Or is it the inspiration of music?

Either way, the effect of music on writing is undeniable. I love listening to music while I write. Admittedly, sometimes it’s more distracting than helpful, but that’s just the way it goes. Other times, it inspires and motivates the process. I’ve talked to some writers/authors who create a whole playlist for their WIP, which if I’m being honest, sounds wicked cool, but A LOT of work. Then again, some songs just come on the radio and fit. For example, Dean Lewis’s Be Alright struck me as particularly poignant for two different WIPs and their epic heartbreak scenes. (I may have gotten a little choked up when I wrote their respective scenes and outright balled when I made the connection with this song.)

But not all connections are heart-wrenching, some are just fun like the silly, lighthearted tie-in I made with Shawn Mendes’s and Camila Cabello’s Señorita or the way Krystal Harris’s Super Girl or Rachel Platten’s Fight Song feel like an anthem for Sara Sheppard’s personal growth in Sara’s Moon. AKA You’re a werewolf, now what are you going to do about it? Howl at the moon obviously. Just Kidding; not really, but you get the idea.

Then there are those songs you had no idea influenced your stories so strongly. Had myself an epiphany about just such a song the other day. It came on, I cranked it up (because I love the mess out of this song), and was full-on rocking out in the car when it hit me: Holy Snap! This song weaves through like four of my stories. Even the ones that it doesn’t somehow directly influence, I remember wanting to put something similar in them. So yeah, #consistency.

What is this super, wonderful, incredible song you ask? Well, I’ll be happy to tell you, on one condition: You’re not allowed to laugh. Like seriously, don’t laugh. Okay now you’re already laughing. Fine be that way; I love it anyway. So sit back and enjoy. And while you’re at it, let me know what songs inspire you!

Now, without further ado, for your listening pleasure, I bring you:

Talking in Your Sleep by The Romantics