Greetings, folks.
Today I am going to share with you one of the playlists for my WIP, Noxumbra. Playlists? you ask. Yes, playlists. One is songs with lyrics, one is instrumentals. Today you get the one with lyrics. I will provide links to YouTube where you can listen to the songs yourself, though I shan't put the videos in this blog post, as for some reason I have a hard enough time getting my own blog to load without videos.
1. Stand by Rascal Flatts
This song is a theme song for my MC, Gwen. She's an optimistic person, and the message in this song is one she needs to hear.
2. Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain) by Gary Allan
Ditto for this song.
3. Wide Awake by Katy Perry
This is the Wycliff theme song, specifically for the line "I wish I knew then what I know now." If Wycliff had been a smarter man, my story...wouldn't exist.
4. Back to December by Taylor Swift
This is a love song. I apply it to my character Farold and the home and people he left behind 25ish years before the story began. Obviously not all of the lyrics work.
5. I Can't Outrun You by Thompson Square
This is sort of a love song that I also apply to Farold and the home and people he left, but also to Wycliff and the things he ran from, and the relationship between Farold and Wycliff (they are brothers.) Again, obviously not all the lyrics work.
6. Best of 2012 Mash-Up by Anthem Lights
This song I imagine being sung by four of the men in my story: Merig (Payphone), Marius (Call Me Maybe--don't ask it just works), Wycliff (Wide Awake), and Farold (Tonight).
Songs that are in this playlist but technically should be in the Book 2 playlist:
7. Glass by Thompson Square
This is the theme song for the friendship that grows between Silla, the MC of Book 2, and Gwen, the MC of Noxumbra. Yes, it's a love song I apply to a platonic relationship. I do that.
8. Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not also by Thompson Square (I really like Thompson Square).
This one is a theme song for my OTP.
9. I Don't Dance by Lee Brice
This is also a theme song for my OTP.
10. God Made Girls by RaeLynn
This one is a theme song for a small handful of my favorite ships.
(Ignore the talking at the beginning of this music video. It's not actually part of the song.)
So there you have it! Hope you enjoyed. I'll show you the instrumental playlist in my next post.
Do you have playlists for your WIPs? What are some of the songs on them?
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2015
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Scholarships and Song Parodies
So, this morning I did something new. I applied for a scholarship to the Writing Excuses Out of Excuses Writing Retreat. If I get it, I'll be going to a week-long writing retreat in Tennessee in September. The chances of getting it are extremely slim, but a girl can dream, right?
In other news, I've written two writerly parodies of songs from Frozen, which I shall post below for your enjoyment.
Let it Go
The page glows white on my Word doc tonight, not a letter to be seen.
A kingdom of prose and plot holes, and it looks like I'm the queen.
The wind is howling like this new idea inside. Cannot keep it in, I won't even try.
No don't come in, just let me be, write the story inside of me. Put on some tunes and start to think, get in the flow!
Let it go, let it go! Won't hold it back anymore. Let it go, let it go! Turn the lock and slam the door. I don't care what my inner heckler says. Let the words rage on. Late nights never bothered me anyway.
It's funny how some distance, makes plot bunnies seem small, and the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all. It's time to see what the story will do, to test the charries and hurt them too. They'll right the wrongs, just wait and see. I'll set them free.
(Demi Lovato version: Out here in my own new world, I'm finally free. Sometimes I like reality, but tonight I need to dream.)
Let it go, let it go, watch my words and fingers fly. Let it go, let it go, and make the readers cry! Here I'll sit and here I'll stay. Let the words rage on.
The letters fill the page with inspiration found.
My soul is flourishing in plot threads twisting all around.
And one thought crystallizes in an evil laugh.
I'm never giving up, I will finish this draft!
Let it go, let it go, I'll sleep at the break of dawn. Let it go, let it go, my story will be done. Here I sit in the light of day. Let the words rage on! Late nights never bothered me anyway.
Bonus lyrics from Connie Jean:
I don't care what beta-readers say
Let the charries die
Death threats never bothered me anyway.
Do You Want to Have a Word War?
(Thanks to Robyn Hoode for giving me that line.)
(There are two characters in this song, who I've called Lizzie and Phillip.)
Lizzie, at Phillip's door: Do you want to have a word war? Come on let's write away. There's not a single word on my page, I've been stuck all day, this scene I kinda hate. I've been procrastinating, on my Facebook wall, just watching the hours fly by. Do you want to have a word war? It doesn't have to be a long one.
Phillip: No, I have to study.
Lizzie: Okay, fine.
Lizzie: Do you want to have a word war? It's been an awesome day. I brainstormed nearly half the night, and I need to write, before my inspiration fades! I might have to kill an MC, but I'm not sure. Competition will help my flow. Will you please come have a word war?
