Pen's Blog - Posts Tagged "background"
Pat Benatar Great Background Music for Writing
Pat Benatar was one of the biggest rock’n’roll icons of my youth. You couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing a Pat Benatar tune rocking out the speakers. Couldn’t resist turning up the volume, either.
Her music has staying power, especially with those of us who grew up listening to it. The lyrics and the music are appropriate for any time period, any age group.
I suppose that is why the music of Pat Benatar served well as background music for writing the “Sword of Tilk” Trilogy.
I can’t speak for any writer other than myself. For me the writing process engages every one of my senses. When I am working on a novel I must have the proper lighting for my eyes. Within reach must be the proper drink: ice water, coffee, tea, or Jolly Rancher Singles-to-go, green apple if you please (believe it or not, this writer does not require alcohol, mostly because of the diabetic thing).
Of course, my fingers must be on the proper keys on the keyboard. Or, if I am editing the hard copy, the paper, a notebook, two red pens, a highlighter and a black pen pervade my sense of touch.
As for smell, the windows are open (if it’s warm) to allow in fresh air. If it’s cold outside, I usually burn some incense (Indian Gold incense, Gold scent).
For my sense of hearing there is usually music in the background. Most of the time it is a mix: I even throw in some classical music because it tends to be less distracting.
But for the “Sword of Tilk” Trilogy, it was all Pat Benatar.
When writing a novel, I visualize each scene as an actual scene from a movie, complete with background music. With some novels, certain pieces of music run through my head again and again.
So it was with “Tilk.” Almost every major scene was punctuated by Pat Benatar music.
For Book One: Worlds Apart it was “Invincible.” Probably because it was a song of rebellion. It was used as a theme song from the 1985 movie “The Legend of Billie Jean” a movie I never got the opportunity to see. From what I understand the movie was also about the rebellion of a teenage girl making the song an appropriate accompaniment.
It is a very strong song and one I feel is appropriate for any situation in which a protagonist finds herself or himself facing a challenge, standing against the odds. Heck, it’s appropriate for the world today at large as far as I am concerned.
Each time my character, Barbara, had to face a challenge that song wound through my head as I wrote the rough draft, as I edited and proofread. Even now, if I go back and read the prologue I hear “Invincible” winding through my head as I visualize Barbara riding Galindore along the empty road with the thunderstorm gathering behind her.
For Book Two: Strange Land “All Fired Up” and “Le Bel Age” carried me through the writing. For some reason I don’t understand “Le Bel Age” which means “the good age” makes me think of medieval times when men fought with swords and wore armor. (Yeah, I told you I didn’t understand it). “All Fired Up” is just one of those songs that make me feel hopeful even when things are going terribly wrong: “Now I believe there comes a time/when everything just falls in line/we live and learn from our mistakes/the deepest cuts are healed by faith” just makes me want to cry with the absolute joy of believing those words.
The last installment of the trilogy intrigues me the most. For reasons which, again, I do not understand, “Little Too Late” kept popping into my head for the writing of the third book. It is a song about a guy who cheats on his girl which has absolutely nothing to do with Book Three: At Sword’s End. But maybe because the beat of the song has such a celebratory attitude despite its obvious meaning it was appropriate for winding up the trilogy.
In my mind’s eye where each of these books lives, I can visualize all the characters at the end of each book/movie. As the credits roll, I can see Pat Benatar and her band performing each song appropriate for the book even though none of them know where they are. I can see the characters dancing to the tune – heroes and villains alike.
That, of course, is what is in my head. Scary though it might be.
Music is a very powerful force. It is motivating and inspirational. Music can make or break a movie.
Or a trilogy.
Her music has staying power, especially with those of us who grew up listening to it. The lyrics and the music are appropriate for any time period, any age group.
I suppose that is why the music of Pat Benatar served well as background music for writing the “Sword of Tilk” Trilogy.
