I thought it was high time I did a blog post on this topic, since music is currently playing a bigger role than ever in my writing. Coincidentally, my appreciation and ear for music has also increased since I began creating music videos and listening to a much wider variety of songs.
So, what role does music play in my writing?
Simply, I’ve always applied a “theme song” to my books. When I wrote One Light Shining (feels like ten lifetimes ago), its theme song was Oceans by Hillsong. When I wrote Promised Land, very early on I realized its theme song was Even If by MercyMe. Now, writing Fate of a Prince, I have . . . let’s see . . . two theme songs for the book . . . one for each MC . . . one or two already lined up for the sequel . . .
(If you’re curious, this line-up will give you a very clear peek into the book)
Now We Are Free
Returning to Sand
Warriors
Meet Me on the Battlefield (book two)
Hero (book two)
And yet, for all these songs, I don’t listen to music while I write. It’s distracting.
However, I do listen to music while I edit. Especially when the music sets the tone for a particular scene or chapter. But the role of music in my writing does not stop there.
MUSIC GIVES MY WORK MEANING
Purely psychological, of course, but I find that when certain songs fit my work early on in the writing process, the music validates the story. Or maybe the work going into the story . . .
In all seriousness, though, music, when paired with a character or with the theme of the book, gives a sense of three dimensions to the story. It backs up what I want to say with something that’s already been said. It gives depth and meaning to the words I put down on paper.
Admittedly, I have to say I’ve never experienced this like I have with my current WIP. Fate of a Prince would not, I don’t believe, have such a solid shape in my mind if not for the numerous songs that have helped to describe it.
MUSIC GIVES ME A DIRECTION
When I’m writing, especially in a new book, finding music that “fits” just right helps to give the project a direction – a sense of purpose.
The idea of sourcing inspiration from music seems similar to Pinterest boards and aesthetic collages. We all have something we go to when we need to visualize our story off the page. Music is one such avenue, at least for me.
There are so many sources of inspiration for our writing. What are some of yours? Music? Images? Let’s chat!
Hannah Gaudette - Author 