The Sound of Music!

 

Another poll inspired topic for today. Music and writing. Writer's everywhere probably have plenty of different answers to today's question. I am gladly sharing and would love to hear from some of you.

 

Today's Topic:

Does listening to music help your creative flow? Why or why not? If you listen to music while you write share some of your favorite songs and artists with us.

 

My answer: I do listen to music while I write. I find that it helps to shut out the real world and make me focus on the world in my head. It can also help to evoke the right mood for a scene. Since I grew in a very rich musical atmosphere my taste is highly varied. Here are a few favorite artists and songs that I find exceptional for writing concentration.

 

             Lindsey Stirling. The violin is my favorite classical instrument and this highly talented artist puts a whole new spin on it.  She does movie and video game sound tracks as well as pieces of her own composition. She also pairs up with various bands, creating very unique musical art. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Shadows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGCsyshUU-A

2. Elements. The first Lindsey Stirling I ever heard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf6LD2B_kDQ

3. Beyond the Veil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg7L0OQiN78

4. Shatter Me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49tpIMDy9BE

    Here's a unique group that I found just recently. They take Jewish music to a whole new level. I like their style. Here's my two favorites.
1. Celebrate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-teBb6dZQ_I
2. Ya'alili. Very catchy and notice you have to smile to say it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fXIMUyrw7s

  Another recent addition, The High Kings. I love Irish music. There's just a certain warm, cheery vibe it has that I can't get enough of. I like this group a lot and I warn you, they can be addictive. Here are some favorites.
1. The Fields of Glory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm3E85wqGjE
2. The Little Beggarman. MAJOR ADDICTION WARNING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OPy7-Uqmv8
3. Red is the Rose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmHpgwgYv2k

Now some singles:

1. The Firebird Suite. A magnificent piece that always takes my breath away: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0a5-7Ykr3w

2.
     The Plagues. Why? I don't know, it just hits me in the right way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv70p-dXvPg

3.
      Greater. A song with deep personal meaning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0ItnPk3t2Y

4. Levan Polkka. I like songs in other languages this one was mention by a fellow writer and the minute I heard it I loved the sound. It takes a lot of skill to sing this way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4om1rQKPijI

Those were some of my favorites, now let's hear from you. Comment below and God bless.

 

Keeping it Going

                                

                                            

                        Today's topic is inspired by the poll. Often times it's difficult to keep a writing project going. Let's discuss, ways of combating this issue.

Today's Topic:
When beginning a project, it feels like you're going at light speed. But after awhile, things can slow down and you can lose interest. Has this ever happened to you? If so, how did you deal with it? Or, if you gave up on a project feel free to tell us why.

My answer: Personally, I am a very vigorous writer. However, I am not immune to this issue which I sometimes refer to as, writer's fatigue. Actually, I hear about it a lot. The start is strong and the ending is clear, but sometimes you just can't keep the story going. Sound familiar. It does to me. I started a romance once. It had a lot of good elements to it. A great setting, solid characters, a feel good kind of aura, but I never finished it. It was important that I identified why I didn't finish so that I could deal with the problem better if it ever came up again. After some thought, I realized that the genre simply didn't appeal to me enough. I am not a romance writer. With no enthusiasm there was no commitment. 
    Of course there are plenty of other reasons this happens. You can have all the enthusiasm you want and the task can still become stale. But that doesn't mean you have to quit on it. So, here's an idea that helps me out when I feel a slow down coming.
 
Now What? This is the BIG question that I constantly ask myself as I go through a story. It initiates a sort of scenario debate. The constant analyzing of possible events that could occur keeps my mind open to exciting new routes that I wouldn't have thought about when I first started. One route could change a lot of the overall game plan and we all know how exciting change can be. Furthermore, one route could cascade into another route. Then whole scenes filled with fascinating conflicts could present themselves. Then I want to get to those new scenes. Hoorah! It's alive! It's alive!

That's my answer, now let's hear from you. Comment below and keep an eye on the polls. Your vote could bring up the next topic.