Nanowrimo Gal Won’t You Come Out Tonight?
Nanowrimo Gal Won’t You Come Out Tonight?
It’s the official start of National Novel Writing Month – that time of year when I normally heave a big sigh of longing and regret that I cannot participate – but not THIS year. Oh no, I am taking action this year. And it’s about time, says my writing muse.
Beware the Jabberwock, my friend…
…and the Should, the Need and all those other nasty guilt-tripping things that lurk in every corner of a writer’s conscience. My head was full of random thoughts all week, up until this morning – all the self-inflicted garbage I tend to pile on myself. It is procrastination, pure and simple, or maybe a little fear that I might actually produce something worthwhile and have to deal with that. Yes, fear of success can be as debilitating as fear of failure. No wonder my neck muscles are all tight and I want to curl up and hibernate it all away. But not now! Nanowrimo ahoy!
I got the music in me…
Listening to the radio on my way to and from the gym, I was reminded of how much music inspired me on the first book I wrote. It suggested, enhanced, or even inspired specific situations or attitudes for the characters. Visceral pangs (aka gut-wrenching) of longing or loss, of all-encompassing desire/need; exhilaration that made my chest feel about to burst; affection that permeated every cell of my body – all those things and more were a gift from the songs or instrumentals I’ve heard at serendipitous moments. Thank you, all ye bards and minstrels, for each of those moments.
Crank it up…
I also realized I had not listened to that part of my muse nearly as much with the last two books and that the emotional quality of the writing suffered for it.
Still working on Book Three, after having to take a prolonged hiatus, I have time to correct that shocking oversight. There is time to flesh out those intimate conversations and interludes, to paint a scene of inner turmoil with greater intensity and insight, to highlight the love and cast shadows on the anxieties. But I will need music’s help for this.
The stories in song are universal, like all emotion, and timeless. I will listen – really listen, to lyrics and mood from a diverse sampling of eras. I will find the common thread woven into each piece and follow it into my own heart. Then will I be able to write what is needed most.
With a Little Help from My Friends… 
The 1960’s and 70’s are my formative era, so I will be listening to a lot of ballads from them. Right now I’m digging the Moody Blues. Their songs are especially pertinent to my protagonists, for various reasons. It’s almost as if they are in these characters’ souls. Step into a time warp…that’s where I’ll be all Nanowrimo!
valleybrown 