I'm really curious. Because music is super important to what I do.
I'm a writer. But I'm also a mom. A mom with three kids at home (all day long!) It's not easy to balance homeschooling, a newborn, and writing. So when I sit down to write between the spelling lesson in the morning and the peanut butter catastrophe that's sure to happen in the next hour, I need something to help transport me to the world my characters live in.
I have dozens of play lists put together. Countless songs for particular emotions, experiences or settings. But I'll name just a few. Keep in mind the list changes as I do. It changes as my characters evolve. As they grow. As they experience their world--emotions that are as unique as the characters themselves.
Sorrow. Joy. Tension. Anger. Bittersweet yearning.
So without further adieu, here are a few of my top choices right now:
Don't wait for me by Josh Garrels
Silver coin by Angus and Julia Stone
I will exalt you by Hillsong United
...and of course lots of Adele and Iron and Wine
Often times, I listen to folk music, like the Cold Mountain soundtrack. It helps me feel my setting and my surroundings. Helps me dive into the Appalachian culture I write about. I'm excited to expand on this in another post soon.
Photo credit: Cold Mountain, 2003
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13 comments:
I can't get over James Vincent McMorrow's "We Don't Eat". I've probably listened to it 25 times in the last week. And anything by Bon Iver always moves me.
I have a lot of Michael W Smith on my writing soundtrack. Upbeat, fast paced. I find that slower, more worshipful songs slow down the keyboard, but his beat is usually a good tempo and centers my soul. "Missing Person" is playing now and I never tire of it.
Viva La Vida by Coldplay is my launch song, though. LOL
I'm having fun listening to your favorites!
Nothing had my soul stirring like the Last of the Mohicians soundtrack there for a while. POWERFUL!!! :O)
I always write to music - it helps me to get into the scene (although, if it's Pandora, I pop over every other track to find out what it is). Ingrid Michaelson, Rosi Golan, and Feist are always in the rotation. Music really helps if it's a romantic scene, which I struggle with. I need those violins!
I'll have to check out the songs you listed :-)
Renee - "We Don't Eat" - amazing song, right??
Diane, love that soundtrack! Hillary, I'm going to check out your favorites. And I agree with you and Renee, that's a great song!!
I don't know what this says about me, but if I'm writing, I need a quiet house. Right now, my bread maker is stirring and even that distracts me. :-)
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But don't feel pressured to participate. I was just happy to share your blog with others. :)
I love soundtracks when writing but I'm finding that each book I write has its own soundtrack. For fantasy (my last WIP), my favs were Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian, Kingdom of Heaven, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. (I could still listen to Pirates anytime. Love that one.) I'm finding that for my current sci-fi WIP, James Bond is working well: Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. I need music with energy.
That movie is so incredibly sad! Watched it on New Years one year - not a real "hurray for happy, new beginnings" kind of movie. :)
I mostly write to silence. On occasion I'll hear a song on the radio that reminds me of my book.
I agree, Stacy. Cold Mountain IS sad. I've seen the movie, and it's quite moving, but if I were to watch it again, I would spend a lot of time hitting the skip button ;) It's the music that's really stuck with me and I adore the soundtrack.
It's been interesting to learn that a lot of people write to silence. And it's been fun learning the different quirks that go along with that!
And thank you Cathy!! That is so sweet!
I listen to old hymns, as I write historical romance. Instrumentals most times. There's one song I can NEVER listen to though. You'll Be In My Heart, from the Disney Tarzan movie. If anything tips me over, that's it!!
Lovely to 'meet' you Joanne. Look forward to more! :)
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