

I write my music.

I write music to please myself. Hopefully the director's enjoying it too.

I write music with an exclamation point!

I never listen to music when I write.