Songs to Enjoy

Today I would like to highlight some instrumental songs I enjoy!

Most are from soundtracks, so you're going to notice a lot of Hans Zimmer in this list, as I have a fangirl crush on just about every soundtrack this guy's done (Hans Zimmer has done the soundtrack for lots of movies, some of which you may recognize: The Da Vinci Code, The Dark Knight, Inception, Kung Fu Panda, and the entire Pirates of the Caribbean series).

Feel free to pop into the comments section and suggest other awesome songs!

My Weekend...

....in musical form. Make of it what you will. 


Besides, everyone needs a little extra epic in their Monday.

Gee Gee Gee Baby Baby Baby

Guess what! I am sick!
It's the summer. I protest. There should be some sort of law against getting a bad head cold in the summer. Also, there should be an addendum to said law that the punishment is worse if the victim is still in her first trimester. 

Morning sickness + coughing * (lack of sleep^2) body aches - Robitussin Dm + three boxes of tissues and counting = Elizabeth high on cold medicine and unable to string more than two coherent sentences together. 

If I could remember the order of operations I might be able to tell you why my toes are tingling.

Rewriting is going fabulously because I haven't done any in a few days. Too scared to see what my addled brain will cook up. Mostly I've spend my days laying on the couch with my husband, who is also sick (he's the one that shared the virus--he really shouldn't have), watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Netflix.

Shocking confession time: I've never seen Buffy or Angel before! I know! I am fixing that right now. It's rather addictive. I feel like I am arriving to a fandom about ten years late. Maybe that's because I am. When I told my husband I'd never seen either series he wanted to know what I did with my time as a teenager.

I read books. Also, I wrote some. I didn't watch a lot of TV, and still don't. 

I tried to post yesterday and tell you guys why you weren't getting a coherent post from me, but about halfway through this post I got distracted and I forgot about it. 


Here's a song:

P. S. I like this song prior to the aide of over the counter cough medicine. True story! I think it's cute. I like J-pop (Japanese Pop, even though technically these girls are Korean so it would be considered K-pop) a lot.


P. P. S. I was going to say something, but I forgot while I was typing the first P.S.


P. P. P. S. I remember now. I was going to make a joke by adding a tag that didn't belong to this post, but then I figured only I would notice/find it funny. First I was going to use the tag "zombie apocalypse" but then I thought it might actually apply since my cold could be the first wave of the virus that will create the zombie apocalypse. (Also, I don't know why I have some of the tags I do. Seriously, why does "Bigos" get it's own tag? It's just a dish I make.)


Okay, so I looked through my tags, and it's no go. Even the ones that don't fit would just seem like I hit the wrong button. I mean, if I tag this post "lolcats" even though there aren't any cats in this post (just Korean girls and a confusing math equation) it won't be funny. Not in the ironic way I was hoping for. So the tag thing is a bust. Sorry. 


P. P. P. P. S. I didn't want to end the post on such a downer. So I added another PS. Although I wonder, adding more "Ps" to the P.S., that's not a real thing right? It's just something people do so you get the point that it's another added message but separate from the first. 


Have a great day!

The Sound of Music

Wikiommons and I are BFF.

Okay guys, going to go on a bit of a excited rant today, but I just have to share.

You know how when you finish a rough draft, and like a good little writer, you wait a while to start revision? Only now as you're trying to revise, you can't remember why you loved this idea in the first place. Writing the book seems so long ago. It would be easier to just start another book, and leave this one out in the cold to die of exposure.

At least, that's what that evil voice inside your head is telling you.

The trick is to find a way to fall in love with your story all over again. You might have different methods, but for me I always go back to what made me fall in love with the story in the first place. 

Usually, it's the initial idea coupled with music. I guess it's just how my subconscious articulates my story ideas to me, but I've always made elaborate playlists for the book in general and characters specifically. Through listening to songs I can feel what my character feels, and even get images of scenes.

During writing, it keeps me going when I lose track of why I started the book. During revision, it has the extra benefit of reminding me why I love the book so much.  All I have to do is play a certain song, and I am right back to the first love. 


