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.
Yes, I’m fully aware I’ve used “Ghost” as a previous Music Monday feature. But it was my number one inspiration this past weekend as I worked on my second round submission for the NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge 2015, so I had to use it again!
Last Friday, I woke up and looked at my assigned genre for round two:
Ghost Story…Gag!
Although it wasn’t the worst genre I could’ve received, it was definitely on my “Do Not Want” list. In my opinion, it’s hard to come up with a ghost story that’s original and surprising. Thankfully, on my way to work, I remembered I’d thought of a concept months before–a concept inspired by Ella Henderson’s “Ghost”.
I ended up watching the music video of “Ghost” over and over again while developing my story. I couldn’t help it. Every time I watched/listened to it, my foggy plot sharpened and my vague characters came to life. Between the imagery, the tone, and the lyrics, “Ghost” had everything I needed to get me motivated to write my story.
Each time that I think you go
I turn around and you’re creeping in
And I let you under my skin
‘Cause I love living in the sin
I highly recommend you watch/listen to “Ghost” by Ella Henderson. It’s great inspiration for all kinds of stories (not just ghost ones).
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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I love listening to “I Wanna Rock” when I’m looking to infuse attitude in my writing. If I have a character who needs to act out, or stand up for themselves, or go against the grain, then I turn to this rock n’ roll song for inspiration.
“I Wanna Rock” also helps me develop conflicts in my stories.
So, if you’re looking for a song with lots of attitude and the power to put you in the “Conflict Zone”, then check out “I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister.
When I first watched “Chandelier”s music video on YouTube a few months ago, I thought, “Meh, it’s okay.” Then it popped back up on my playlist a couple of weeks ago and–boom! Obsessed!
Now, I’ll fully admit, my favorite thing about “Chandelier” is its music video and the dancer, Maddie Ziegler. I’ve never been so inspired by the art of dance. And I’ve never been able to use it to see my characters better.
So, if you’re looking to be inspired by music and dance, check out “Chandelier” by Sia!
As much as I love writing, there comes a point I need to stop, step back, and regain my breath (and sanity). So, that’s what I’ll be doing the next couple of weeks. However, just because I’m not working on a project at this very moment doesn’t mean I’m not listening to music and finding inspiration in it. That’s like asking me not to breathe!
This is one of those songs that always ends up on my latest book playlist. No matter what story or character I’m creating, “Shake It Out” sparks my imagination, helps me deepen a plot, and pushes me to develop stronger emotions.
My favorite thing about this song is its lyrics.
So, if you’re looking for a song to add to your book playlist, check out Florence and the Machine’s “Shake It Out”!
“I Feel Everything” is brimming with emotion and power. In fact, whenever I’m writing a scene that revolves around rage, revenge, or a big fight, I’ll blast this song (usually a few times in a row). It’s one of those songs where the more you listen to it, the more it moves you.
And, of course, the lyrics are amazing and always give me something to use to add depth to a plot or character.
So, if you’re looking for “one of those songs” that always lends inspiration, check out “I Feel Everything” by Idina Menzel!
I wanted to try and schedule this one for a Monday, but alas, no can do. The timing simply didn’t work out. Oh well! “Love The Way You Lie” was one of my favorite songs I chose for a Music Monday feature this year. In fact, I still listen to it often while working on my more intense scenes. So check it out if you haven’t yet and see if it inspires your writing!
This song is packed with conflict, pain, and all of the emotions I need to feel while writing these explosive scenes: betrayal, fury, heartbreak, fear, regret…I also love the lyrics and music video. Both help me tap into my dark side and go to places I don’t want to go–but must.
So, if you’re looking for a song that touches upon heavy topics, and inspires intense emotions, check out “Love The Way You Lie”.
So, if you haven’t noticed from some of my other Music Monday features, I tend to put my characters through the ringer: Betrayal. Doubt. Loss. I force them to experience the lowest of lows so they can then question whether their hearts, minds, and wills are strong enough to survive life’s curveballs.
Simply put, the lyrics in this song are amazing. And they’re beyond motivating to listen to as I write those chapters where my characters must pick themselves up and dust themselves off.
“Strip Me” is a great song to listen to when you’re creating epiphany filled moments in your story. Or when your characters decide to take a stand for what they believe in. Seeing as I’m working on the end of my book, there have been many “epiphany” and “take a stand” moments, so this song hits home and inspires me to infuse the right tone and feeling while writing.
I also love this song’s music video. It adds oomph to the lyrics and brings them to life in a way that’s motivating, colorful, and beautiful. And also makes you want to stand up to the enemies in your life.
I’m not sure what it is about this song–or any of Ellie Goulding’s songs for that matter–but it always transports me into whatever other world I’m living in. “Explosions” has a magical combination of lyrics, rhythm, and tone that inspires me every time I hear it. It’s also bursting with raw emotion, which is exactly what I need to hear right now as I work on the current chapters in my book.
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