Taking a break from the more mechanical aspects of writing, I’d like to share with you a gem of a quote that I’m trying very hard to keep firmly in my mind at all times. It comes to us via Shirley Manson, a musical Goddess whom I had the pleasure of seeing perform recently after 14 years of waiting (I missed a few tours. Sad face.)
“You know, it doesn’t matter how beautiful you are, if you don’t have anything interesting to say, then you’re still boring.”
Love it. Love all of her thoughts, really. For more soundbites, click here. If you haven’t already checked out the latest Garbage album, read this review then seek it out.
It’s been this way as long as I can remember. All of my stories, novels and even poems are heavily influenced by music, be it the mood, metaphors, references and nods or outright quotes. In this aspect, my writing – my art – reflects life: if the TV is off, the music is on Chez Dillon. I breathe lyrics, exhale melody.
Each character has his or her own preferences in music; I often shape mini-playlists for core personalities in my work. It is extremely beneficial that I love a wide variety of music from multiple genres; it allows me to craft, say, an angsty teen obsessed with Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Tool and Amon Amarth, then craft another who prefers pop-folky female songwriters like Tegan and Sara, Jewel, or Christina Perri.
Change of Season is no exception. My first step after jotting down a rough sketch of the plot that flashed through my mind was to craft a starting playlist for writing, one that captured our protagonist through past and present. I run with at least 200 songs for a project, but it’s typically much more. The current playlist for this novel is at 539 tracks and counting, as new songs pop up mid-chapter and say, “I belong here!”
While you await further teasers and the finished novel itself, I thought it might be nice to give you a glimpse into the sonic landscape of the novel. Without further babble then, a short-ish list of key songs to welcome you into the world of Casteel Preparatory Academy.
Black Balloon – The Kills
Bloodshot – Jack’s Mannequin
How To Be Dead – Snow Patrol
Black River Killer – Blitzen Trapper
The Lament of Pretty Baby – Cursive
Forty Six & 2 – Tool
What A Good Boy – Barenaked Ladies
These Are The Ghosts – The Bees
Ready To Start – Arcade Fire
Shake It Out – Florence + The Machine
Pretty Horses – Shirley Manson
Change of Season – Matthew Good Band
Half Jack – The Dresden Dolls
Meds – Placebo ft VV
Devil Inside – INXS
The World Is Darker – Neverending White Lights ft Melissa Auf der Maur