I can’t speak for any writer other than myself. For me the writing process engages every one of my senses. When I am working on a novel I must have the proper lighting for my eyes. Within reach must be the proper drink: ice water, coffee, tea, or Jolly Rancher Singles-to-go, green apple if you please (believe it or not, this writer does not require alcohol, mostly because of the diabetic thing).
Of course, my fingers must be on the proper keys on the keyboard. Or, if I am editing the hard copy, the paper, a notebook, two red pens, a highlighter and a black pen pervade my sense of touch.
As for smell, the windows are open (if it’s warm) to allow in fresh air. If it’s cold outside, I usually burn some incense (Indian Gold incense, Gold scent).
For my sense of hearing there is usually music in the background. Most of the time it is a mix: I even throw in some classical music because it tends to be less distracting.
But for the “Sword of Tilk” Trilogy, it was all Pat Benatar.
When writing a novel, I visualize each scene as an actual scene from a movie, complete with background music. With some novels, certain pieces of music run through my head again and again.
So it was with “Tilk.” Almost every major scene was punctuated by Pat Benatar music.
For Book One: Worlds Apart it was “Invincible.” Probably because it was a song of rebellion. It was used as a theme song from the 1985 movie “The Legend of Billie Jean” a movie I never got the opportunity to see. From what I understand the movie was also about the rebellion of a teenage girl making the song an appropriate accompaniment.
It is a very strong song and one I feel is appropriate for any situation in which a protagonist finds herself or himself facing a challenge, standing against the odds. Heck, it’s appropriate for the world today at large as far as I am concerned.
Each time my character, Barbara, had to face a challenge that song wound through my head as I wrote the rough draft, as I edited and proofread. Even now, if I go back and read the prologue I hear “Invincible” winding through my head as I visualize Barbara riding Galindore along the empty road with the thunderstorm gathering behind her.
For Book Two: Strange Land “All Fired Up” and “Le Bel Age” carried me through the writing. For some reason I don’t understand “Le Bel Age” which means “the good age” makes me think of medieval times when men fought with swords and wore armor. (Yeah, I told you I didn’t understand it). “All Fired Up” is just one of those songs that make me feel hopeful even when things are going terribly wrong: “Now I believe there comes a time/when everything just falls in line/we live and learn from our mistakes/the deepest cuts are healed by faith” just makes me want to cry with the absolute joy of believing those words.
The last installment of the trilogy intrigues me the most. For reasons which, again, I do not understand, “Little Too Late” kept popping into my head for the writing of the third book. It is a song about a guy who cheats on his girl which has absolutely nothing to do with Book Three: At Sword’s End. But maybe because the beat of the song has such a celebratory attitude despite its obvious meaning it was appropriate for winding up the trilogy.
In my mind’s eye where each of these books lives, I can visualize all the characters at the end of each book/movie. As the credits roll, I can see Pat Benatar and her band performing each song appropriate for the book even though none of them know where they are. I can see the characters dancing to the tune – heroes and villains alike.
That, of course, is what is in my head. Scary though it might be.
Music is a very powerful force. It is motivating and inspirational. Music can make or break a movie.
Or a trilogy.
The Soundtrack of Writing
Like any good movie, a good book requires the proper background music. Writing with a soundtrack can help boost creativity and productivity.
What type of book are you writing?
•Murder mystery
•Science Fiction
•Western
•Romance
Each of these categories has appropriate background music. Think of the last Science Fiction or Romance movie you watched. What type of music was in the background? Was it dramatic? Was it light-hearted? Did it enhance your movie-going experience? Whether you paid attention to the music or not, some of it probably stayed with you.
For that reason, using background music while writing will make a book stay with a reader.
Choose the Music for Your Writing
It stands to reason that Country Music may be best suited for writing a Western novel. But don't rule out listening to Garth Brooks or Trisha Yearwood for Romance. Likewise, consider Classical for Science Fiction or a Murder Mystery.
Some of the music of Phillip Glass is well-suited for stories of vampires, ghosts or the darker side of human nature. Many of his instrumentals are short and concise but have a deep sense of foreboding.
The Book Chooses the Music
There are times when music fits perfectly with whatever you’re working on.
