So the other day I was in the car and I was thinking about both of my jobs and some errands and coffee and what the future is likely to hold for my family, stuff like that. But under all of that I was thinking about The Project, and how I knew there was a hole in it. And all I wanted to hear was Iggy Pop, because I knew there was an answer in there somewhere, and fortunately I keep my iPod in my car for that very reason.
The answer came right here:
Lots of writers put together elaborate playlists for their stories, or even for their characters. I don’t. I fumble from place to place in my work, looking for the next piece of music that’s going to help me out somehow. The next clue. My writer-playlists are nothing but old, current and future clues.
I’m making this sound a lot better than it actually is. When people ask for music recommendations, I cringe. I want to tell them a song because I just spent a lot of time listening to it and it helped me out. But I know what music recommendation requests usually are. Show me something cool.
When I’m writing, I’m not looking for cool. I’m looking for help, and I want it fast. Sometimes I get lucky, and it’s cool. But most of the time, I don’t get lucky.
I’m writing about two people who are in real danger of becoming agoraphobic. I have to write about how they got there, but I also have to make sure they get out. None of us would ever be called an Enrique Iglesias fan. But there he is, saving the day.
One character isn’t sure how to treat someone else. It’s really awkward. Hey, you know who was very good at awkward?
And sometimes, you just have to turn a corner.
Often I hear songs, and I think: I want to write a story that is like that song. Not about the song’s lyrics. I want to create the mood, the atmosphere. This, too, is rarely about cool. Sigh.
Most of the time, it’s just the songs. But this is my go-to video for when I’m taking things too seriously. It is important to note that there is a 20 minute version, and I have had to use it.
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