It's no secret that music plays a big part in my writing process. I make playlists for my characters and the WIP in general, I listen to jazz and light classical music as I'm drafting (noise soothes me, what can I say?) and as I'm editing the playlist gets a definite workout. Today, though, we're going to play a game.
Three songs in each of my playlists have special meaning - for me they speak directly for the hero, the heroine or the story in general.
I'll go first, since I just started a new WIP, which I'll be able to share more with y'all about in a few weeks. This book is a story about finding yourself: my heroine needs to come to terms with her past and accept it, my hero needs to realize the past can help you build a better future. Both, for different reasons, shy away from attention of just about every kind...and in totally different ways. So this song kind of speaks to both my hero and heroine, but mostly my heroine. She's famous in her little town...or maybe notorious is a better word. So for her, Miranda Lambert's 'Famous in a Small Town' is a perfect fit. She's already famous...she's going to learn to embrace the fame - but not let it hold her back. Here's a peek at Miranda's video:
Now, you're turn. Grab your WIP or recently completed manuscript and your iPod, radio or whatever.. and find your hero or heroine or WIPs song. And share with us in the comments - why this song? What about the lyrics or mood or even the singer 'fits' your story?
Three songs in each of my playlists have special meaning - for me they speak directly for the hero, the heroine or the story in general.
I'll go first, since I just started a new WIP, which I'll be able to share more with y'all about in a few weeks. This book is a story about finding yourself: my heroine needs to come to terms with her past and accept it, my hero needs to realize the past can help you build a better future. Both, for different reasons, shy away from attention of just about every kind...and in totally different ways. So this song kind of speaks to both my hero and heroine, but mostly my heroine. She's famous in her little town...or maybe notorious is a better word. So for her, Miranda Lambert's 'Famous in a Small Town' is a perfect fit. She's already famous...she's going to learn to embrace the fame - but not let it hold her back. Here's a peek at Miranda's video:
Now, you're turn. Grab your WIP or recently completed manuscript and your iPod, radio or whatever.. and find your hero or heroine or WIPs song. And share with us in the comments - why this song? What about the lyrics or mood or even the singer 'fits' your story?
Music is a big part of my inspiration to write and a lot of songs contributed to my recently completed manuscript. But it wasn't until after I was done that I heard the song that just fit my story to a T. It's Jason Aldean's "Country Boy's World". My heroine is from Jersey, ends up in cowboy country, and I'm sure you can guess what mainly happens from there:) Fun post, Kristina!
ReplyDeleteOh, sounds like a fun story, Kimberly! And I love Jason Aldean.
DeleteSade's 'Kiss of Life' was my inspiration for my first 'Em' novel. A kiss literally changed her life. (and mine *wink*)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love Sade's music...didn't find it until a couple years ago (was too young for her the first time around) but she makes appearances in my playlists from time to time.
Delete"Desperado," because it's the hero's nickname and there's a long history to it--not to mention it's in my top three favorite songs of all time. "Mustang Sally" for plot reasons that leapt headlong and unexpected into my lap. "Unchained Melody" just because.
ReplyDeleteFun post, Kristi!
Great choices, Liz! Desperado is such a lonely song - great but lonely.
DeleteI really don't listen to music when I'm writing. Maybe I should start. Maybe it'll help me write.
ReplyDeleteIt might...you never know!
DeleteMusic is a big part of my writing, too. I'm current writing Accidentally Yours, and two songs would apply - "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce, and "Feels Like the First Time" by Foreigner. Modern Darcy and his Regency ancestor switch places right after the failed proposal at Hunsford.
ReplyDeleteSounds very interesting, Robin! And I love both of those songs. :)
DeleteOh, Time in A Bottle. Be still my memory-laden heart. Sigh.
DeleteAwesome blog, Kristina! For my WIP, Maximum Risk, the song 'Until Then' by Sully Erna fits my h/h and story for many reasons I can't reveal yet, but it's the perfect song! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that song...scurrying off to listen, Jennifer!
DeletePS: you're such a tease! ;)
DeleteFun blog, Kristina :) When I wrote Remedy Maker, one instrumental looped through my brain. Cliffs Of Dover, by Eric Johnson.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that one, Sheri!
DeleteI listen to music too while I write, although I never made a play list... Great blog!
ReplyDeletethanks, Sara!
DeleteReally fun post, Kristina. I have two--for my soon to be released Only Scandal Will Do, Lady Gaga's Bad Romance because their romance started out so very badly! And the second book in that series, Only Marriage Will Do, Katy Perry's Teenage Dream definitely fits the heroine, who is instantly head-over-heels in love with her KISA.
ReplyDeleteI love Bad Romance...such a guilty pleasure! And Katy Perry is one of my faves! Thanks for coming by, Jenna!
DeleteHmmmm...not sure about this, but a super post!
ReplyDeleteOne song that has inspired an idea is Plain White Tee's "Delilah". I think of the story after the song. How maybe in fifteen years, the lead singer is reunited with Delilah at a music award show and they are both available and they finally have their HEA. I'd call it "Delilah, Again"
ReplyDeleteEvery time the song comes on the radio I think of the book that I haven't written and maybe never will, but it is an inspiration. As for what I listened to while I wrote Bix--that was Bon Jovi. Something about them just calms my mind and gets me a writing mood.
Oh, you're supposed to LISTEN to Bon Jovi? I thought he was just to look at. :-)
DeleteLOL! That too!
DeleteIn my current WIP, several scenes are set inside a tavern with an old jukebox. A couple of times I've used songs to help set the mood, which I have to say, has been fun. I love trawling through country and western song lists and admit to watching more than a few you-tube videos as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Kristi :)