For instance, for a recently completed Trilogy, all I heard was Pat Benatar.
•Invincible accompanied my protagonist as she rode her black steed, Galindore, to rescue her daughter
•Le Bel Age was background for every sword fight
•All Fired Up was instrumental in helping my protagonist face her worst fears
The strength and the wherewithal in the Benatar tunes helped to draw out the strength in my characters. My protagonist in the Trilogy lacked self-confidence in the first installment. By the final book, she was very comfortable with herself being the Queen of a Realm.
Song Lyric Interference
Afraid song lyrics may interfere with your writing? Give Classical compositions a try. Many movies utilize Classical music to set the tone. Those Classical pieces serve just as well when writing. A number of Classical pieces are available for free download at www.amazon.com. The music of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, et al, are timeless pieces and capable of evoking a myriad of emotions and visualizations.
It’s About the Reader, Too
Using music to set the tone for writing doesn’t just benefit the writer. It also serves to enhance the reading experience.
Like music enhances a movie, the music you hear in your head while writing will enhance every aspect of your writing. It will attune you to dialogue, character development, emotions and descriptions. The stronger and more realistic the visualization, the better you will write it.
The reader will not be able to hear what you hear. She or he may have an altogether different soundtrack in mind while reading. Or no soundtrack at all.
Regardless of what the reader hears or doesn’t hear, use your favorite tunes to create. The important thing is that you use the music to reach your best writing potential.
Any tool a writer can use to enhance her or his writing is invaluable. Create a Playlist that will enhance your writing experience. It is sure to flow over into the reading experience as well.
What type of book are you writing?
•Murder mystery
•Science Fiction
•Western
•Romance
Each of these categories has appropriate background music. Think of the last Science Fiction or Romance movie you watched. What type of music was in the background? Was it dramatic? Was it light-hearted? Did it enhance your movie-going experience? Whether you paid attention to the music or not, some of it probably stayed with you.
For that reason, using background music while writing will make a book stay with a reader.
Choose the Music for Your Writing
It stands to reason that Country Music may be best suited for writing a Western novel. But don't rule out listening to Garth Brooks or Trisha Yearwood for Romance. Likewise, consider Classical for Science Fiction or a Murder Mystery.
Some of the music of Phillip Glass is well-suited for stories of vampires, ghosts or the darker side of human nature. Many of his instrumentals are short and concise but have a deep sense of foreboding.
The Book Chooses the Music
There are times when music fits perfectly with whatever you’re working on.
For instance, for a recently completed Trilogy, all I heard was Pat Benatar.
•Invincible accompanied my protagonist as she rode her black steed, Galindore, to rescue her daughter
•Le Bel Age was background for every sword fight
•All Fired Up was instrumental in helping my protagonist face her worst fears
The strength and the wherewithal in the Benatar tunes helped to draw out the strength in my characters. My protagonist in the Trilogy lacked self-confidence in the first installment. By the final book, she was very comfortable with herself being the Queen of a Realm.
Song Lyric Interference
Afraid song lyrics may interfere with your writing? Give Classical compositions a try. Many movies utilize Classical music to set the tone. Those Classical pieces serve just as well when writing. A number of Classical pieces are available for free download at www.amazon.com. The music of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, et al, are timeless pieces and capable of evoking a myriad of emotions and visualizations.
It’s About the Reader, Too
Using music to set the tone for writing doesn’t just benefit the writer. It also serves to enhance the reading experience.
Like music enhances a movie, the music you hear in your head while writing will enhance every aspect of your writing. It will attune you to dialogue, character development, emotions and descriptions. The stronger and more realistic the visualization, the better you will write it.
The reader will not be able to hear what you hear. She or he may have an altogether different soundtrack in mind while reading. Or no soundtrack at all.
Regardless of what the reader hears or doesn’t hear, use your favorite tunes to create. The important thing is that you use the music to reach your best writing potential.
Any tool a writer can use to enhance her or his writing is invaluable. Create a Playlist that will enhance your writing experience. It is sure to flow over into the reading experience as well.
