The Power of the Song

I can freely admit to having never experienced some of the events that occur in my novels, and for that I am thankful.  Most of the time—and I know this method doesn’t work for those who need quiet—I utilize music as the background inspiration to my writing.  I’ve mentioned this before, but much of my first novel, Windswept, was soundtracked to Miranda Lambert, as this was in the months following “Four the Record” being released.  I listened to the song “Safe” in particular a fair number of times, and that seemed to be the running theme of the book—the power and the safety of lasting love.  The first half of “Kentucky Summer” is Celine Dion; the latter half is Rascal Flatts.  Go figure.  And George Strait has stuck by my side through pretty much every book; it helps that he has about a thousand songs to choose from, and that “Pure Country” is a romance at its core.  Chris Young’s “Neon” is also good for writing inspiration—every song on that album is like a novel itself.  “She’s Got This Thing About Her”?  Fantastic.

In fairness, all music does not work for all projects.  You have to get in a certain place, and some songs just won’t take you there.  Adele is amazing, but usually works better for the conflict portion of the book.  By that same token, I haven’t listened to George Strait much at all for my current book which is set within the confines of a city.  I guess my conclusion is that inspiration comes in many forms, but sometimes the best place to push it along is a three-and-a-half-minute song.

Nature’s Inspiration

Aside from two of my books—one of which I am currently writing—my novels stick to rural settings.  Cattle ranches and farms are familiar settings, including all of the Windswept Saga and my upcoming novel.  This should surprise no one—aside from the eight years (give or take a few months) I lived in Lexington, my entire life has been rural, pastoral, a quiet setting where nature drives most aspects of your life.  My ancestors were farmers; I grew up surrounded on three sides by a cattle-grazing pasture.  I haven’t always been a great helper, but I am increasingly trying to help my dad in the garden; when I plant the vegetables myself, I know exactly where they came from.  I guess with that background information, it should be little surprise that I’ve written several books where mountains feature prominently, where characters break out the fishing poles or ride across an entire ranch on horseback.  I live in Kentucky, so little wonder that horses feature in nearly every book in some shape or form; this is also a big state for farming of every kind, but it cattle, poultry, pork, or vegetables.  Sometimes I think that I will break from the mold and write about urban settings—and maybe I will—but there’s an ease that comes from describing the green grass of home, and the mountains that so lovingly envelope their residents.  After all, who doesn’t want to be able to look up into the night air and see a sky full of stars?

Slow

So I'm writing again.  Much like my previous novel, I've been taking it slow, just writing passages here and there--however, I did get to the 10,000 word mark in a hurry.  One thing I'm trying to achieve in this book is a greatest sense of conflict and tension--if not between the two main characters, then in their past lives, families, and supporting/secondary characters.  Happy endings are de rigeur, but I can play a little with the intervening storylines.

Neglect

I feel bad because I have been neglecting this blog!  I’ve been so busying with writing, and my summer reading, that I forget to type out thoughts here.   Anyway, writing is going very well—getting to 40,000 words won’t take long at all at the rate I am typing.  Even though I was worried about this novel, I am slowly finding my voice, and the voices of the characters.  Inspiration truly comes from the strangest places sometimes.  And as always, there’s a certain amount in the fiction that reflects my own personality, desires, and interests.

Currently listening to “Cheaper than Free” by Stevie Nicks

Stumbling Through Writer's Block

I've been known to dramatize things, turning minor events into life-altering situations with a simple turn of phrase.  So it should no surprise that, halfway through writing my third novel, I find a slight lack of inspiration to be disconcerting.  I'm writing this as we speak, maneuvering back and forth.  I tend to do multiple things at once—a manic kind of multitasking that I know isn't good for my brain!  At any rate, I am still looking at writing through different angles, drawing inspiration from any and all sources.   Ideas can come from unexpected places; notions can arrive from unknown recesses of the brain.   I find myself not as able to blog right now, either, but I’m trying.  Call it a summer dry spell. 

Currently listening to “Blue Moon with Heartache” by Rosanne Cash

The Source

I have an interesting philosophical question for everyone out there.  In writing, it is better to draw on one's own experience, or rather is it preferable make it all up and let your imagination to drive the story?  Perhaps a combination of the two is better?  So much of my writing--about 99 percent--has been pulled from thin air.  I am having fun living vicariously through my characters, taking them to places and putting them into situations I can only dream about experiencing.  I suppose it all depends on the type of writing; in this blog I draw upon my experiences as I share my feelings with you.  If I were writing, say, a sci-fi novel, much of the science and technology I discuss would have to be fiction in order to make the story function properly.  Empathy is an important quality for an author to possess.  You must have empathy for other people and their situations in order to have empathy for your characters.  Through empathy you gain understanding, which is another important quality in writing. You must understand your characters and settings implicitly, since in many cases they will be your own.  Finally, inspiration is different for everyone.  We all draw on a variety of
experiences, sources, and feelings when we create our work.


Currently listening to:  "Help Me Remember" by Rascal Flatts