When I sit down to write I almost always plug my ears with music. It helps to focus my mind on what I am doing, blocking out the rest of the house, and it puts me in the right mood for the scene I am writing or the story that I am creating.
I have my own office in the house, thanks to my hubby, but with two girls, two hamsters and one cat it is far from quiet. When I have time to sit down with my computer and write I have to focus myself and block out the house.
Music is my method.
I turn it up and I can ignore the squeals of my girlies as they run about and the rolling hamster balls that crash into my feet. Even the incessant meow of the cat who thinks she needs to be fed ten times a day, doesn't get through when I'm truly focused.
But music does more than just block out my life.
Music enhances the mood for my writing. If I am into a scene where my heroine is angry and, perhaps, looking for revenge, then I might listen to something like Pink or The Offspring to get me into that reved up mood. Not sexy but mad and energetic.
From Treasure of Flowers: ""How dare you speak of my father that way." Outrage bubbled inside of Violet at her father’s character being dragged through the mud again."
If I am writing something soft and sexy I like to listen to Micheal Buble or Journey. This brings me down to a happy place where I can write words of love and romantic desire.
From Treasure of Flowers: "As he drifted off to sleep, he breathed deep the scent of their lovemaking and pulled her soft form closer. Not only was this woman taking him to a treasure, she was turning out to be a treasure herself.
If I am writing something hard core and erotic I will plug in Finger Eleven or Seether to make me feel right for the scene.
From Dreamed Destiny: "His mouth ravaged hers in a desperately hungry kiss. His tongue forced her lips apart and mated roughly with hers. He was angry and he was rough, but she didn’t care. Her body went white hot and she wrapped her hands around the back of his head, encouraging him, asking him for more. She wasn’t ashamed, she didn’t care that she didn’t really know him."
I could write without music to focus me and set the mood, but it wouldn't be as much fun. For me music is a dimension that, unfortunately readers don't get when they read a book, unless they add it themselves.
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4 comments:
Fascinating blog, Courtney! I love the way you select music to 'go' with the scene you are writing - from your excerpts this method clearly works!
Thank you for sharing!
(I sometimes write to music. Like you, I tend to pick music that I feel will enhance the emotional moment I'm trying to describe.)
So interesting, finding out what music inspires you depending on what you're writing, Courtney. I can't write to music, but I almost always hav a soundtrack for the piece I'm writing, and play that in my 'thinking' time - in the car, doing chores. Definitely helps the focus. Really enjoyed this! :)
Jane x
Courtney, great blog about utilizing music. I wish I was that organized.
Sometimes, though, I do play the song in my head as I write.
Your way is much better. Loved the snippets you used as examples.
Thanks Lindsay, Jane and Savanna for reading my blog, and commenting :)
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