Working hard on the novel today and having a terrific time, not just because I'm at a good place in the book and things are fun and flowing, but because I'm playing the soundtrack to the story.
You probably already know what this is; maybe you do this unconsciously when you write - play music that energizes and inspires you. What kind of music depends on what you're writing. If you're in a serious spot in the book you're probably not going to play Madonna's disco album or 80s hair band music (though I think Split Enz's 'Six Months in Leaky Boat' could work). But have you actually created a CD of music that would be the soundtrack to your book if it were made into a movie? This can be incredibly helpful - creating an atmosphere, a mood, that can give you just the right emotional boost for whatever scene you're writing.
The songs will create the thoughts and feelings of your characters for you in a visceral, intangible way, like nothing else can. In this way, writers are like actors. Why not try on your characters a bit so you can channel them better? Wear something they would. Eat their food. Rent a movie they would love. Do something they would but you wouldn't (ie travel by yourself, take an art class, attend a support group). Get creative. It really pays off. (Just be careful - don't get yourself into trouble!)
Here's the soundtrack I'm listening to as I write today:
Zero 7 - Destiny
Bobby Darin - Beginning to See the Light
Englebert Humperdink - After the Lovin'
Rosemary Cloony - Mambo Italiano
Ambrosia - Biggest Part of Me, You're the Only One
Player - Baby Come Back
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - Mandy
Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline
Bee Gees - More than a Woman
Johnnie Rivers - Secret Agent Man
Don McLean - Miss American Pie
Wouldn't you want to read this book?
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