*A scene of Lizzie at her computer. Her expression changes from neutral to horrified and sad.*
Lizzie: Phillip, I need your help please. I need you sage advice. This scene hit me in the feels. It really hurts. I think I'm gonna cry! I tried not to kill the MC, I really did, but the plot said otherwise. I don't know what to do now...
Later, Phillip, at Lizzie's door: Lizzie, I know you're in there. People've been asking where you've been. I know the end was really hard, and awfully sad, and left your heart in shards. But look your story's finished. You met your goal. Just look at what you can do! Do you want to have a word war? Here, I brought some chocolate.
Those were so much fun to write. If you have any of your lyrics to add, post 'em in a comment!
In other news, I've written two writerly parodies of songs from Frozen, which I shall post below for your enjoyment.
Let it Go
The page glows white on my Word doc tonight, not a letter to be seen.
A kingdom of prose and plot holes, and it looks like I'm the queen.
The wind is howling like this new idea inside. Cannot keep it in, I won't even try.
No don't come in, just let me be, write the story inside of me. Put on some tunes and start to think, get in the flow!
Let it go, let it go! Won't hold it back anymore. Let it go, let it go! Turn the lock and slam the door. I don't care what my inner heckler says. Let the words rage on. Late nights never bothered me anyway.
It's funny how some distance, makes plot bunnies seem small, and the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all. It's time to see what the story will do, to test the charries and hurt them too. They'll right the wrongs, just wait and see. I'll set them free.
(Demi Lovato version: Out here in my own new world, I'm finally free. Sometimes I like reality, but tonight I need to dream.)
Let it go, let it go, watch my words and fingers fly. Let it go, let it go, and make the readers cry! Here I'll sit and here I'll stay. Let the words rage on.
The letters fill the page with inspiration found.
My soul is flourishing in plot threads twisting all around.
And one thought crystallizes in an evil laugh.
I'm never giving up, I will finish this draft!
Let it go, let it go, I'll sleep at the break of dawn. Let it go, let it go, my story will be done. Here I sit in the light of day. Let the words rage on! Late nights never bothered me anyway.
Bonus lyrics from Connie Jean:
I don't care what beta-readers say
Let the charries die
Death threats never bothered me anyway.
Do You Want to Have a Word War?
(Thanks to Robyn Hoode for giving me that line.)
(There are two characters in this song, who I've called Lizzie and Phillip.)
Lizzie, at Phillip's door: Do you want to have a word war? Come on let's write away. There's not a single word on my page, I've been stuck all day, this scene I kinda hate. I've been procrastinating, on my Facebook wall, just watching the hours fly by. Do you want to have a word war? It doesn't have to be a long one.
Phillip: No, I have to study.
Lizzie: Okay, fine.
Lizzie: Do you want to have a word war? It's been an awesome day. I brainstormed nearly half the night, and I need to write, before my inspiration fades! I might have to kill an MC, but I'm not sure. Competition will help my flow. Will you please come have a word war?
*A scene of Lizzie at her computer. Her expression changes from neutral to horrified and sad.*
Lizzie: Phillip, I need your help please. I need you sage advice. This scene hit me in the feels. It really hurts. I think I'm gonna cry! I tried not to kill the MC, I really did, but the plot said otherwise. I don't know what to do now...
Later, Phillip, at Lizzie's door: Lizzie, I know you're in there. People've been asking where you've been. I know the end was really hard, and awfully sad, and left your heart in shards. But look your story's finished. You met your goal. Just look at what you can do! Do you want to have a word war? Here, I brought some chocolate.
Those were so much fun to write. If you have any of your lyrics to add, post 'em in a comment!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Viola and Zella's Theme Song
NOTICE: This post will most likely turn out to be me fangirling over a song and how well it fits with two of my characters. Ish. I may also get a few words in about character theme songs in general. We'll see.
One of the things my writerly side does is analyze nearly every song I hear to see if it fits with a character. Break up songs, love songs, songs about death, about partying, about tractors, you name it. It can get rather annoying, actually. But sometimes my head puts a song with a character and it's so perfect I grin every time I hear the song and I make a mental music video of my characters to the music.
This happened a while back with Thompson Square's If I Didn't Have You, and my characters Viola and Zella. Now, If I Didn't Have You is a romantic love song, but I ignore all the purely romantic lyrics and fantasize about Vi and Zella to all the "Can apply to love in general" lyrics.
