September 3, 2008 | Filed under: Stuff
I’ve talked about this before, getting completely stuck in the middle of a manuscript. It happens, usually at least once in the middle of every book. And then I have to stop, print what I’ve written and try to read through and find my way.
Sometimes I can’t see the forest for the trees.
And sometimes the answer was right in front of me the whole time. Unfortunately that isn’t the case with this book. Dammit. Anyway, when I’ve truly hit a wall, I have several fall back solutions. One, cookies.
Two, cookies.
Three, grab the iPod and start hiking. I do this every day anyway, usually after several pages in the morning. It helps clear my head. But when I’m stuck, I spend more time on the trail. I sing and dance and hopefully not run into anyone trying to get past me on a bike because I’m clueless. And this happens. It’s very embarrassing, especially when it’s multiple bikers, some of them very cute, but that’s another story. I not only embarrass myself on the trail, but I irritate the wild life there as well. Again, another story.
I can’t skip the iPod step. It’s important. Listening to lyrics is important, especially the ones that tell a story. Often times, I’ll find the answers to my plotting or characterization problem in the lyrics of a song. Most notably last spring, when I was ready to jump off a cliff I was so stuck (okay, not really, but it involved a LOT of cookies to feel better) and then I heard Lifehouse’s Whatever It Takes, and my problems were solved. I’ll forever be grateful to that song.
Anyway, back to my current problem. I still haven’t solved it but there’s one song haunting me, and I think the answer is in the lyrics there somewhere . . .
Artist: Finger Eleven
Song: One Thing
Lyrics:
Restless tonight
Cause I wasted the light
Between both these times
I drew a really thin line
It’s nothing I planned
And not that I can
But you should be mine
Across that line
[Chorus:]
If I traded it all
If I gave it all away for one thing
Just for one thing
If I sorted it out
If I knew all about this one thing
Wouldn’t that be something
I promise I might
Not walk on by
Maybe next time
But not this time
Even though I know
I don’t want to know
Yeah I guess I know
I just hate how it sounds
*** Sigh. It’s so dramatic. Dark. Angsty. Not at all like the book I’m writing but I keep going back to that song. One of these days it’ll click. Hopefully soon, as I’m coming up on my deadline . . .
Anyway, here’s the question of the day. Am I the only crazy one here? Or do you like to listen to lyrics and hear a story? Do you lose yourself in music the way I can and frequently do? Inquiring minds want to know. My family would love to know I’m not crazy. 
Posted by Jill @ 1:00 am | Make a Comment
StaceyB says:
I know what you mean about certain songs. There is one dark song that urges me to write about werewolves. It’s pulling me away from my current book, but I can’t stop listening to it.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 3:52 amCrazy, huh?
I can’t wait to get started.
Stacy ~ says:
OMG I LOVE that song. I could listen to it over and over.
I think music gives me something nothing else does. It’s one of the most amazing gifts we have, and I cannot go a day without listening to music. I often (but don’t) want to belt out the words while I’m sitting in traffic. I usually wait til I am in the privacy of my own home *g*
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 3:58 amSonya says:
You might be crazy (
) but it’s not for this. I ALWAYS hear the story in the song. My imagination starts running wild and I can picture everything. That’s what I love about music, movies and books.
I’ve not heard that song, but I’m off to search for it now. Gotta hear it!
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 4:57 amsls-rainey says:
I don’t think your family will believe us if we tell them your not crazy. We can try any way. I like all kinds of music but listen to Country and Christian Contempary the most…Because most of the songs tell a story.
Sorry to hear your stuck, but this was a fun topic.
Now I have a bunch of songs running through my head.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 5:12 amsls-rainey says:
A good one is Brad Paisley’s “Waiting on a woman”
An old man talking to a younger one while they wait for there wives.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 5:41 amLiza says:
I think the lyrics always tell a story. I think the first song I realized told a story was Jack & Diane(I think I was 9 or 10 when it first came out). Now I too have many songs running through my head.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 5:58 amBarbara-Jo says:
No matter what you tell your family (or we tell them) they’re always gonna think you’re a little crazy. But, you know the best part? They love you anyway! That is one of my favorite songs. Sorry you’re stuck - but I have every confidence in you that it won’t be for long!
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 6:04 amCaryn says:
No, you’re definitely not alone on this one. I haven’t ever gone so far as to make up soundtracks for each book like some writers say they do, but I have certain things I listen to when I’m writing, and when I need inspiration. I also have several songs where when I listen to them I *know* there’s a story in there, and one day I will dig it out and write it.
Actually, what works best for me is a nice shower. Driving is a good second-best. Walking would probably be helpful, too, but I listen to audio books then. I just need to be fully entertained while exercising or it Does. Not. Happen.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 6:11 amDee says:
Music definitely helps my process. It’s a soundtrack to my thoughts. I used to listen to Simon and Garfunkel when I was in grad school and I had to come up with a poem or story for a class. That was many years ago, obviously. Now I like to hear blessed silence when my kids are asleep and I finally have time to write…
Oh, I meant to comment yesterday about ideas. I wish you’d write a story about a person with a limb difference who has a romance. My son is missing his right hand, but he’s the cutest, most loving, smart kid in the world. I’d love to show him books where someone with a limb difference falls in love…
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 6:21 amPatty L. says:
I’m with Caryn, I have a playlist just for the book I’m writing. The mixture of songs is sporatic, but they fit my characters personalities. My hubbie doesn’t get my need to hear the same songs while I write, but then again he doesn’t understand why I act like my characters are my friends. LOL
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 6:39 amAshley says:
No, yes, and yes! And I hope you find your way out of your block soon!
