Those people have much larger attention spans than I!

I just can’t do it. Maybe it’s a form of ADHD or something, but I can not concentrate on any type of music (unless there are no lyrics) while I write. Maybe it even has something to do with the fact that whenever I hear a song I either have to A. Listen to the lyrics or B. Sing to the lyrics.

So do you listen to music as you write? If so, how do you do it!? Is there a certain type of music that works best?

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Marybeth is an aspiring novelist currently working on her second novel. For more information visit her website www.marybethsmith.com. She also has a blog Desperately Searching for my Inner Mary Poppins where you can keep up on her moments as mother, wife and writer..

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2. Detailed character sketches or “their character will be revealed to me as I write?”
I did one character sketch and it worked all right, but she was my first *real* character. Once I got down how to portray a character, I realized I didn’t need the sketch. I have a great one — super detailed and I can see how it can help a lot of writers, but I learn about my characters as I go. They definitely reveal themselves. Even with the girl I did sketch out, I ended up finding out later that she was a cutter at one point and now has blood lust going on…definitely didn’t plan either of those, but it’s who she is..

3. Do you know your characters’ goals, motivations, and conflicts before you start writing or is that something else you discover only after you start writing?
Only for one book. The first one. It *might* be my best, but it also has allowed me the freedom not to have to work so hard on the subsequent ones. I have more confidence. Once an idea enters my head, I take a few notes and let it all simmer ’til I can sit down and then I just write. I suppose I do have a good idea of what’s going on, but really only in the back of my mind. And it’s the knowledge the characters give me…not anything that I hyper aware of.

4. Books on plotting – useful or harmful?
Books on plotting are probably not all that harmful. Maybe not super useful, either, but what’s wrong with learning something new? As long as you’re not reading a book about *how* to write, in general (because, let’s face it, if you have to be taught how to write, you’re probably not a writer), I don’t see the harm. [Sorry, I'm not one of those people who believe writers can be made...]
I do believe that learning how to *tell* a story is super important. A writer must know how to portray the action and have reason for everything. If a character can easily get out of a situation, then something in your book needs to change. There has to be a reason for everything. Otherwise there’s no point. And I mention this mainly because a good friend read a few books on storytelling and he made me realize that that’s key. I’ve always asked questions about plot holes in movies and such—ever since I was little. If a character has a choice, but only make a certain one just to keep the story going, then something needs to be done…. Motivation/necessity — crucial!

5. Are you a procrastinator or does the itch to write keep at you until you sit down and work?
I’m a procrastinator, but only because I have no choice. If I could sit down and write constantly, I would. And I’ve done it before. But it caused some problems with the family, and now I’m taking care of my child completely by myself so I just don’t have the opportunities that I used to. But the itch is definitely there. It kills me.

6. Do you write in short bursts of creative energy, or can you sit down and write for hours at a time?
It completely depends. I *can* write eight hours a day and churn out chapter after chapter. But I just don’t have the chance. Now, if I was getting paid to write novels rather than articles, I’d have my child in day care after school and I’d work a *normal* work day and get a ton accomplished. But I don’t have that luxury

7. Are you a morning or afternoon writer?
Neither. I’m an ‘everyone’s gone to bed and I Finally have no responibilities’ type of writer. Along with the fact that I work better at night. I don’t really wake up ’til about 3 or 4 in the afternoon (I mean, I’m awake and up, but my brain isn’t functioning properly) and I’m raring to go at around 9-10pm. I stay up ’til 3, on average, but some nights I don’t even go to sleep. My personal filter tends to disappear then and I can just be me and let the characters flow through me at the same time. I don’t have to be a mom or a daughter or whatever else I’m supposed to be. I can just be a writer.

8. Do you write with music/the noise of children/in a cafe or other public setting, or do you need complete silence to concentrate?
I can write with about any noise besides music. Only because I’m way too into music and I’ll start listening to the lyrics and then my thoughts get all jumbled. I edit with music, though. Editing is like doing the dishes to me. Just second nature. Even though my characters write for me, it still takes more effort to churn out the draft than it does to revise/edit.

9. Computer or longhand? (Or typewriter?)
Computer. I’ll sometimes write scenes in my notebooks or journals, usually the beginning of a book — to become more personal with it. If I write it out longhand, I create a stronger bond with the brand new characters. But once that part’s done, it’s off to the computer I go. Even typing, it’s hard to keep up with my thoughts. I cannot write fast enough.

10. Do you know the ending before you type Chapter One?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends. My first book, yes. The other three I have going…I’ve not a clue. But I have others in my head that I know the ending to. I’m really not a type of writer you can pinpoint. I am how I am and that means jack…which can be rather annoying at times.

11. Does what’s selling in the market influence how and what you write?
I’ve honestly only considered the market once, and it was more about what was best for my character more than the market. But the decision was huge and market did factor in. Otherwise, an emphatic NO! If you’re writing for the market, well, nevermind. I won’t go there….