Here's the song:
It all started when I listened to this song and thought "what if they meant 'this life would kill me if I didn't have you' literally?" And almost immediately, Vi and Zella came to mind. Zella gives Vi a reason to fight and survive, and Vi rescued Zella when she was just a wee thing. Both are orphans of war, and they bonded to each other when their parents died.
I won't go into the rest of their story, but if you want to hear more about it, ask me in a comment. Also, if you want your daily dose of depression, go check out the Pinterest board I have for them. I'm pretty sure that story idea is the result of my dark side watching my interest in writing grow and saying "Hey! I want in the fun!" So, yeah, not a happy Pinterest board.
Well, that wasn't a great excuse for a blog post, but hey, I got new content up. And I never did say anything worth while about character theme songs in general. Oh well, maybe another time.
And a wondrous day/night/evening/afternoon/whatever to you.
One of the things my writerly side does is analyze nearly every song I hear to see if it fits with a character. Break up songs, love songs, songs about death, about partying, about tractors, you name it. It can get rather annoying, actually. But sometimes my head puts a song with a character and it's so perfect I grin every time I hear the song and I make a mental music video of my characters to the music.
This happened a while back with Thompson Square's If I Didn't Have You, and my characters Viola and Zella. Now, If I Didn't Have You is a romantic love song, but I ignore all the purely romantic lyrics and fantasize about Vi and Zella to all the "Can apply to love in general" lyrics.
Here's the song:
It all started when I listened to this song and thought "what if they meant 'this life would kill me if I didn't have you' literally?" And almost immediately, Vi and Zella came to mind. Zella gives Vi a reason to fight and survive, and Vi rescued Zella when she was just a wee thing. Both are orphans of war, and they bonded to each other when their parents died.
I won't go into the rest of their story, but if you want to hear more about it, ask me in a comment. Also, if you want your daily dose of depression, go check out the Pinterest board I have for them. I'm pretty sure that story idea is the result of my dark side watching my interest in writing grow and saying "Hey! I want in the fun!" So, yeah, not a happy Pinterest board.
Well, that wasn't a great excuse for a blog post, but hey, I got new content up. And I never did say anything worth while about character theme songs in general. Oh well, maybe another time.
And a wondrous day/night/evening/afternoon/whatever to you.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Top Ten Movie Soundracks
Happy New Year, Chaps!
A couple of the blogs I follow have compiled lists of their ten favorite bits of movie soundtracks. It sounds like fun, so I will join them.
You will notice that I like period dramas.
Note: The tracks are not listed in order of preference.
1. The theme from the 2008 version of Sense and Sensibility. It's the first 35 seconds of this video. Then there's the kinda sad piano bit, and then another good theme after that.
2. The theme from the 2009 version of Emma. I happen to know that Liam, Head Phil's sisters like this piece, and now nearly every time I hear it, I think of them.
3. I've Seen Hell from the 2004 version of North and South. The best part is toward the end.
4 and 5. Test Drive and Forbidden Friendship from How to Train Your Dragon.
6. The theme from Little Dorrit.
7. The theme from the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice.
Here's the link to the video, since I cannot seem to find it on the silly Blogger YouTube search thingy.
8. I am the Doctor from the 5th season of Doctor Who. Not a movie, I know, but I love this piece.
9. The theme from Pirates of the Caribbean.
10. Septimus from Stardust
Bonus bit:
11. Fairground from Penelope.
There's a really good chance that I've left out some great pieces. The soundtrack from the new Star Trek movie is great, but I don't know of a specific track that I like.
Check out Liam's list and Erin's list too.
What are some of your favorites?
A couple of the blogs I follow have compiled lists of their ten favorite bits of movie soundtracks. It sounds like fun, so I will join them.
You will notice that I like period dramas.
Note: The tracks are not listed in order of preference.
1. The theme from the 2008 version of Sense and Sensibility. It's the first 35 seconds of this video. Then there's the kinda sad piano bit, and then another good theme after that.
2. The theme from the 2009 version of Emma. I happen to know that Liam, Head Phil's sisters like this piece, and now nearly every time I hear it, I think of them.
3. I've Seen Hell from the 2004 version of North and South. The best part is toward the end.
4 and 5. Test Drive and Forbidden Friendship from How to Train Your Dragon.
6. The theme from Little Dorrit.
7. The theme from the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice.
Here's the link to the video, since I cannot seem to find it on the silly Blogger YouTube search thingy.
8. I am the Doctor from the 5th season of Doctor Who. Not a movie, I know, but I love this piece.
9. The theme from Pirates of the Caribbean.
10. Septimus from Stardust
Bonus bit:
11. Fairground from Penelope.
There's a really good chance that I've left out some great pieces. The soundtrack from the new Star Trek movie is great, but I don't know of a specific track that I like.
