Usually when I write I try to listen to things without words, or at least without words I understand like Celtic music or Enya. Since this series of books is about a rock band, I’ve found myself listening to rock. I ended up making a playlist for writing, creatively titled Rogues. (I’m a wordsmith, what can I say?)
The first song on the playlist is Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ I Hate Myself for Loving You, which is very much a theme in Book 2. I also have The High Kings Irish Pub Song which is also a big theme in this book. I’ve found that many times when I’m listening to songs, it sparks a story idea.
I’d like to say it’s because I’m so in tune with music, but I’m tone deaf and have not one iota of timing or rhythm. I’m incredibly jealous of people with musical ability. I can read music and play the penny whistle or flute as long as I have music in front of me, but without it, I’m lost. One of my husband’s friends from college can pick up any instrument and play something if not beautiful, at least easily recognizable. That is like a superpower to me.
I’ve always felt there’s a diva living inside of me, waiting to belt out a tune and break out in dance. Unfortunately, she’s very deeply buried under layers and layers of inability. I actually saw on Ancestry DNA traits that people with my DNA were less likely to be able to carry a tune. I’m not lying. I took a picture of it and sent it to my sisters, who have the same musical ability as I do, and we all had a good laugh over it.
I know if everyone had all the same abilities and talents, the world would be a boring place, but that doesn’t do much for my inner diva. I guess I’ll just have to live vicariously through my characters.
Have a great weekend!