Elizabeth Davis showed me this awesome little widget called Grooveshark, where you can load music into a little mini playlist. Naturally I spent a few hours loading music so you guys could hear some of the songs that inspired me while I was writing "The Heart's Remains".  You should be proud of the restraint I showed; my first impulse was to put, like, a hundred songs into that bad boy. Then I thought, "Wait, no one is going to actually listen to this. Simmer down."

I was very, very impressed with Grooveshark's music selection. I have...varied music tastes. Songs are basically little books to me, so I've heard a lot of weird and strange songs. Rock, pop, symphonic metal, and indie are my favorite, but I have a little bit of everything in my music library. 


But Grooveshark came through for me. For example, Iced Earth, while well known in some circles, isn't exactly as popular as Lady Gaga. Also, the particular song of Iced Earth's that I wanted wasn't their most popular. But Grooveshark had both the album and live version, which makes me oh so happy because "A Question of Heaven" is one of the top three songs that fueled my inspiration. I wanted you guys to have the chance to hear if it the urge struck you. 

Word to the Wikicommons.

Even more obscure than Iced Earth are songs from "Dance of the Vampires". Here's the story behind "Dance of the Vampires" and where I show you what a geek I truly am.

"Dance of the Vampires" is a Broadway adaptation of a film called "The Fearless Vampire Hunters, or Excuse Me, but Your Fangs are in My Neck" directed by none other than Roman Polanski (Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown). It's every bit as campy and creepy as you would expect from the name. Then for some reason they thought it would make a great musical, and so it was made into a German musical, "Tanz Der Vampire". Jim Steinman, the guy that wrote Meat Loaf's music before they had a falling out, wrote the songs for the musical, so many of score sounds vaguely familiar.

THEN they decided to adapt it for Broadway. Michael Crawford himself took the lead, but after lots of creative problems, they canceled the shows and lost tons of money. Despite the problems the show had, the songs are awesome. If you're writing about vampires, doomed heroes, or just want to add some gothic horror to your mood music, this soundtrack is for you. The songs I found are "Endless Appetite", "Original Sin,", and "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Steve Barton and "Seize the Night" by Kyle Gordon. 


If you like those songs, there are two songs I couldn't find on Grooveshark that are amazing: "Braver than We Are" and "Dance of the Vampires." (note, "Dance of the Vampires" is the German version because I cannot find the English version on Youtube. But the German version is also awesome so you're not missing out. Elaine Caswell sings in the English version, so if you want to go spelunking on the Internets, my hat's off to you.)


Also, to highlight some awesome songs since I did load lots of them in there:


"Snuff" by Slipknot. I know, I know. You're thinking you hate heavy metal. But this song is slower and has less thrashing than you would think. Also, the lyrics are friggin' amazing, most notably "If I can change, I hope I never know." Seriously, this song just tears my heart out. Tragic villain, anyone?


Also, if you're looking for more villain/antagonist type songs, "Talons" by Bloc Party is a good choice. "I have been wicked. I have been arrogant." Sings the band, and so might your characters!


Oh yeah, HIM! HIM and I go way back. Yes, I went through a goth phase in high school, how did you know? The thing I like about HIM is their lyrics are very, very over the top. I mean, stuff like "Have no fear, there are wounds that are not meant to heal." But Valo, the lead singer, has a smooth, upbeat voice. So it's almost like he's giving you the thumbs up while he's talking about being sad. It takes the edge off for what could be too much melodrama. At least, that's my opinion. I've gone back and forth with some friends about how effective their songs are because of the melodramatic lyrics.


Nick Cave! Surely you guys have heard of him. He is one of the greatest male vocalists today, in my very humble opinion. I resisted the urge to upload five or six more of his songs in my Grooveshark player, just so you know. *pats self on the back*


Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Sarah McLachlin's "Do What You Have to Do" called "Track 5" in Grooveshark. It's an amazing song. "I had the sense, to recognize that I don't know how to let you go." Maaaaaaaaan. 