Check out Liam's list and Erin's list too.
What are some of your favorites?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Happy Independence Day!
Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays, not just because of the fireworks, but also because it is a celebration of freedom and, obviously, independence; both of which I hold dear.
Every American knows the Star Spangled Banner. What some don't know is that what is sung as our national anthem is only the first verse of a poem entitled "Defense of Fort McHenry" by Francis Scott Key. Here's the whole thing:
Defense of Fort McHenry by Francis Scott Key
O say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
I haven't memorized the whole thing yet, but I'm real close.
Here's the Wikipedia article on the Star Spangled Banner.
While I'm on the subject of patriotic music, I'll pass on the links to some of my favorite patriotic country songs.
By Toby Keith:
Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (there is some profanity usage in this one)
It's America - Rodney Atkins
Only in America - Brooks and Dunn
Ragged Old Flag - Johnny Cash
Have a wonderful Independence Day everyone. God bless America!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Inspirational Music
I love the internet. You can find almost anything on it. Including your favorite song from Doctor Who. Which is what I did. Below is my favorite piece of music from season 5.
Aren't those violins wonderful? This piece is my favorite. Second only to the theme song. (Doctor #10's theme song. I don't like #11's theme song.)
This piece speaks to me of battles to be fought, and plans to be made, characters to implement the plans and fight the battles, and of the buzz I get from writing all of it. *Contented sigh*
Enjoy your day!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Songs That Inspired Me For No Apparent Reason
A couple weekends ago I wrote two short stories. I plan on submitting one of them to a short story contest, but I'm not sure which. However, this post is not about those stories, it is about the songs the I listened to about fifty times while writing them.
First of all, I never listen to music while writing. Ever. Unless my mom happens to be listening to some classical music or jazz. But the music I listened to that weekend was country music, and it actually had words. I'm not sure how my brain managed to make it work, but it did. Quite well. It's bizarre. The first story I wrote is a ghost story. The song I listened to was Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood. The lyrics don't fit my story at all, but the mood felt right, and I listened to it over and over and over while writing. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I LIKE THIS SONG! It's horrible and sooo sad! And kinda pathetic. I truly don't understand. I hate sad songs. But this one makes my soul sing. I don't get it. The other story I wrote is about a rescue mission. The song I listened to over and over for it was Beer For My Horses by Toby Keith and Willie Nelson. It's kind of a dumb song. But again, it fit the mood of my story. It's got the whole justice/catching bad guys thing in it. I can actually understand why I like this song. Ever since I was little I've been catching imaginary bad guys, so it makes sense that I like a song about catching bad guys. But it really is weird. I mean, beer for my horses? Seriously?
Whatever part of my brain caused me to be inspired by those two songs must be completely insane. At least I know that if I can get inspiration from Just a Dream, I can get inspiration from almost anywhere. Come to think of it, this is the second time I've been inspired by that song. The first time inspired a story where the romantic lead in my Lizzie Evans series dies. Don't worry, he wasn't really dead, just MIA. I'm not sure it's something I'll ever use, but I was inspired enough to write parts of that story down in my notebook. Go figure. The human brain is complicated, especially when it contains multiple realities.
First of all, I never listen to music while writing. Ever. Unless my mom happens to be listening to some classical music or jazz. But the music I listened to that weekend was country music, and it actually had words. I'm not sure how my brain managed to make it work, but it did. Quite well. It's bizarre. The first story I wrote is a ghost story. The song I listened to was Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood. The lyrics don't fit my story at all, but the mood felt right, and I listened to it over and over and over while writing. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I LIKE THIS SONG! It's horrible and sooo sad! And kinda pathetic. I truly don't understand. I hate sad songs. But this one makes my soul sing. I don't get it. The other story I wrote is about a rescue mission. The song I listened to over and over for it was Beer For My Horses by Toby Keith and Willie Nelson. It's kind of a dumb song. But again, it fit the mood of my story. It's got the whole justice/catching bad guys thing in it. I can actually understand why I like this song. Ever since I was little I've been catching imaginary bad guys, so it makes sense that I like a song about catching bad guys. But it really is weird. I mean, beer for my horses? Seriously?
Whatever part of my brain caused me to be inspired by those two songs must be completely insane. At least I know that if I can get inspiration from Just a Dream, I can get inspiration from almost anywhere. Come to think of it, this is the second time I've been inspired by that song. The first time inspired a story where the romantic lead in my Lizzie Evans series dies. Don't worry, he wasn't really dead, just MIA. I'm not sure it's something I'll ever use, but I was inspired enough to write parts of that story down in my notebook. Go figure. The human brain is complicated, especially when it contains multiple realities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)