Do You Hear What I Hear? – Music & Writing

music for writers music-581732_960_720I believe the majority of writers are creatures of habit. Many of us have a writing routine. Maybe we sit in the same corner in our favorite Starbucks, or sit staring at the person who is already there until they get uncomfortable and leave. Not that I have ever done that. Or, perhaps there is a particular ratty old sweater or broken-in pair of slippers you have to wear before the word count can begin.

For most writers, one of the key elements is sound — or the lack thereof. A large percentage of writers insists on total silence in order to create. If you are one of those writers and have a significant other, or kids, or pets, I imagine that is a huge challenge. I have an image in my head of a writer, steaming cup of hot something beside them, settling into the silence to write. Her fingers hover over the keys, a sentence of unparalleled brilliance comes into her head… and the lovely quiet is shattered by a ringing doorbell. Or a truck’s air brakes outside. Or a million other distractions. Continue reading “Do You Hear What I Hear? – Music & Writing”

Anthems for Authors – Every Day I Write the Book

Being an author can make for a lonely life. Other than each other, many times we have no one to encourage or praise us – or even validate our existence. So when I hear a song that makes me feel good about being a writer, I turn it all the way up and revel in the fact that someone wrote a song “for us.” Now I know many times the song writer was being metaphoric with the use of “writing,” but I choose to replace their reality with mine. That’s just how I roll.

While this video is outdated and corny, the words still ring true. My favorite lines are “Even in a perfect world where everyone was equal, I’d still own the film rights and be working on the sequel.” And now, Every Day I Write the Book by Elvis Costello.

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