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Music - Inspiration for Writing

On the occasion when I am trying to get into my character’s head and I just can’t quite find their voice, their age, their mindset or their surroundings.  I turn to music in order to bring out their essence.  A song that sets the mood or just says it all about that moment in the book.  The character’s voice becomes strong, and I can put myself in their shoes.
Sometimes it is one radio station, a certain band, artist or song that inspires the scene or showcases the character’s depth.  Other times it is a song I hear that breathes life into a new character or scene.  Music conveys so many layers of information.  The speed, tempo, energy, mood, time period, emotion and gender.  It is another wonderful way to submerge myself into my writing.
I do enjoy writing in complete silence too.  It is my favorite way to write.  The complete lack of sound helps me to find those illusive words that hide in the recesses of my mind.  It seems the older I get the trickier those words become.  They used to just live on the tip of my tounge.  But now I think they are written on the back of my forehead, because my eyes drift upward as I try to think of them.
It is so varied but here is a short list of my current favorite musical inspirations for writing.  I am certain you have your own artists who get your creative energies going.  Feel free to share them with me.
Music to Listen to While Writing
Singers & Bands
Andrea Bocelli, Beatles, Bee Gees, Bob Marley
Chris Rea, Christina Aguilera
Eagles, Enya, Eros Ramazzotti
Fleetwood Mac, Frank Sinatra
J. Lo, Jefferson Airplane, Jim Camacho
Israel Kamakawiwo’O, Jimmy Buffett, Katy Perry, Lady GaGa
Madonna, Maroon 5, Maryanna Matiss
New Radicals, Oasis, Pearl Jam
Robbie Williams, Rusted Root
Sade, Seal, Shakira
The Doors, The Killers
U2, Warwick Avenue
Indi artists and sound tracks

A Variety of Local Radio Stations
http://pulsefm.com/
http://www.u93.com/
 http://wmee.com/
 http://www.willie1035.com/
http://wrsw.net/

Online Radio
http://jango.com/  - choose an artist you like and the site plays them along with other similar music
 http://music.aol.com/radioguide/bb  - listen to any artist you like they also have AOL radio channels
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/  - down load music to your iPod or other device
http://www.z100.com/mediaplayer/?station=WHTZ-FM&action=listenlive&channel_title – great radio from NYC and Miami – current music for teens and young adults
http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/programs/2010/11/13/ - time machine radio program, comedy for the middle age and over crowd, but I have to tell you I just love it

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