We've previously discussed whether or not we listen to music while we write, and I am one of those writers that needs complete silence (or rain) to concentrate, so I very rarely have any music or outside distractions going on.
Lately, while I've been in the car driving with the radio on, or walking by a store where they have songs playing, I've been getting these strange... visions.
Yes... visions.
Before you stop reading, allow me to explain ;)
They're random songs that have nothing to do with my book, yet I'm seeing my characters in a multitude of scenes in correlation with the songs.
Some examples?
"Mine" by Taylor Swift
"The Hardest Thing" by 98 Degrees (remember them?)
"Just a Dream" by Nelly
And the scenes have nothing to do with the songs, yet it's actual stuff that COULD happen in my book. Quite a bit of it has gone into my pages already.
It's not with every song I hear... it's quite literally at random. It's like a little switch clicks on in my brain.
Is that weird? Does this ever happen to you?
Hope everyone has a terrific weekend filled with lots of writing... and other fun things!
20 comments:
I like music. Unfortunately I don't have a player at the moment except the computer and it runs too slow already without adding memory issues. Recently during an edit session where the heroine is kidnapped and her man is trying to rescue her, I heard John Denver's 'Annie.' I could have cried.
Nancy
PS...contest and giveaways on my blog.
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
Sure! The lyrics don't have to match, just the feel and tempo of the music.
I agree with Alex. There's this song by One Republic, Secrets, that I relate to my book, but the words are completely off. It's the beat, the feel of anticipation and then the crescendo that I connect to my current WIP. I put it on repeat mode on my MP3 and just set the ear phones off to the side so I hear it in the background while I write. I think it helps me capture the mood/tone I'm striving for. Weird?
It’s happened to me to not just with music but all sorts of triggers - the noise of the intercom at the store, or the laughter at another table.
Umm... I can't say that's ever happened to me! I think it's cool though. Have a great weekend! :)
I can't work with music on. However, when I am in the car there are certain songs which make me feel very inspirational and want to write! But then once I am home, the feeling has passed - it is as though it is only there when I am in motion in the car.
Neat! Love it! Not weird, very cool.
This does happen to me! Though normally the song fits the scene. I usually have several songs for several moments in every chapter and then pick my favorite/most important song as the chapter song and play it over and over while I watch.
I can relate to that. What usually happens when I listen to music is that I imagine the music video in my head, and scenes from my stories are played out with the music (as if the band did a soundtrack for the movie adaptation with clips from the movie added in). It certainly helps, especially when it comes to action and conflict :)
Yes! It's how I get a lot of scenes and then I have to figure out how they're significant and where they fit into the story. So cool that this happens to you, too!
Heck yeah that's happened to me! Aside from writing, I'm a huge music lover and try incorporate playlists to scenes of my current WIP. As I drive or cook supper or just layze around the house, the radio or iPod is on. Out of the blue, I'll hear a song and think "That's it! I can see my characters doing *this* so much more clearer!"
Funny how the mind works.
I've had that happen. I love it.
I find music can both intrude or help with my writing. usually it depends on MY mood. What I find stimulates my mind the most is going to work where I'm supposed to concentrate on something other than my plots and characters. Rebellious?
I always find it amazing how inspiration can strike at any time in any place for any reason. We never know when we're going to hit the jackpot.
Music can be more inspirational than anything else. It sounds like you've been inundated with ideas. Run with it!
Jai
I have to have complete silence (or rain) to concentrate when I write. But sometimes when I listen to a movie score or a song on the radio, I envision my characters in a scene I've written.
BTW, thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a follower:).
Interesting to stumble on your blog. I think songs can definitely evoke a mood for writing. Like so many other people who have blogs I'm trying to write a book and hope I can be spurred on by the November novel initiative.
Almost any music playing quietly, but no vocals. I fix on the lyric too easily.
Wow, that's interesting!
I also have to have quiet in order to write, but I can listen to songs before writing and that will sometimes help me get a feel for the scene I'm about to write.
Hi. Never had that happen to me. Not a fan of noise when I write. But it sounds like you're having fun with your new experience. Very cool.
Not lately, but then, I haven't been listening to music. Thanks for reminding me that I should!
I have to have silence to write as well, otherwise I sing along in my head and can't write. As for the random songs, I think that just means you are really connected with your characters... I have like a whole soundtrack for my book. I hear lots of songs that I think would be great for certain parts of the story.
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