Thursday, December 17, 2009

Blastin' through the Block: MUSIC EDITION!!!

Happy Thursday everyone! I'm at home now and the internet connection here is slower than molasses on a freezing, winter day, so I'm so sorry if I don't get around to everyone's blogs! I have plans to visit a coffee shop soon so hopefully I can catch up there. :)

Now, without further adieu, Blastin' through the Block: MUSIC EDITION!!! Music in every culture is a big part of life, so, it kind of makes sense that music is also a big part of writing for some people. I am one of those people. I always have music playing when I'm writing. It's like I can't form a coherent thought without it.  It certainly affects what I'm writing.

Different music helps me connect in a different way with each character. Like Reba McEntire's Because of You. The words and emotion in the song absolutely connect with my MC. A small excerpt is below. If you haven't heard this song you should really youtube it. It's a great motivator.
I cannot cry
Because I know that's weakness in your eyes
I'm forced to fake
A smile, a laugh everyday of my life
My heart can't possibly break
When it wasn't even whole to start with

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid



Sometimes, just listening to the songs that are so like my characters could be my characters speaking the lines themselves, can pull me up when I don't feel like writing, but other times it takes a bit more. That's when I go on my song search.  I'm lucky enough that I have a friend that is obsessed with music. (Literally, I've never seen anyone else like her and I mean that as a compliment.) I always go to her if I need to write something with a specific emotion. She has a massive amount of music and it was she, who introduced me to the rock band, Skillet. Some days I think this band is the reason I write. :) Their lyrics nearly always make me want to write and nearly all of their songs can fit my book; just like the lines I've included below.


Who's gonna fight for what's right?
Who's gonna help us survive?
We're in the fight of our lives
And we're not ready to die

Who's gonna fight for the weak?
Who's gonna make 'em believe?
I've got a hero, I've got a hero
Living in me



I don't know if it's possible to find a group or artist that fits your writing perfectly, I just happened on Skillet and they stuck.  Knowing how much they have helped me write when I kind of don't feel like it, makes me encourage you to find that band/artist that speaks the lines your characters could say. 


So, do you write with music? Do you have a certain artist/group that always seems to say the right thing? Who are they? (Hey, I'm always looking for new music) 

10 comments:

Valerie Geary said...

Can't write with lyrics in the background, but I do listen to instrumental (mostly solo, contemporary piano or guitar music). Right now I'm really digging contemporary pianist Michele McLaughlin. Good stuff. The lyrical stuff has to wait until I'm cleaning the house or staring out my window waiting for inspiration. Don't really have a single band that inspires me ... hence, my Sunday Inspiration posts. :)

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I need music for most things I do, but I can't write to it. So many people have posted about how important music is for their creativity and for fighting off writer's block, but I can't get past the music to focus on my writing. Bummer...'cause I'd love to listen to my K-Love tunes while I write! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Skillet is awesome. (: I most always write with music for the same reasons you do. Red is a band I listen to a lot when I write. But I'll listen to softer stuff too like Josh Groban. It depends on what "attitude" I want my piece to have. Like if I want angry I'll listen to Sick Puppies a lot to help me keep that up for two or three hours or however long it takes to write a post. Some of the bands I listen to a lot are Disciple, Pillar, Kutless, Thousand Foot Krutch, Falling Up, Decyfer Down, instrumental and new agey type stuff, dance/eletronic, Backstreet Boys. Haha...just about anything and everything really.

V. S said...

I can't write without listening to music. I really enjoy Matt Kearney, Paramore, Nickelback, The Fray.

Heather Sunseri said...

It's so funny to read the comments you have already and they're split down the middle. It depends on what kind of writing I'm doing. Some days I need complete silence, then others, I love the sound of my favorite tunes in the background.

I'm so glad you stopped by my blog and introduced yourself.

Aubrie said...

I get my ideas while listening to NPR (the classical music station) on the radio in my car. I know, I'm boring. Oh well.

Stephanie Thornton said...

I can't write with lyrics either- it mucks up my brain. And I certainly don't need any help with that.

I love writing to Yo-Yo Ma!

Kelly Lyman said...

I totally agree with you on the music thing! I have a playlist on my blog that has all of the music I've been listening to while I'm working on my WIP. Some of the music I couldn't find though. I listening to Matt Kearney, Linkin' Park, Van Morrison, classical music, Jars of Clay, Muse and these are the ones on top of my head.
I've been enjoying your blog, by the way. Check out mine and see the award I passed to you!
www.kellylyman.blogspot.com

Sande said...

Casting Crowns write with real words that say it as it is.

Clementine said...

Yes! Jamey Johnson's song Color came out when I finished Attack at Fleetwood Hill. Whenever that song plays, I see the trailer for my book. By the way, it's snowing big time here. Will my baby trees be allright? We planted them last Monday...yikes!