So yeah. I give unto you a smidgen of my playlist for "The Heart's Remains." I have to stop talking about the songs right now, or this post is going to go on forever. (*Is hasn't already?* Someone snarks in the back. I heard you.)

Gasp! A Saturday Post!

I normally don't post on the weekends, mostly because my busy days are on the weekend, and no one wants to hear the insane ramblings of me after three or four clients. 

But! I thought about making a Western song list, and that seems like a weekend-ish sort of post.

Before I dazzle you with my list of awesomeness, allow me to direct you in the direction of Joe's equally awesome post on a neat middle ground between writing by the seat of your pants, and outlining your story: Wash Your Pants


It's an option I've only heard of before, but I actually haven't tried it. Mostly because I would probably plan more events out than is strictly necessary for this method. Go read the post! It's interesting!


Onward with the list!


This is a list of really cool songs that make me think of a western setting. No, not country music, where the guy sings about how his wife left him and his truck and dog died...I mean a western. Like, Clint Eastwood and outlaws and guns! Also, post-apocalyptic westerns in the vein of Mad Max, where the world is a desolate wasteland and there's NOTHING for miles and miles, and you might get ambushed by marauding bandits at any moment, and water is something worth killing over.


Yes. THAT sort of western... 


*Bad Company by Bad Company

*Hurt by Jonny Cash. He covered NIN's Hurt and it is EPIC WIN!!!!!!!!

*Patience and Civil War by Guns and Roses

*Ghost Riders in the Sky by the Outlaws. Oooooo! Oooooo! I love this song SO MUCH! 

*Bon Jovi *Yes, I will just mention his name, and not a particular song. Just about everything he sings about relates to being a cowboy. See: Blaze of Glory, Wanted Dead or Alive, Two Story Town, One Wild Night, These Days...the list continues. If you see Bon Jovi as the artist, you can safely add it to any western mix. Promise. Even the romantic songs have a vaguely western feel.

*Renegade by Styx. This is a CLASSIC.

*Black Velvet by Alannah Myles

*The Eagles *they too deserve their own slot. See: Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy, Tequile Sunrise, the list goes on...

*Welcome Home by Coheed and Cambria. Ooohh this song gives me shivers, every time!

*Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind by Kansas

*Shame on the Moon by Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet Band.

*Bravado by Rush. I LOVE this song!

*Gimme Back My Bullets and Tuesday's Gone by Lynard Synard. This band is another treasure trove for western mood music. 

*Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? by Paula Cole

*When the Stars Go Blue by the Corrs

*Black Bob and Lonely Road of Faith by Kid Rock...okay, and "Cowboy". Even though the rock rapping thing gets on my nerves sometimes. He also does a good cover of "Feel Like Making Love"

*Joker by Steve Miller Band

*Magic Man by Heart. Before you tell me it doesn't fit, listen to those guitar riffs again and tell me you can't see that being sung in a saloon.

*Hair of the Dog by Nazareth 

*Rain by Patty Griffin

*Turn the Page, covered by Metallica

*Ain't No Rest for the Wicked by Cage the Elephant

*Daylight Again, Helpless, and Wasted On the Way by Crosby, Stills, and Nash

*How Far We've Come by Matchbox 20

*Dancing in the Ruins by Blue Oyster Cult


*My Hero, Everlong, and Times Like These by Foo Fighters. The sound of the songs aren't exactly what you think of when someone says "western" but the themes of the songs always makes me think of cowboys.


*Electric Worry by Clutch

*Rack 'em Up, Lie to Me, pretty much everything by Jonny Lang


*Pride and Joy, Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughn

Okay, I could go on...really, I love music almost as much as I love books. So there you go!


I have tried to refrain from adding country western music stars on this list, even though I have a few in my playlist, mostly because it's too easy. It fits by definition, even though I don't particularly like most country western music.


If Westerns really make you happy, here's a great list Joe made for his top favorite Westerns:


Top Westerns


Also, feel free to add your favorite Western/Post apocalyptic songs in the comments. I am always on the hunt for more music that I can destroy worlds to.

