On the way home from taking the kids to school this morning, we listened to 'All American Girl' by Train. I love this song. Last night, I caught 'American Idol'. This is the first season I've actually watched. And, probably only because I had a massive crush on Steven Tyler when I was 15. Kinda weird now that I realize just how old he is. Not to mention, he's pretty darn goofy; which might add to the allure. Not sure.Back on the reservation - two different reactions emerge. The first has a snazzy beat & makes me move & smile. The second, when someone gets out there & belts out amazing, makes me cry. Hankie in hand, I watch as people ascend the stage. I hope they wow it out of the room. When they don't, I cover my face & ears until it's done.
There are a few reasons for all this admiration, I think. First, I'm completely tone deaf. When I was a kid, in drum corp, I tried playing the trumpet. The music director felt it was safer for me to carry a rifle. In middle school, I tried out for the musical; um, yep, I rode an audience chair. As an adult, I sing in the car, stereo on full tilt, so no one else can hear me.
I love music. I love the poetry of great lyrics. There is something so magical when I hear The Who's 'Behind Blue Eyes'. It brings tears. When I hear 'Purple Rain', I am transported back to high school. When I hear 'I Knew I Loved You', my wedding day floods my vision. Music is such a part of our every day lives that I don't know how I would function without it. It is directly linked to emotions, memories & sometimes things I would like to pretend never happened.
When I write romance, I love to listen to 70s love songs. When I'm ticking out the opening bits, I enjoy classical - Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Bach. When my female MC is in that angry space, Ani DeFranco belts across the speakers. As the tension rises, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard, or vintage Aerosmith (Janie's Got a Gun). Music is so closely associated with our experiences that we can tap into its power & move the story along its path.
When writing, do you have a variety, a soundtrack, or a general feel preference? What music inspires you most?
Happy Writing,
Patti
