Welcome to Music Monday! As many of you know, music contributes a great deal to my writing process. Whether it’s a song’s lyrics, beat, rhythm, or tone, I find myself constantly inspired by it.
For the past week, I’ve been struggling with developing one of my novel’s lead characters. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m over-thinking who he is, or if it’s because I can’t decide how to present his chapters to readers, or if it’s because I’m distracted by life (crazy at the moment), or because of something else. Whatever it is, it’s been impeding my progress.
So, just like I always do when I’m having trouble writing, I set aside my computer and listened to some music. Thankfully, Michael Jackson’s “Bad” popped up on my playlist and gave me the spark I needed!
“Bad” has always been one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs. It’s got great energy, lots of attitude, and a fast-paced rhythm that gets my creative cogs turning.
As for my novel, this song helps me capture the essence of my less than angelic characters, especially the one I’ve been struggling with lately–a cruel, selfish, twisted man. Every time I listen to “Bad”, he springs to life in my mind and I’m able to see and hear him so much clearer!
So, if you’re looking for a song to help you break out of a rut or get in the groove of a “bad” character, check out Michael Jackson’s “Bad”!
What song(s) are you in love with right now? Which one(s) offer you inspiration? Let me know! I’m always searching for songs that motivate my writing.
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Not only did I have fun during my week off, but I made tons of progress with my new novel. I managed to write over 26,000 words in five days. Ahhh! Seriously, it’s amazing what you can do when you shut the world out and focus. Hopefully this major boost means I’ll be able to meet my goal of finishing a first draft by July 31st, when the first round of the 
The number one thing I love about this song is its rhythm and beat. It’s edgy, energetic, and even a little dark. Every time I listen to it, I close my eyes and get lost in the incessant thumping of the drums, piano, and cymbals. And every time it finishes, I realize I’ve thought of a new layer to my story. A new drama, a new twist, a new character trait, a new something.
As always, the lyrics provide oodles of inspiration as well. I didn’t really listen to them the first few times I played “Love Runs Out”, but then I Googled them and I realized they fit my story perfectly.
If you’re looking for an energetic song with an amazing rhythm and inspiring lyrics, then check out OneRepublic’s “Love Runs Out”.
Like so many, I was devastated when I heard the news of his death. For years, I’ve been listening to Horner’s compositions, and not just while watching the many blockbuster films he scored, but also while writing. Many a scene has been choreographed in my mind while listening to his music. In fact, I’m certain I have at least one James Horner composition on every book playlist I’ve ever created.
James Horner’s work is dramatic, suspenseful, and touching. It not only brings the movies we love to life, but it also has the power to bring a writer’s imagination to life. It helps us experience the emotions of our characters, visualize and plan the scenes of our stories, and develop the twists and turns that take our work to the next level.
I actually laughed when I first heard this song because it sounded exactly like my story’s female protagonist. The words, the voice, the tone, the emotion–everything about it was her.
What I love most about this song is its lyrics. I can’t explain how much they relate to my story. I feel like when I listen to them, I’m actually listening to my protagonist. It’s downright weird.
So, if you’re looking for a haunting song that inspires a wide range of emotions, check out Lana Del Rey’s “
The main thing I like about “Bleed It Out” is its rawness. While I listen to it, I’m able to experience my characters’ self-destructive natures, as well as their rage, frustration, and despair.
Another things I love about this song is its rhythm and beat. Let’s face it, sometimes (okay, many times) writing can be an energy drain. Physically, mentally, emotionally–it can take a lot out of us, especially if we’re writing stories that “dig deeper” and deal with uncomfortable subject matters.
So, if you’re looking for an energetic song that inspires raw emotions, listen to 
The first time I heard “Fight Song” I thought, “Well, this is perfect for writers and anyone else pursuing a dream.” Most of us experience failure along our journeys, and many of us get so crushed by it, we begin to question everything: Our passion, our goals, our abilities. Some of us even wonder if we have the strength to keep fighting for what we want most. I know I have.
“Fight Song” also provides great story fodder. Although I can’t get a ton out of it for the current story I’m working on (my characters are way too crazy to care about digging themselves out of the pits they’ve fallen into), there are still plenty of gems to use from it: Conflict and drama. Depression and sorrow. Determination and hope. Freedom and courage…The list goes on and on!
And, as you likely suspect, the lyrics are what make this song so great:
So, whether you need a personal boost, or some motivation for your story, I strongly encourage you to listen to “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.
This song has always been one of my favorite malt shop hits. However, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago, as I was skimming through YouTube, that I realized I could use it for inspiration. “I Will Follow Him” has such a determined, passionate, borderline manic ring to it. I figured it’d help me develop my determined, passionate, and borderline manic female protagonist.
As sweet and innocent as this song sounds (and very well could be), to me it’s oozing with obsession. Every time I listen to it, I imagine a delusional woman stalking her crush, bound and determined to make him hers. I mean, seriously, just look at the lyrics:
So, if you’re looking for a song that inspires obsessive, passionate, stalker-like characteristics, check out Peggy March’s “I Will Follow Him”.
But, darn it! Her past few songs have gotten under my skin. And her latest one, “Bad Blood”, was just too good to keep to myself.
Simply put, this song kicks ass! And its music video kicks ass. And it’ll make you want to kick ass!
The number one thing I love about this song is its energy. Even though I don’t write action-adventure, and my stories lean towards ahhh!, not hi-yah!, I like to feel a buzz while I write. You know, tension, movement, feeling. And I get that from “Bad Blood”. It makes me want to infuse those white-knuckled elements into my work.
The first time you watch the music video, you might be distracted by its awesome visuals. But if you close your eyes and really listen, you’ll hear a lot of great lines:
So, if you’re looking for a kick ass song that’ll get you energized, check out “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift.
Last week, I probably listened/watched this song on YouTube at least a dozen times. I couldn’t get enough of it! It has so many of the darker emotions and elements I need to feel while writing my story: Fury. Vengeance. Denial. Murder.
What makes this song extra powerful is the performance of it. As I watch the dancers in the video below, I can see my characters and I can feel their wrath. Their twisted righteousness, their satisfaction, their spite…
So, if you’re looking for a song that brings out the dark side of your plot and characters, check out 
This song came on while I was at the gym yesterday and I couldn’t stop playing it! Over and over, I listened to “Addicted To You” while I jogged, my brain running almost as fast as my legs (well, maybe faster 😉 ).
For me, this song isn’t so much about love. It’s about the addiction–the obsession–love can create, and the darkness that can follow when it gets torn away or isn’t reciprocated.
So, if you’re looking for a song that inspires the light or dark side of love, check out “Addicted To You”!
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