*thanks to wikicommons for the pictures of Australia to set the mood.

Five for Friday: Guilty Confessions

I had an AMAZING idea this morning, ZOMG!!!!! So excited!!! *happy dance* It came in the form of a dream, so see? Ideas come to you when you lest expect them too.

I will return you to your regularly scheduled blog series tomorrow. Until then, enjoy Five for Friday.

Time to own up to some things that I like, probably too much:

1. Disaster movies. Wow. I love these movies (and books, but I haven’t found a whole lot of them). Something about wiping away most of the world’s population, and a rag-tag band of heroes are suddenly thrown into a harsh world where the only the strong survive, where everything they took for granted is GONE, BABY GONE really gets my blood going. Don’t know why. And it doesn’t matter how terrible the move is either, I will still watch it. And yes, Zombie movies fall into this category for me.
Examples: Movies: The Day After Tomorrow, Deep Impact, Doomsday, Mad Max Trilogy, Waterworld
Books: The Stand by Stephen King, Cell by Stephen King, The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks
2. 80’s Hair band. I love them. I don’t know why, but every time a hair metal song comes on, I just feel the urge to jump up and sing, even if I am in the grocery store. I LOVE Journey, which may or may not be considered a hair band, but I enjoy even the really cheesy bands. I think it’s the melodrama in the songs…let’s not read too much into what that says about my character, okay? ‘Kay.
Example: Def Leopard (I love all of their songs), Every Rose Has It’s Torn by Poison, Here I Go Again on My Own by Whitesnake, Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung, Tarzan Boy by Balitmora, To Be With You by Mr. Big, Radar Love by Golden Earring, Van Halen, Reo Speedwagon (OHHH, especially the Power ballads! I love me some power ballads!)
Disclaimer: While some bands made music during the 80’s, like Meat Load, they were not just popular during the 80’s, so that’s why some awesome bands aren’t on this list.
3. Pop music. Sorta goes with the 80’s music, but it’s different (and shameful enough) to get it’s own space. Now, if you love pop music, please don’t think I am making fun of you, because I am not. After all, I LOVE pop music, but there are some songs that could be…a little deeper, shall we say. Even the really repetitious pop songs don’t bother me. I like Lady Gaga, and grew up on the boy bands so I love most of those, girl bands, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, yes, there’s even a few Miley Cyrus songs I like. I just love the happy, upbeat nature of most pop songs. I don’t like EVERY pop song, but I like enough of them. Let’s just say I listen to a little bit of everything, for reals: Abba, Disturbed, Def Leopard, Hanson, David Garret, Beethoven, Sarah Brightman, Guns and Roses, and VNV nation are all in my itunes, and loads more.
4. I love to smell and touch my books. I love lining them on the shelf and just run my fingers tips over the spines, breathing in the scent of reading. This brings me great joy; I don’t know why. Especially buying a new book! I love going through the book store, pursing through the aisles, selecting a book (or two), and bringing my finds up to the cashier like a new mom.
5. Blades of Glory. Yes, that comedy with Will Farell and Jon Heder in it, about male figure skaters. Normally, I don’t find movies of the stupid-silly variety funny. It’s just me, you may think they are hilarious. So when it came time to clean the house, I needed a movie to pop in, one that I didn’t have to pay a lot of attention to. It’s mostly a distraction against the utter mindless boredom that which is cleaning. So! I put the movie in (borrowed from my little brother, who LOVES movies like that), and was surprised as to how hard I am laughing. Maybe it’s because I was expecting the movie to suck. Maybe it’s because I was under loads of stress and needed something bright and shiny to take my mind off things. For whatever reason, I really find this movie hysterical, and not just a scene or two. My favorite parts are when Jon Heder has to eat the dirty (not used-dirty, dirty from trash and stuff) toilet paper (so gross it went right past my gag reflex and straight to my funny bone), and when Will Farell says he could never love a human baby more than his horse hair brush. Good times, good times.

Honorary Mention: CHOCOLATE!!!
I was going to include chocolate, but I don’t feel guilty for loving it, so…