Musical Inspiration
If you get stuck, why not pull out some records you haven't listened to in a while? (The longer it's been, the better.)
I often draw inspiration from a song. In fact, my novella Howl was inspired by a song of the same title.
I heard it and — there it was. Right there. Technicolor, 3D, HD, Surround Sound Stereo.
It took a week to write. I was on fire and couldn't stop. Late nights, early mornings… the words just poured out of my fingers. Another week to submit – and be accepted.
Sometimes it just happens. 
All that from hearing a song.
There are some other songs that will always get my creative juices flowing. Always. Without fail. I can sit there, earphones on, eyes closed… and the images just flow. I build on them, and usually get a scene into my head. I don't always use it, but it's there, ready for the taking.
If you have songs like that, cherish them. Keep them handy for those dry spells.
I listen to a lot of instrumental stuff when I write. Anything. I don't listen to the words anyway when I write. It's just background noise. Instrumental, whether it's classical or modern, soft and mellow or screaming rock guitars, it doesn't matter. Whatever floats your boat.
The mood of the music is what gets me thinking, not the words. (Well, sometimes the words, too. But while I write, lyrics don't register.)
Many writers make soundtracks for their stories – but how many of you use songs to find the story in the first place?
For me, what I listen to while I write is only mood music, not a soundtrack as such. I don't "designate" songs to a story. I'm way too fickle, and if I like a particular song, it'll be on repeat for the next 79 hours or so. (Much to my SO's despair lol)
It gets me going. It changes my mood. Sure, when I write sad stuff, I don't have "Happy happy fun fun" songs playing, nor do I play things that make you want to jump off a bridge, when I write action scenes. I could switch it round… Now there's a thought… I wonder what would happen. 
Look around you, listen.
Listen to everything, not just songs. Listen to the sound of the wind in the trees, the pelting rain against the window, the rumble of thunder. The neighbors barking dog may annoy you — but the barking might jog your mind. Ask yourself "What if this dog drove my heroine crazy? What if it were the first thing she hears when she wakes up, and the last thing before she puts a pillow over her head at night to drown it out?"
See? There's a story there, and you didn't even have to look far.
There are many sounds you can use for inspiration, but you have to consciously seek them out — and use them.
get inspired by music, too. For me, it's usually the lyrics. I hear them and can write out a good outline in a matter of minutes. But as far as writing goes, I'm better of without the music, because I tend to get distracted.
LOL
Penny Dune(Quote) (Reply)