All you authors out there – does music influence your writing? I was driving home a few days ago, heard a new song on the radio I liked, and the final scene in my WIP played out like a movie in my head. When I asked my characters why they didn’t share this information with me weeks ago, there were looks of confusion and sheepish expressions along with plenty of shoulder shrugging. Guess they just needed inspiration. In case anyone’s wondering, the song was Tell Your Soul by A Killer’s Confession. Yes, my favorite music genre is hard rock, and I was listening to Octane on Sirius Radio. When I got home, over the course of a couple of writing sessions I added about 3K more words to the scene I’d barely started. That may not sound like a lot to some of you (Craig Boyack!) but for me, it’s close to a record. Has this happened to any of you?
Our library has starting having in-person events again (yes!), and I snagged a couple of tickets to see award-winning YA author Jason Reynolds next month. It’s right around my birthday, so what a treat that will be. And signed copies – my favorite! They’re also hosting an Indie Author Day in November. That will be my first author event since February 2020 – so excited to talk to readers in person again!
Bad Moon Rising is filling up fast – only have nine slots are left. This may be the quickest year yet. If you or someone you know is interested, don’t wait! Email me at tpolen6@gmail.com.
Books and Such 
Congratulations on a big writing day!
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Thanks, Staci! The words just kept coming – I could barely keep up. It’s still rough, but at least I’ve got something to work with.
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Awesome! I love that feeling when something sparks the imagination like that, and the words just flow.
That’s nice you’ll be able to attend some author events soon, though I don’t think it’s been as long as you claimed in your post. (If that comment confuses you, read the year in what you wrote).
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That would have been a reallllyyy long time – thanks for pointing it out, Tori, lol!
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I figured it was either a typo, or you’ve found the secret of immortality. LOL! I see you fixed it now though. 😉
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I don’t that I’ve ever had a song spur me to writing like that, but I’m cheering you on, Teri. That’s awesome wordcount!
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I also write to music, so that might have had something to do with it – fresh music!
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Author events, how special. I am hoping to do a couple when I get back to Canada.
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It seems like so long ago! Will you be able to get back to Canada soon, Darlene?
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I’m trying for September.
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I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you – I know it’s been a long wait.
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Yes, yes, and yes! Music influences a lot of my writing and I love it when I get story ideas from a song. 3,000 words is a lot by any standards (except maybe Craig’s). 🙂
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Probably a slow day for him, lol. I’m not surprised music also influences you, Jan. I’ve also gotten ideas from several songs. When something inspires me I’ll write with it on repeat for a while.
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Music absolutely inspires my stories. I get all kinds of things from it. Most recent is a character I can’t introduce for a few years, but he’s out there when I get to him. I spent part of my weekend getting my Bad Moon kit together. Making graphics is fun, but not my calling. I’ll have it all in by the deadline.
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Not surprised it also inspires you, Craig (Lizzie and the hat!). I can just imagine that character hanging out in a coffee shop waiting to be called up to the show, lol.
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That’s funny. I wrote a post about the union hall back when I wrote Viral Blues. All the characters hanging around looking for work.
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Teri, I don’t think I’ve ever come close to 3000 words in one sitting. Yes, music influences my writing in a huge way. Some stories more than others, but especially in recent years.
I’m a terribly slow writer.
I hope you have room for me in Bad Moon. I’ll start looking at your requirements for this year. I just emailed you. Hugs on the wing.
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Always have room for you, my friend! I’ll email you with a date.
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Even the title “Tell Your Soul” is inspirational. No wonder it gave your writing a boost.:-)
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I thought about that title also, Priscilla. Sure am glad I was in the car to hear it.
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I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t have music on when I’m writing/editing. It’s got to be dead silent. Otherwise, bring it on! 🙂
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Sometimes I’ll go through scenes without music, but other times I have it playing in the background. I haven’t bothered to figure out the difference – just go with what works, I guess.
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I wish my library too has such events. They don’t held any events as far as I know.
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Our numbers are going up here, so I’m hoping they’ll still be able to have them.
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So great that those characters found the inspiration they needed to tell show you the tale. 😊. I can’t wait to my library starts events again. I’ve met a few authors that way over the years. Have a great week!
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Sure took them long enough! I’m just about down to the wire getting this book to my beta and editor. I’ve really missed the library events – hope yours start up again soon, Tessa.
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Music does have that effect, Teri. I wrote my first three books listening to Queen. I wish we were haveing live events but COVID is raging here.
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Since I posted this, the Jason Reynolds event has been cancelled – probably because Covid is raging here also. Disappointing, but completely understandable. With Queen songs I either really love them or don’t care for them at all, and there doesn’t seem to be a middle ground, lol. I can see how their songs would be inspirational.
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I think you have to really like Queen to be able to work through songs such as “Fat Bottom Girls.” Thanks, Teri.
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No argument there, lol.
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😂
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Music often influences me – so much that I’ve created playlists for many of my books. But a 3K writing day? I wish! Congratulations.
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It was a dream come true! Now I just need to make it pretty because those 3K words pretty much spewed out of me, lol. I’m going out on a limb here – would the Beatles be on your playlist?
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Well you might know they are. 😉
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Hi Teri, that is great news. I am waiting for this new book of yours. I don’t really have made moments of inspiration like this. I more or less know the plot and ending of my books when I start writing and just plod on towards that ending. I write between 400 and 900 words in a sitting if its on my historical WIP. The Sci-fi one goes a bit quicker as there is less intense research. I’m looking forward to October, it is my favourite month of the year.
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With this sequel, it’s really been slow coming, Robbie. I had a general idea of how I thought the story would go, but the characters had a different one. 400-900 is more my speed, so that 3K day was a huge record for me – and much needed!
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