Writers often get asked what triggers their story ideas. It can be a lot of different things: the news, movies, television shows, overheard discussions, etc. It’s really anything that strikes a chord. It has resonance inside, whether it’s a scene that’s pictured in the writer’s head or even just a mood they feel. That’s what happened to me this past weekend. I was driving home from the Save the Cat workshop and trying to work through some issues I’ve been having with Roxie’s story. That’s when a song came on the radio.
It was Emeli Sande’s My Kind of Love. Oh My God. I’d never heard it before, but the mood it gave off was perfect for what I’m trying to do with Roxie’s book. Plot is important and characters are key, but if I can hit the chord that song was giving off, that story would fly. Suddenly my worries faded. I just need to keep that mood in mind as I’m writing. And probably play the song a million times. If I come even close, I’ll be happy. Because that song is so passionate.
I’ve been inspired by songs before, but I’m curious if readers can see/feel that inspiration in my stories. So I’ll share a bit. Let me know what you think. Do you see any links between these?
Hit the Ground Running by Jonny Lang …. inspired my novella Wanted in Red’s Sage’s Secrets Volume 9
Savin’ Me by Nickelback … inspired Solace in Scandal