I've joined my very first blog chain, courtesy of Absolute Write.
For those of you who are as confused as I was, a blog chain is simply where several bloggers write posts about the same topic, and share links to those other posts. I thought it sounded pretty cool, so jumped in on this one.
The topic, musical writing, is rather close to my heart due to one particular, fussy, addicting and engaging character living in my brain at the moment.
With most of my writing, I like listening to theme music. I tried listening to my favorites, and would find myself singing along, or distracted, listening more to the music, picking up my guitar, rather than writing.
Anyway, on to the music.
When writing fantasy, I adore Hanz Zimmer's soundtracks - particularly the Pirates ones. Epic, adventurous, and no words to sing along to.
With horror, mood music, or metal works for me - your mileage may vary.
On to Thomas. He's spec fiction, unlike anything I've ever written. And unlike the rest of my imaginings and characters, he needs the world to be in the right mood. Low light, the smell of whiskey, and he will listen only to Tom Waits, Jeff Buckley, and the like. For some bizarre reason, I can't seem to get into his head space with anything else. (He also likes Screamin' Jay.)
What do you listen to while writing?
The rest of the blog chain is below:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178223
I like reading about other people's thoughts on the matter, so this was an interesting experiment.
Interesting! I find myself singing along my favorite songs too but only when I doing brainless stuff (like arranging formatting and the likes). When I'm deep into writing, I hardly even notice what playing. ;)
ReplyDeleteAheïla
Pirates is a kickass soundtrack, agreed! I usually listen to harder stuff to get started, but yeah, I'm with Aheila, once I really get into the writing, I tune out what's playing anyway!
ReplyDeleteIt has been really interesting to see how different people use music. I always tune out most everything...so lyrics don't bother me. I can see where they could get distracting, however. Great post!
ReplyDelete<< Low light, the smell of whiskey, and he will listen only to Tom Waits, Jeff Buckley, and the like. >>
ReplyDeleteMmmmmm. My kind of fella. :D
Great post!
Yeah, I've often found a "soundtrack" for my work rather helpful.
ReplyDeleteIf you like Tom Waits you might like what's soundtracking, 'Felt's Theorem'. Jay Munly and the Lee Lewis Harlots. If you can find the track 'Big Black Bull Comes Like Ceaser' it may well blow you away (it did me).
ReplyDeleteI've always had a soft spot for Tom Waits.
ReplyDeleteI love instrumental work as a writing soundtrack, myself. Sometimes, I end up writing lyrics to the music that I have, which end up somehow - don't ask how - segueing into what I need to write.
ReplyDeleteHans Zimmer rocks! Pirates is a great soundtrack. So is Gladiator.
ReplyDeleteGlad you joined in on your first chain! :)
ReplyDeleteAny character - or person - with Jeff Buckley on their personal playlist is one I can definitely get along with.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the blog chain. You should put links to all the other blogs participating in this blog chain.
ReplyDeleteYou can find the list here:
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4890180&postcount=1
Hans Zimmer! the Loin King soundtrack was genius! <3!
ReplyDeleteHans Zimmer is a great choice! Hope you'll do more monthly chains.
ReplyDeleteYour Thomas and my Ethan would get along fine. A fondness for whiskey matches Ethan's love for gin, and when I need to get into Ethan's head Tom Waits is my first choice.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Hanz Zimmer is so awesome! Great choice!
ReplyDeleteThat's nice that you can relate to your characters and you associate the music with each. It's interesting how music makes one feel, and how it triggers mental associations with certain things and experiences. Happy to hear you enjoy such experience and it helps you get into that part of the character.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your first blog chain! :)
Haha, I can't have my favorites on either, or I will sing. I love to sing even if I don't exactly have the best voice. :)
ReplyDelete'Felt's Theorem'. Jay Munly and the Lee Lewis Harlots. If you can find the track 'Big Black Bull Comes Like Ceaser' it may well blow you away (it did me).
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep my eyes out for it! Busy reading and commenting on other posts - yeah, this is fun!
@April - I sound ok in the shower, underwater, where no one can hear me ;).
Razib - the full links list is posted right at the bottom of the blog.
Scott - maybe they should meet up at a bar sometime (perhaps an email short story?)
I found it fascinating that you listen to the music your character likes! I've never thought of trying that before...
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