When I was writing Book 1, I listened to Coldplay, The Killers, and Muse and they inspired me to write. My characters came to life with their music. I got lost in my story whenever I heard their music (once I even missed my turnoff for work). So I associated their music to Book 1 (and 2 – since it’s the sequel and has the same characters).
So when I started Book 3, I listened to other groups. Found some I really like (Arcade Fire, Anberlin, Mumford & Sons, to name a few). But today I played Coldplay on my drive into work, because it had been awhile since I just listened to their albums (and I have them all – I love being able to play my iPod in my car) and all of a sudden I got lost in my story. And it wasn’t Book 1. It was Book 3!
I have no idea what it is about them that inspires me, but whatever it is, I love it. And I think I’ll be listening to them until I get the book finished (which I can see happening this week – provided I get time to write).
Does music inspire you? Do you find you get lost in your story (or figure out how to write a scene) when you listen to a particular group or song? I think music will always do it for me. I may not always write to music, but it certainly helps me while I’m brainstorming!
2 comments:
When I wrote my first book, I couldn't listen to anything. It was too distracting. But for some reason, Jack Johnson's songs inspired me during the second book. There was just something about his casual, easy style that matched my story. More often than not, though, I need silence.
The only thing that distracts me is the TV (or my husband talking on the phone). I can write at Buffalo Wild Wings during football season (and have gotten some good writing done then, too). There's so much noise, I can't focus on one thing and it's wonderful.
However, when I edit, it does seem to be different. Sometimes I need quiet. Sometimes I need music. Guess it really depends on my mood (and the scene I'm working on).
Thanks for commenting, Melissa!
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