Music and how it inspires my books 🎵🎸🥁

As I've mentioned in previous blogs, music has always been an inspiration to my writing. Scenes in my books often remind me of the specific songs I was listening to when I first envisioned them, long before they found their way to the pages of my book.

I think this is pretty common with authors. However, I'm not sure if it works the same way for them as it does for me. I don't pick specific songs that I think should inspire a scene, but quite the opposite. Sometimes the most random, unexpected songs will stand out to me, and with them comes a vision of a scene between my characters. Sometimes I don't even know where it will fit into a future book or when, but I know that it has a relevance that will come to light eventually.

One great example is the song Peace Sells... but Who's Buying by Megadeth. This song inspired a scene in one of the books in my series  (I think it was The Devil May Lie) where a man attempts to intimidate Jorge Hernandez. Things happen, as you can imagine, and it ends up with Jorge's associate, Chase Jacobs, hitting the man with a bar stool. I see the scene so clearly every time I hear the song and forever will associate the two. 

Of course, it's not just songs that inspire specific scenes that count, but also the music that helps me during the actual writing process. People might be surprised to learn that I tend to listen to meditation-style music while I write. I want something calm, relaxing and that helps me get centered when I'm writing. This causes me to find balance and helps me to think more clearly, not to mention allows a flow that comes naturally. You never know where a chapter will end up and, that's exactly what I want. 

Why I will never look at some songs the same way again 😱(Updated)

The title is so dramatic, and yet, the truth is that most of us have a powerful connection with music. This is common with authors since many have a specific song that they listen to when envisioning a scene. It also might be connected to certain characters, especially the protagonist.

For me, there's a list of songs that I automatically associate with pivotal scenes, powerful characters, and of course, a whole lot of violence. I'm going to share a couple of examples with you.

One song that stands out to me is Masters of Puppets by Metallica. If you haven't heard of it, the best description for it is powerful. I automatically associate the song with my series protagonist, Jorge Hernandez. More specifically, in the book The Devil May Lie. This character is bold, daring, and confident in a way that almost borderlines on sociopathic.  

Ahh...but I didn't say he was crazy. If anything, he tends to have tunnel vision and doesn't notice or listen to the naysayers on either side. If he does, Hernandez is dismissive. Unlike most people, this is a character that sees the big picture. He has distinct ideas about how the world works and doesn't let insecurities, fears, or inadequacies slow him down. Masters of Puppets is a song that embodies this character in a way that will never allow me to see it the same way again.

Another song that embodies a character would be Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne. There's a certain unhinged, erratic sense to it that perfectly captures Diego Silva, a secondary character in my series. I started Always be a Wolf with Diego flying down the road in a new sports car with a terrified Chase in the passenger seat. Diego finds the entire experience thrilling - from the fast car to scaring the crap out of his friend - which gives you a strong sense of who this character is and what drives him. 

There's also a power behind this song which also captures Diego. It doesn't matter that he's a secondary character because he's no shrinking violet. There's a strong sense that if Jorge Hernandez were to step back or leave the series, Diego would take over. Meanwhile, it's clear that he's learning from the master and looks up to him. There's a reason why Hernandez refers to Silva as his 'hermano' (brother) that shows the power of this relationship.

Music will always be an inspiration to me. Characters, scenes, and strong emotions are born from it, and the result is always a surprise.

How music has become my co-writer 🎼 (Updated)

I often talk about how each of my books has a 'soundtrack' that inspired me during the writing process. These aren't songs that I select but more like the other way around. I often wonder why specific music grabs me during the writing process and won't let go until the book is finished. Not that I don't like or listen to these songs after that point, but they are no longer in the forefront of my mind.

It started with my first book, Fire. Of course, it made sense since that music was prevalent since the book was about the music industry. However, this pattern continued. One example is with We're All Animals. While writing this book, I couldn't get Pink Floyd's music out of my head. The funny part was that I hadn't been a big fan until that point. Suddenly, I was listening to their music non-stop. It was a powerful force while writing the first book in the Hernandez series. 

It's actually to the point where hearing certain songs will automatically make me think of the chapter in one of my books that it inspired. I guess it's no different than how most people connect certain music to periods of their lives, memorable moments, or an emotion. Except, of course, those are real things and not made-up people in a story. 😊

The fascinating thing about the process is that the topic of a song is often different from the scene I see in my imagination. For example, a song could sound very seductive but inspire a murder scene in my book or....well, vice versa. 🙄 It happens. There's something about certain songs that has the power to pull a story from a dark place in my mind. I'm not sure what causes it, but it works for me.