12. Editing – love it or hate it?
Adore it. I love making something better. It’s so great to me. But hey, I went to school to be an editor so I’m a little different than other writers. I know most aren’t the least bit fond of revisions.

13. Why do you want to write?
It’s not so much that I want to — I have to. It’s just me. Even if I’m just making a list for the store…I love writing. I love putting words together. I can do that with speaking, and I do — I don’t shut up half the time — but writing is just so much more. It’s a life in itself. Whole other worlds…. It’s just the best. I can’t Not write.

14. Do you want to publish your work? Why?
Of course! Some things are just for me, but I love sharing what I’ve written with others. I’d adore it if that could happen on a larger scale.

15. Do like to write alone or do you like to work with others?
Alone. Yup. I like advice from others after the fact, but while I’m writing I like to be alone. But heck, even if I’m not alone, you’d think I was. I ignore everything else going on around me. I can’t help it. Writing sucks me in and has more of a hold on me than pretty much anything else in life. Seems writing is my life.

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Since winning her first writing competition at a young age, Eden Tyler, has only fallen more in love with the written word. She uses her English, Psychology, and Sociology backgrounds to create depth to her own stories and novels while contributing to and running websites about writing. This is what fulfills her, along with working as Co-Editor for Fuel Your Writing, but she also enjoys the freelance work that puts food on the table (and that ever-essential roof overhead) for her family.

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I will come to you
In the still of the night
And I will crush you
With the burden of sight
And you will understand
The shadows in my heart
The fury of my conviction
Will cause your heart to quicken
And then, my dear
You will see you want me here
~~ Haunted — Jewel   ~~

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What would your character do (your current one, an old MC, or a brand new one you create today) if s/he knew a stalker was in the house?

I want to go dark for the end of the week. I’m in that kind of mood….

Try to keep it about half the length of Suzanne’s prompt from yesterday. We’ve had so much advice lately (which has been fabulous), but I’ve missed the writing part of this blog. So have at it!!

I’ll post mine in the comments, as well.

Image Source

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Since winning her first writing competition at a young age, Eden Tyler, has only fallen more in love with the written word. She uses her English, Psychology, and Sociology backgrounds to create depth to her own stories and novels while contributing to and running websites about writing. This is what fulfills her, along with working as Co-Editor for Fuel Your Writing, but she also enjoys the freelance work that puts food on the table (and that ever-essential roof overhead) for her family.

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Good to know you, started by Joyce, has been a great way for me get to know some of the neuroses and nuisances of my characters. So, Joyce, I want to thank you for the games you’ve inspired to get us to learn more about our characters, things that shape them, even if it never makes it into the story.

And with that, I would like to know what kind of music you characters listen to. Do they sing along or simple sit back and enjoy? Are they shower singers?

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Sarah is writer looking for an agent. She is currently working on novel # 4, editing novels 2 and 3, and querying novel # 1. For more insight to her work, visit: http://legendoftheprotectors.wordpress.com/ or http://legendoftheprotectors.blogspot.com/

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The reason I think of this is that my latest choice in writing soundtracks is rather odd: Video game soundtracks. Yes, you heard me. I’m playing the soundtracks for medieval war/role playing games while I write. The reason for this is the topic of my book, a fantasy novel set in a medieval-type world where there will be fighting and battles.

So to help me set the mood for my writing, I’m surrounding myself with sounds that elicit that atmosphere for me. Another way I do this is to print off pictures that remind me of places where I imagine my book would take place so when I gaze off into the ether as I write, I’m reminded of the world I’m trying to build.

This brings me to a question: How do you create a mood for when you write? Or do you even need to set the mood while writing?

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*****

*So, this song gets to me every time I hear it. And I doubt I’m the only one.

I’ll bet others on here have wanted a boyfriend, girlfriend, heck–even a close friend to stay. Just one more day. One more night.
To ‘lie’ a little bit longer.

How would a character of yours react/deal with this situation?
Write a short story depicting his/her pain and progress–or downfall. I’ll post mine in the comments, as well.
Have fun with this!

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Since winning her first writing competition at a young age, Eden Tyler, has only fallen more in love with the written word. She uses her English, Psychology, and Sociology backgrounds to create depth to her own stories and novels while contributing to and running websites about writing. This is what fulfills her, along with working as Co-Editor for Fuel Your Writing, but she also enjoys the freelance work that puts food on the table (and that ever-essential roof overhead) for her family.

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My story will appear in the comments. Please share yours as well.

