One thing that keeps me energized as an author is playing music as I write. My daughter used to always say she could tell which writing project I was currently working on based on what music came out of my home office. Her favorite was when I worked on a suspense/thriller with a particularly no-nonsense reporter as the protagonist, because I played Sheryl Crow all day. I’m not sure why, but the music perfectly fit that particular character.
Right now, I’m on deadline for the next book in my Bodies of Art Mysteries series, and beyond watching YouTube videos of Barcelona and Switzerland (that’s all the clues I’m giving, no spoilers) I added new music to my “escape in Europe” repetoire. Have been writing to the soundtracks of the Oceans movies, thanks to a tip from terrific author Ellie Ashe. But a couple of weeks ago I saw the new The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (and yes, I’ve 
always had Henry Cavill in mind for Jack Hawkes–even before Guy Ritchie cast him in the role of Napoleon Solo and proved Cavill had the acting chops I’d long suspected he had and “owned” the role). Loved the movie, will likely see it again (and again). Especially loved the chemistry between the three spys. And something I didn’t even consider when I bought my ticket (but should have, since this is a Guy Ritchie film, after all) was that I LOVE the movie’s soundtrack.
The best part is that this soundtrack is the perfect music to play on my computer or Amazon Echo (yes, love that little marvel, too) while I’m writing scenes for a Bodies of Art mystery. Don’t have a final title worked out yet for the little jewel of a sequel for Laurel & Jack, but thanks to this original music created for the fabulous film, words flows from my brain to the keyboard as smoothly as this smooth soundtrack shuffles from one excellent song to the next.
Now, you’ll have to excuse me. One of the bad guys from the first book, Counterfeit Conspiracies, has surfaced again in a book #3 scene (no, I won’t give the name), and thinks he’s trapped our heroine. I can’t wait to see how Laurel gets out of a very sticky situation–or whether the baddie is limping (or worse) by the end.
Do you have any favorite music you like to motivate you while working? Feel free to share in the comments 🙂
No, I’m not a listen to music kinda gal when I work — usually I like quiet. However, with this new office in this house (I share space in our loft with the TV and a comfy hubs couch), there is usually a TV show going on behind my back. Ah well. But I am so happy the Man from U.N.C.L.E soundtrack is helping! Hey, you support the film, the music helps support you. Seems symbiotic to me! And yeah, I figure you have a movie DVD in your future… :>)
Yeah, I figure with as quickly as they release DVDs now I’ll be able to have the movie in a week or so. LOL! Love the sound of your loft 🙂
I can’t work to music or to much noise. I guess it was a good thing I always wanted to be a librarian. I am excited about. I am excited about the third book in the Bodies of Art Mysteries nut I am also curious about the suspense novel with the reporter. Can you tell us about it?
Jeanie, thanks so much! Yes, I’m hoping to have this draft finished by the end of this month so I have all of next month for edits/revisions. Having a blast writing it, and can’t wait to finish so I can start #4 🙂
I have one of those old (97) CDs of disco music I put on…well I USED to put on to clean house. Now, when I want to relax, and we got the whole nine yards of our DirecTV back with like 50 SonicTap stations, I’m back to the Zen station….and the rockin’Gospel station.
We used to have DirecTV, and I used those music stations all the time too. My husband was always coming in and saying, “What ARE you listening to?” I liked to sample a bit of everything. LOL!
Yeah, I’m the no sounds when i work type of person..glad to see I’m not the only one so now I don’t feel so weird…
You could never be weird, Maria. You’re an original 🙂
So true!
Ah, Ritter, you always know the right words…
I wonder what would happen if Ritter had an opera soundtrack? When I’m cruising, I like to listen to Little Feat, Fleetwood Mac, Ry Cooder, Steely Dan, or Queen. When I’m more pensive I like John Prine, Dan Fogelberg, or jazz like Chick Corea, Chuck Mangione, Stanley Clarke, or even Bela Fleck. Sometimes, I go more modern.
Let me know as soon as it’s out on DVDS so I can get it too, Ritter! To relax the only one I listen to is Josh Groben. Have loved him since I first saw him on Ally McBeal! He’s old enough now that I would love to see him on stage doing Phantom of The Opera! I think I’ll adopt him. I promised I wouldn’t ask about Laurel and Jack but it sure is hard! Hope it comes out in early, early summer or maybe late spring!
I agree about Josh Groben, Helga. I have a couple of his CDs and another of all Christmas songs. 🙂