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 7:02 amCasee says:
My husband is a big Nickelback fan. I finally had to tell him that almost all Nickelback’s songs are love songs and to listen to the words. LOL
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 7:16 amnaomi says:
I find myself turning to music when I’m stuck - whether it’s stuck with a relationship, stuck with a story idea, stuck with a project at work or stuck emotionally.
There’s something about the lyrics of certain songs and the melody and harmony of others that speak deeply to me. And in the listening I find the way to the answers. With something that happened recently, I kept being drawn to Anna Nalick’s Breathe and I think it helped me to remember how to support the other person while finding that place of peace for myself.
You’re not crazy. I promise.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 amMelissa's Cozy Teacup says:
Song lyrics are very powerful. I too love the stories they tell. The Erythmics are on of my favorite bands so is The B52’s, I’m also a big fan of 80’s hair bands. Nelson tell some great stories that make me cry. Those boys can sing a sad song like nothing I’ve ever hear. The song I’m writing about is called; Just Once More. Hope you get through the block soon!
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 7:54 amShannon McKelden says:
I LOVE songs that tell a story…I frequently come up with book ideas based on stories from songs. They are a fantastic way to see the mood unfold just the way you need it to.
Reassure your family you aren’t crazy…at least not in this participate case. LOL!
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 7:56 amDeb says:
I TOTALLY do this too! I have to soundtrack anything I write. I’m having trouble right now though, can’t find the right song - iPOD is on random - hoping something catches my ear…
As an aside though - YEA! FINGER ELEVEN!
They’re from my Hometown of Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Their former band name (before they made it big) was The Rainbow Butt Monkeys =)
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 8:20 amSuzanne says:
I would, but my cd player is broken. I need an ipod….
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 amLynn says:
Love music! I could sit and listen and not do anything else all day. Which is often times the case.
Finger Eleven’s One Thing is good. I also like their song, Paralyzer.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 9:23 amAllie says:
My favorite is the Pina Colada song, about how they place personal ads and then meet each other. I just love that song.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 9:56 amVictoria says:
Music inspires art. I paint sometimes and I always put music on. My last painting is called Seeing Red after a song by Chevelle. It’s a serial killer painting. I’m thinking of doing more (which has nothing to do with the subject!). But music puts you in a certain mood and you create things that move toward that mood and subject. So You’re not crazy. Not about this stuff anyway!
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 9:58 amsls-rainey says:
You have to hear this and listen to the words. It is a story about a neglected and abused little girl, that is behind the couch durring her parents murder/suicide. When she gets a new home with a loving Mom and Dad they take her to Sunday School. She sees a picture of Jesus and says I know him he was with me behind the couch when Mom and Daddy died.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 11:57 amKarin says:
My favorite songs are definitely the ones where there is a story being told by the lyrics. Music like that can be such a big influence that there are definitely some songs, usually sad or bittersweet ones, that I can only listen to them at certain times. But, I still like them.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 12:07 pmtamara says:
I can never understand the lyrics so I come up with some doozies of my own
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 12:31 pmBailey Stewart says:
You are no more crazy than I am. Ooops, that’s not good. Let me try this again. All writers are a bit nuts - we have to be. After all, we have “voices” that talk to us.
Now to the music. If I’m trying to write something with a bit of danger, etc., there’s nothing like “Smuggler’s Blues” to get me in the mood. Or “At Last” for a love scene. BUT, if I’m having problems I can’t listen to music with lyrics, even music that should have lyrics and I know the lyrics. It’ll get in the way. I go to classical and movie themes then.
Good luck climbing that wall - I know a great book is waiting at the other side.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 pmBrandy says:
I prefer songs that seem to tell a story. You’re not crazy. Well, at least no crazier than most of us! *G*
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 1:37 pmAmy says:
I love hearing the story in the music. Lifehouse is one of my favorites for setting the tone when I’m working on a book.
Hope you get past the block.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 3:05 pmKimberly H says:
When I am hitting a wall the best remedy is a nice long shower or a long drive with the windows down and music blasting. It always helps to relax me and get my mind on new ideas. Naps also help, especially right before you wake up and you day dream a bit- usually the dreams are totally random but they can help produce quirky new ideas!
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 3:09 pmBest of luck!!
Michelle says:
You’re not crazy, at least not about this. When I hear the song Six Underground by the Sneaker Pimps (think of that scene in The Saint where Val Kilmer is super hot in the cabin waiting for Elizabeth Shue - that’s the song), I completely lose track of things. I have this whole story that plays in my head with that song.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 3:59 pmDonna M says:
Music is always good for inspiration. I don’t write but do love listening to music. Most of the music & artists mentioned here I’ve never heard of!! I like music with lyrics I can understand when I’m listening!! Give me Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, Barbara Striesand, Celine Dion, you get the picture! I could keep that list going much longer! Allie, I like to Pina Colada song also. Haven’t heard it in a long time.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 5:16 pmGood luck finding inspiration in songs or nature, wherever you find it.
Cryna says:
I love to listen to music and yes I hear stories in the lyrics of songs. There are a couple of songs that I listen to that has made me think - ohhh that would make a great story - but I don’t write……
so no I don’t think you are crazy at all. Hope you get past the block - and soon. 
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 5:34 pmDiana says:
I love songs that tell a good story. The more angsty and haunting the lyrics are, the better. I love, love, love the song “Papa Was a Rodeo” by Magnetic Fields. Love the lyrics, the music, the exchange between the male and female vocalists. I highly recommend the song.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 6:58 pmlimecello says:
I don’t think you’re crazy, Jill - at least not because of that
I definitely hear stories in songs - and a I know there’s this whole thing called “song fics” so. 
Posted on September 4th, 2008 at 11:48 am