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I love music. I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but that doesn't stop me from singing along in the car. I belt it out along with the artist playing on the CD. This isn't the best idea in the summer, since I drive a convertible, but heck, it's not like I'm ever going to see the guy driving next to me ever again.
Music often provides a muse for me. My Christmas novella, A Christmas to Remember, was inspired by a song of the same title sung by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. My free read, another Christmas story as it happens, Mistletoe and Folly, was inspired by Toby Keith's "Blame it on the Mistletoe". I have an idea for a time travel based on another Toby keith song: "Bullets in the Gun".
Certain songs, while not having inspired a particular story, seem to go with one. I've chosen two songs for the playlist of my WIP, "An Unexpected Blessing", so far: "Outlaws Like Me" by Justin Moore and "Like Jesus Does" by Eric Church.
Sometimes I listen to music when I write, but not often. I'll play some classical if I'm trying to block out background noise from around the house: movie scores work well for this. But while I'm writing, songs with lyrics are distracting.
I usually try to weave music into my stories as well. A character may be listening to a favorite artist. Just one more thing to add dimension and a realistic touch to fiction. One of these days I'm going to write that story about a rock star. (My particular teen-aged fantasy!)
For me, music is the ultimate pick-me-up. It never fails to put me in a better mood.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Great post, Debra! I absolutely love music - singing, listening to it, being inspired by it and having it as background to my writing.
ReplyDeleteDebra, you've reminded me that I often neglect to include musical preference as a character's identity. Maybe because I've been focused on times not in now. But people appreciated music in other times.
ReplyDeleteI can't write with music on, but I always keep a list of songs that inspire me or go well with a particular story or character. I try to put the play list on the web pages for those books as well, so visitors can get a feel for it.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, I can write with the TV on in the background but not with music on! Somehow I can 'tune out' (unintentional pun!) whatever's on tV, but music distracts me!
ReplyDeleteBTW, your sentence "it's not like I'm ever going to see the guy driving next to me ever again" sounds like a great way for the hero/heroine to 'meet' for the first time! Coincidentally, have just added another link on our Helpful Hints page about places where a heroine might meet the hero!
Hi Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. It's nice to find a fellow music enthusiast.
Ana, Very true...I have to say, I never thought about music in the past...this is why i avoid historicals...I'd get everything wrong!
Jennifer, In my mind I'm picturing a web page for this book (if it goes to contract) with a playlist.
Paula, If I'm remembering my Hollywood history correctly, that's how Rob Lowe and Melissa Gilbert met. They dated for a while!
Debra, I have play lists that you can listen to on my website. If you decide you want to do something like that (it was a free thing), let me know.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. I have notes somewhere about this, but with the state my desk is in...I'm sure I'll never find them! I'll probably be picking your brain.
ReplyDelete