BRAIN SCIENCE FOR WRITERS: BINAURAL BEATS

by Rogue Women Writers | Aug 22, 2024 | Isabella Maldonado, On writing | 2 comments

By Isabella Maldonado

As a writer, I often find myself navigating the delicate balance between logical complexity and emotional depth. My stories are filled with intricate codes, riddles, and mysteries, while also delving into deeply emotional themes of betrayal, redemption, and resilience. To help me achieve this balance, I’ve discovered an invaluable tool: binaural beats.

Binaural beats
"Sperry's split brain" diagram in lavender and purple. lines leading to the left end in the "Left brain" column which includes "analytical, orderly, linear, logical, good with numbers and language." Lines to the right lead to the "Right brain" column which includes "imaginative, emotional, intuitive, creative, and good with music and art."

Binaural beats are auditory illusions created when two slightly different frequencies are played in each ear. Your brain perceives a third tone, which is the difference between the two frequencies, which helps synchronize brain activity between the left and right hemispheres. The idea is to enhance both logical and creative thinking as you work.

Roger Sperry, a psychobiologist and Nobel Prize winner, was among the first to promote the theory that the left side of the brain is the “logical or analytical” side, whereas the right brain is the “artistic or creative” side. Research shows many people are more dominant in right- or left-brain functions, although they use both sides for different tasks.

The Science Behind Binaural Beats

Research has shown that different frequencies of binaural beats can influence various brain states. Some are better for meditation, relaxation, sleep, or memory enhancement. For writing, I’ve found the most beneficial frequencies are:

Promotion for "Dr. Andrew Huberman's 40HZ Binaural Beats for improving focus and concentration" (all caps) on a black background. clip art below shows a brain imaginined as a lightbulb with lines emanating to show it is on. On the right, a man, presumably Huberman, steeples his hands and looks into camera with a small smile. He wears a black collared shirt, has short graying hair, a black goatee, skin is light brown.

40 Hz – Many experts recommend listening to 40 Hz to improve focus. For a deeper dive into the science, check out this article by Stanford University School of Medicine professor and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman.

60 Hz – Through trial and error, I have discovered that a slightly faster frequency works better for me when I’m writing a high-octane action scene. My favorite is this three-hour YouTube video (sound only) created by Greenred Productions.

How Binaural Beats Enhances My Writing

Binaural Beats art. Digital drawing of person from the back, they are of slender build and have fair skin, short hair and are wearing a white t-shirt and headphones. A web of blue line entagle on their head which is capped by a glowing yellow orb nestled beneath the height of the headphone arc.
Beyond them a cloudy mountain peak landscape superimposed with sound waves emanating from their head, specs like stars, and a line drawing of a brain (all in pale blue or white). Overall effect of dreamy science diction.

I stumbled onto binaural beats by accident when I was looking for background music to listen to as I wrote. Since I’ve studied just enough psychology to be dangerous, I wanted to find a way to activate both hemispheres simultaneously to see if that would help produce writing that was both analytical and creative. I put on headphones to block out external noise and began scrolling through options online. Much to my surprise, it really helped.

Writing intricate plots populated by three-dimensional characters readers can become invested in requires a harmonious balance between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Binaural beats help me achieve this by stimulating both hemispheres simultaneously, allowing me to integrate logical problem-solving (crafting complex codes and solving narrative problems) with emotional storytelling (developing layered subplots and exploring character motivations).

Practical Tips for Using Binaural Beats

Do your own research: According to the American Academy of Audiology, listening to the sounds is unlikely to be harmful in any way, as long as the volume is reasonable. But, like anything else, you should investigate for yourself, and their article is a good place to start.
Choose the Right Frequency: Depending on the task, select the frequency that works best for you. Search online for suggestions. As the saying goes, “your mileage may vary.”
Use Quality Headphones: To experience the full effect of binaural beats, use a good pair of stereo headphones. I’ve used earbuds in a pinch when I’m traveling.
Set a Routine: Incorporate binaural beats into your writing routine. Whether it’s during brainstorming sessions or while editing, consistency is key.

Have you ever used Binaural Beats?

Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author Isabella Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before turning to crime writing. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in her police department, she retired as the Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During more than two decades on the force, her assignments included hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and precinct commander. She uses her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing, which includes the bestselling Special Agent Nina Guerrera series (which is being developed by Netflix for a feature film starring Jennifer Lopez), the Special Agent Dani Vega series, and the Detective Veranda Cruz series. Her books have been translated into 22 languages.