Setting the (Writing) Mood with Music

The human brain responds to music in a way it does with no other sound, even language. Given music's tie to dance, which was originally intended to create an intense, pleasurable sense of intoxication and release, it's no wonder so much of our music centers on love and sex and that dancing often leads to sexytime. Here's how to harness the power of music for your next writing session.

Many people prefer to write in silence or with the TV on. Because I was a DJ once upon a time and can't imagine writing without music, I challenge you to spend a little time creating a playlist, whether it's through Spotify, YouTube, iTunes--whatever your preference is. This may seem time-consuming, but it can be a lot of fun and a great way to discover new music. Center it around a general theme or your current project. I write in several genres, so I have playlists for vampires, werewolves, fantasy, even the apocalypse! I also put one together specifically for Firebird, and now I can't hear those songs without picturing the scene to which they correspond. (You can check it out here.) For me, this is part of the discovery process. I've gotten tons of ideas from song lyrics; even the mood of a song can inspire me and lead to something I hadn't thought of previously. It can influence my characters as well. Alex's musical preferences largely arose because of the genres that dominate the Firebird playlist.

The trick is to avoid music you might sing along to, because before you know it, you'll be typing the lyrics. Video game soundtracks and dark ambient have become my go-to for this reason. This is where writing my first drafts in longhand also helps--I'm more conscious of what I'm writing and less likely to transcribe my favorite song into my book. :) But don't start writing right away. Just listen for a few minutes. Let the music speak to you and let your mind wander. How do you feel? What are you thinking about? Does the song remind you of one of your characters, and in what way?

Writing something sexy and don't know where to begin with your playlist? Try the Angels: Chill Trance Essentials series or the Sexual Chillout and Sensual Trance series for starters. Typing in "erotic chill out" brings up some nice results as well. YouTube playlists are especially fun because they lead you to a wealth of other songs and artists--and hopefully, to the sexiest scenes you've ever written!

--Jenn--

#Tuesday #Tips with @RachellNichole

Hey everyone,

Welcome back! I'm starting a new meme this week on the blog called Tuesday Tips where I'll talk about my 5 top tips for the week. Sometimes they will be writing related tips, sometimes reading tips, sometimes just general life tips, sometimes I'll mix it up and do different kinds of tips all in one week. So be sure to check back often for my words of wisdom! ;-p

So this week's tips are all Birthday related since I just had a birthday last week (Yay! Happy Birthday to me)

5. Plan ahead. If you expect to have a fabulous party, or an intimate gathering of friends, or a quiet night at home with your honey, you better make sure you book your plans in advance. In this crazy time we live in, people are busier than ever, and while you might be important (or not) to your friends and family, you can only occasionally expect people to drop everything to come celebrate you!

4. Be awesome. For some people, this goes without saying, for others, it's a little harder, but your birthday is all about you, so go forth and be awesome!

3.  Enjoy. If there ever was a day to be selfish, this is it. Unless, of course, you're a selfish asshole who is selfish the other 364 days a year, in which case, shut the hell up, get over yourself, and try something different for your birthday - be unselfish. For the rest of you ladies and gents out there, this is a day to indulge yourself with some pampering, some good self-talk, and a pat on the back. Go ahead, you deserve to think about you for at least one whole day.

2. Have a party. Big or small, lots of friends or just a few, it's time for a celebration. Birthdays are a time to remember that you matter to the world, a fact we all sometimes forget, so whatever it is you've decided to do to commemorate the event, the important thing to keep in mind is that you do something to honor the date you were brought into the world.

1. Let yourself eat cake! Diet or no diet, party or a quiet night at home, balloons or no balloons - it's your birthday and you deserve cake!