Alphaville
Forever Young lyrics

Let’s dance in style, lets dance for a while
Heaven can wait we’re only watching the skies
Hoping for the best but expecting the worst
Are you going to drop the bomb or not?
Let us die young or let us live forever
We don’t have the power but we never say never
Sitting in a sandpit, life is a short trip
The music’s for the sad men
Can you imagine when this race is won
Turn our golden faces into the sun
Praising our leaders we’re getting in tune
The music’s played by the madman

Forever young, i want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, forever forever
Forever young, i want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever
Forever young

Some are like water, some are like the heat
Some are a melody and some are the beat
Sooner or later they all will be gone
Why don’t they stay young
It’s so hard to get old without a cause
I don’t want to perish like a fading horse
Youth is like diamonds in the sun
And diamonds are forever
So many adventures couldn’t happen today
So many songs we forgot to play
So many dreams are swinging out of the blue
We let them come true

Forever young, i want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, forever forever
Forever young, i want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever forever forever
Forever young, i want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, forever forever
Forever young, i want to be forever

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Sarah is writer looking for an agent. She is currently working on novel # 4, editing novels 2 and 3, and querying novel # 1. For more insight to her work, visit: http://legendoftheprotectors.wordpress.com/ or http://legendoftheprotectors.blogspot.com/

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Do you ever feel there is a soundtrack to your life?  Is music important to your memory, and to your own past (back-story…) Humans are connected to music in a visceral way.  It tugs at us and pulls us in.  It changes our mood, makes us laugh and cry, helps us through the hard times, and helps to keep us awake when we are driving.  What would a world be like without music?

When I was little one of my favorite things in the world, (get ready, I am about to expose the secret dork who lives under my skin,) was a record by Prokofiev:  Peter and the Wolf.  There were very few words to the story, the premise of it was that each character was given a sound, and then when the sounds were put together you could hear the story. Without the words!  I listened to that album (yes vinyl) over and over again.  I can still remember the sound the wolf made, an ominous trio of horns, but delightful too… letting the listeners of the narrative understand his complexity.  Beware the wolf who is dangerous and delightful and dark. I remember…

And that is what we want for our characters, right?  We want them to be complex and well defined.  Flawed and full of emotion.  We want the reader to make that connection with the people in the stories that we tell.

So here is a little trick that I use.  When I am thinking up my stories, I give my characters music as well as a name.  They need to have a sound, a rhythm, a beat.  I need to know what music is playing inside their heads so I can make them move.

For example, in my novel, Haunting Anne, my dark and brooding heroin, Anne, was connected to The Cure and to The Cranberries. It didn’t matter that she was coming of age in the 1950′s.  She is a timeless character and the music helped me create a timeless mood.  The honesty that poured out of her when I was listening to her music was amazing, and the flow was nonstop.  It hurt my brain because the words couldn’t be typed fast enough.

The really interesting part of all of this what remains.  Now that I am through with the creation of that novel, the music still belongs to them, those people who haunted me for all that time.  Even though I have my own memories and bits of nostalgia connected to the music I used to help fortify the complexity of my characters, I no longer think about those things when I am driving in my car with the radio on.  Instead, I think of them!  Their stories and their lives! Talk about multiple personality disorder….

Music.  It is a powerful tool.  Try it!

Suzanne M. Palmieri

Suzanne is a Sociologist by profession and degree. She teachs Social Behavior and Social Interaction as well as many courses in Deviance at the university level.

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Here’s the video (not great) and the lyrics (awesome). Love the music. Love the words.

Let’s see how this inspires you.

Here are the lyrics:

I hate the way that my words come together at your expense
Wish that when I wrote I wouldn’t have to be so honest
Show some tact or show some class or maybe just some respect
I’ll respect you when you respect me, what can you expect?
I’m just being honest

I still fight the urge to call, I know there’s nothing to say
I still love you and I think about you every day
It’s not easy for me though I know I act like it is
Feel the pain that hurts so bad I guess I’ve gotta fake it
Just like I’ve gotta say this

That this song is the b-side to the truth
About how I really feel about you
And I know sometimes my words they burn like hell
But I still want you, if you can’t tell

It’s hard to see you I know that we’ve got to act like we’re friends
Force a smile, fake a hug and try not to act nervous
“How am I? I’m good, no great, no perfect, life’s just a treat”
Ask you question after question, I don’t want you to leave
I just want you to see

That this song is the b-side to the truth
About how I really feel about you
And I know sometimes my words they burn like hell
I still want you, if you can’t tell

I’ve got the keys if you wanna roll
I’ll take you anywhere that you wanna go
We’ll climb in the backseat like when we first met
I’ll lay on my back while you lay on my chest

I’ve got the keys if you wanna roll
I’ll take you anywhere that you wanna go
We’ll climb in the backseat like when we first met
I’ll lay on my back while you lay on my chest
While you lay on my chest

This song is the b-side to the truth

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Sarah is writer looking for an agent. She is currently working on novel # 4, editing novels 2 and 3, and querying novel # 1. For more insight to her work, visit: http://legendoftheprotectors.wordpress.com/ or http://legendoftheprotectors.blogspot.com/

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