People have asked me about the importance of music as it applies to my writing. I would have to say that it's the thing that drives my writing, without it I doubt there would be much of a story.
There was never a time that I remember that didn't involve music. My Grandma Lil was a piano teacher and I remember playing her baby grand piano and hiding underneath it. My mom played show tune records on her record player or she had the radio on. I grew up playing the piano and violin and singing all of the time. Music is like breathing- I need it!
Needless to say, I have a very extensive playlist on my ipod for the novel. Although I love RED, they are not the only band that plays in my ear. Also I have many Celtic instrumental songs as well as contemporary piano songs that have helped inspire me and given me "flashes" of scenes. I have Andrew Belle, Josh Groban, the Fray, and Lifehouse for the quieter moments. And Chris Tomlin and David Crowder Band for the spiritual side. But for the most part I have bands like Thousand Foot Krutch, Fireflight, , Pillar, Switchfoot, Flyleaf, Disciple, and of course RED.
These bands have (for the most part) a positive message but most of their songs help me to envision the warrior spirit that permeates this story. Songs like "Bullet Soul" -Switchfoot "Not Without A Fight" -Pillar "Beautiful Bride" - Flyleaf 'Bounce" -TFK and "Breathe Into Me" - RED are straight out loud rockin songs that help me to see sword play, fighting , etc. It would be hard to get the feeling of that if I had Josh Groban playing in my ear! (Sorry Josh)
Although I am a Believer and most of my play list is positive, I found it impossible to write about the bad guys with most Christian based music. (Thousand Foot Krutch being one exception.) I found that bands like We Are the Fallen, Papa Roach, Blue October, and 30 Seconds to Mars had songs that helped me to picture the not so positive stuff. 30 Seconds has a song called "Hunter" that usually freaks me out. The lyrics sum up one of the lead villains but it's a trippy song. They also have "vox Populi" and Kings and Queens" which have helped me visualize war scenes. We Are the Fallen's "I Am Only One" put emotion into a scene where Afton is at her lowest.
Bottom line is- music speaks to me. I hope that's one thing that I pass on to my kids. I hope they remember singing and being surrounded by music.
Today I challenge you to find a few songs that have a good memories for you and play them! (I have a couple of 80's songs in mind) Next time I will talk about the raven that came into my life and how that changed my story. Until then...enjoy the music!
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