Warren Zevon's Werewolves of London is playing in the background and I'm trying to stretch the little gray cells into some sort of order so that I can write an interesting blog. Lately, my energy has been going into day to day living, things like shopping for enough food so that the next time the weather is uncooperative, I don't have to fight the parking lot slush in order to eat.
You wouldn't think that songs like Werewolves or Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner would inspire a romance writer but it's more the intention, the driving beat that sparks the words. There was a time not long ago that I couldn't write with anything but instrumental music playing in the background but when I'm in the zone, not much will disturb me and for some reason Warren's CD kept me going for the eighteen days it took to write my last novella. I think that's about the fastest I've ever written 20k.
I do think it's time to jazz up the playlist though. I've been listening to Michael Buble` and the Goo Goo Dolls and even a little Johnny Cash but so far nothing is making my skirt fly up. I think I need to find some new inspirations but here comes the holiday season and there won't be much playing on the radio but Christmas music.
Come to think of it, it might be kind of a challenge to write something to the accompaniment some fun Christmas music. The Little Drummer Boy has always been a favorite. I don't think I've ever heard an artist do a version that I haven't liked. There's something about a child giving a gift from the heart that is uniquely his own. It's the spirit we all try to capture at this time of year.
Hmmm. I think maybe my skirt just fluttered a bit. What about you? Do you work to specific playlists or have a particular holiday favorite?
Happy Holidays!
Paris Brandon
http://parisbrandon.com
Family and friends recently had a "guilty pleasures" music night. That is, what campy music you secretly enjoy? My husband admitted to enjoying Kung Fu Fighting. It blew our minds that he actually new most of the words. You think you know someone...lol
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of carols this time of year.
I think I remember some of those words, lol. Eighties dance music is one of my guilty pleasures. My secret is out:)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young I loved loud music, but since the car accident I was in I can't stand a lot of music. Especially, the loud 60's and 70's music I used to love.
ReplyDeleteI do love symphony music and sometimes it's loud, and then it makes the left side of my head throb.
I gave up on loud music a long time ago, so I totally understand. I do love a symphony, though:)
ReplyDeleteI can't write to music or any sounds. I need complete quiet. I do love Christmas songs though, and classic Rock.
ReplyDelete*grin* I've written to Prince, Bon Jovi, Hooked on Classics, Dora The Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, and more recently, my entire 'Favorites' list on YouTube, which contain nearly every song in 80's, plus some 70's and more recent hits:)
ReplyDeleteOne week several years back, I had to revise one of my books, and throughout the entire week of Spring Break when the kids were gone, I went through my entire CD collection, but zero inspiration. On the last day, I pulled out Aqua (Barbie Girl), and played it nonstop, getting most of the book revised during that final day. Wish I'd played that one a bit sooner, lol!
I love Christmas music and if I wasn't in the middle of a suspense manuscript I'd be writing a Christmas story.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays, Paris! Music always inspires me with scenes for my books. Love Kelly Clarkson, LeeAnn Rimes (sp), Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake. Could go on and on... :)
ReplyDeleteI say; whatever works. I'm listening to Gordon Lightfoot at the moment. Early morning rain seems appropriate today for today:)
ReplyDeleteMolly,
ReplyDeleteNot familiar with that one but I know what you mean. Sometimes searching for inspiration seems futile:)
Judy,
ReplyDeleteYep, the Christmas music is a little too Hallmark for suspense:)
Tina,
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you too! Enjoy the season, sweetie:)
Can't write while listening to music...I can shut out people's voices, but not music. Love all kinds, classical, pop, etc.
ReplyDeleteand once I get a tune in my head it stays for days and days.
Jean,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about getting a tune stuck in your head. I once woke every morning for a week with the same song playing in my head. Needless to say, I changed my playlist:)
I agree with you about music inspiring me. I put on music to suit my mood often. One night about a month ago, my husband was camping with the scouts so I was home alone and blasting the music off the DVD of Grease 2 and Valley Girl! Something wonderful about those songs you can sing along with!
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteGrease was one of those fun movies that I still find myself singing along with! Love your taste in music:)