This might sound crazy to some people, but I'm hoping somebody will connect! Calling all fellow nuts! <GG> Since I also love music, it seems natural that when I write my stories, I think of songs - like a mental Ipod. Or actually, it might be more like my own little movie running through my head (big dreamer thinking of a book-to-movie scenario)! For instance, if I'm writing something sad, I might think of a tearjerker lovesong - think Celine Dion. Or if I'm writing something soft and sweet - Corinne Bailey Rae or Nora Jones. If it's a more intense modern storyline - Hinder. Or if it's a story with an international setting - possibly Pavarotti. The list could go on forever. I do this sometimes when I'm reading, too. But usually when I'm writing my own stories. I think it heightens the drama. Inspiration of sorts. To me, there is virtually a song for every mood as well as a storyline for every mood. Am I bonkers or what? Never mind, don't answer that. I know I am! LOL!
All of you on my buddy list - you might want to reconsider! LOL!
Music and books
It depends on the author.
Some make whole soundtracks. Others play certain songs.
I tend to work without music but when I am taking a break, particularly when I am revising, certain songs get played again and agin, driving my children mad. They a re different for each book which I think saves me.
But to answer your question -- not mad, just an author.
Taken by the Viking (HH May 08)* Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife (M&BH June 08) *An Impulsive Debutante* (M&BH Sept 08)*A Question of Impropriety (M&BH Nov 08)
website: http://www.michellestyles.co.uk
What a relief!
Whew, so I'm not crazy after all! (Hand is wiping sweat from the brow) Thanks, Michelle. My little girl hasn't reached the age of thinking her mom's music is tasteless and annoying, but my husband on the other hand.... LOL!
I listen to music mostly when I'm pounding out the first draft, getting the ideas out. Sometimes, if it's a really intense scene, the music is switched off. Conflicts with it. But, for the most part, it helps me to listen.
TTFN!
Music
Amanda I'm the same way. Sometimes there are particular songs, and other times there is music I just consistently like to put me in a creative frame of mind...I listen to Josh Groban a lot and I find music in other languages interferes less with the story. If that makes sense.
And I'm with you...if I get into a really intense scene, sometimes the music has to go off. Or the other way...I play the same song over and over again hoping the emotional response will be translated into the book.
Donna
THE SOLDIER'S HOMECOMING, Romance, March 08, Aus/NZ April 08
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com
Amanda
If you're crazy then I am to. I listen to romantic music when I'm writing. In fact I can listen to a song and think of the story it's telling and then start writing. I know there is a story for Hotel California, unfortunatly I don't write Urban Fatasy. That's one freeky song.
Perfect....
'Emotional response translated into the book'. Wow, I think that about sums it up, Donna. That's exactly what I try to do. I feel certain emotions from music that I'd love to somehow pour into my characters. I believe that the greater the author's attachment to his/her novel, the greater connection the reader will feel reading it. Is that too philosophical?
At any rate, you made perfect sense.
Oh, and I like Josh Groban, too. His Christmas CD was awesome!
Perfect Sense
That makes perfect sense to me, Amanda, because otherwise why else would we start to think of our characters as real people? LOL. I think the less separation between author and character, the more satisfying the read will be.
I agree with you on Josh's Christmas cd, by the way.
For my last book, I listened to a couple of great songs by Rascal Flatts. My Wish and To Make Her Love Me. Both of those resonated with my and my hero. I've used Nora Jones before, and Michael Buble, and Nickelback. :-)
if you're crazy, I'm right there with ya. ;-)
Donna
THE SOLDIER'S HOMECOMING, Romance, March 08, Aus/NZ April 08
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com