I’ve had lots of fun so far – THANK YOU for that!
So we’ve covered the visual side of things, now I’m going to delve into the musical side of things. For me, I think of writing my books almost like I was making a movie. That’s why I use images and music… I mean, you have to have an amazing soundtrack for a film, right? For me, the movie is a deal breaker. I honestly get distracted if the music doesn’t fit or if I just can’t stand it. Or is it just me?
I admit – I can be a little… eccentric. *shrug*
Here’s another excerpt for you. A favor this time. Read it. Then read it again while playing the song link below… Just curious to know if there was a difference in your reading exeperience of not… For those of you that read Medusa, A Love Story – this excerpt might get to you – sorry!!!
Excerpt:
She gasped. Within the clouds, pockets of red and orange leapt and fell. Fire. She glanced at Hades, looking for reassurance. But he stood, staring into the fields before them. His hands gripped the stone of the balcony, his stance at the ready.
But ready for what? She moved to his side, growing ever concerned by the roar of the wind, the flashes of strange fire and lightening. His attention did not waver. She shielded her face from the winds and followed his gaze. The fields were empty, save one.
A man stood, peering up.
Another tremor shook them. But Persephone’s eyes remained fixed upon the man. The sky snapped, thunder boomed, and a large hole appeared at his feet. He slipped, one foot sliding forward, before he jumped back from the edge. It gaped angrily, casting a red glow on the grasses lining the sudden gash.
Persephone moved forward, gripping the railing of the banister at Hades’ side. Fire rose from below, lightening forced from above, both caught in the spiraling winds. The man braced himself as the gust of fire wrapped and twisted about him. Orange flames seared, lightening licked and pricked, yet he did not move. The wind picked up, the flames rising with it. His wheaten curls lifted and fell, but the billowing folds of his exomie burned away. And still his gaze remained constant on the clouds above.
The clouds split, unleashing ice and rain upon him.
“Why does he not seek shelter?” she whispered, vaguely aware that Hades stood beside her.
His voice was low. “He is waiting.”
“For what?”
But Persephone saw her then. A woman fell, tumbling from the angry black clouds. Skeins of long honey hair streamed up, shielding her face from view. The man in the field leaned forward, teetering precariously on the edge of the open hole. His feet and legs were red, slipping closer to the entrance. His every muscle tightened, readying.
The wind fell still.
She gripped Hades’ arm. “He will fall…”
“They will not.” Hades lifted his hand, his fingers rippling slowly, forcefully, pulling towards himself in one undulating wave.
A sudden gust caught the woman, casting her safely into the man’s arms. Hades scooped his hand sharply, pulling his arm towards his chest. The wind echoed his motion, lifting and carrying the pair far from the gaping hole. Hades exhaled. His hand opened, falling back to the railing, and releasing the couple upon the thick grasses of Asphodel.
The sky cleared, the clouds rolling back with a startling speed. The roaring wind softened. And the hole vanished, leaving the field whole, its grasses waving calmly in the ever present breeze.
But Persephone could not tear her eyes from the couple. The man sat up, cradling the woman with an almost reverent tenderness. He swept the hair from the woman’s face, cupping her cheek. His smile was blinding as he pulled her limp form to him.
“This is him? Ariston?” Persephone did not care that tears rolled down her cheek.
“It is.” Hades’ voice was husky.
Ariston was gazing at the woman, speaking to her. The woman moved then, touching his lips and stroking his cheek. She pressed her lips to Ariston’s, wrapping her arms about him fiercely.
Persephone turned from them, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “Such a bittersweet reunion.”
“There is no sadness there,” he murmured. “There is only joy.”
She looked back to find the pair. The woman stood, pulling Ariston up. She wrapped her arms about him and leaned into him as he kissed her soundly. Persephone heard the woman laugh, and smiled as the two headed to the shore. A boat waited.
“Elysium?” she asked, turning her still wet eyes to him.
He barely glanced at her as he made his way back inside the hall. “Yes.”
This song actually inspired this scene – when I wrote if for the book Medusa, A Love Story. This one as well. I rarely listen to songs with lyrics when I’m writing the Olympus books… Anyway, When Hades story came about – it was an equally important scene. But you’ll have to read Hades to learn why exactly…
Let me know – did you like the songs? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to them. When I hear them now, they instantly take me to that scene.
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Beside sharing your thoughts on the songs I’ve shared, I’d love to know if there’s a song or soundtrack that really gets to you! So share away!
And thank you!!! *HUGS*
Over to Jean!
Tags: For the Love of Hades, Jean Murray, Loves of Olympus, Lynn Rush, Medusa A Love Story, Soul Awakened, Tainted, Wasteland
Both songs were beautiful and a bit haunting. Though they added absolutely nothing to the reading for me. BUT, that’s because of how I read. I have a strong ability to tune out all outside noises when I read. I’m the one with head bent over a book in a busy waiting room, airport, classroom, restaurant, etc… and nothing penetrates. Such an ingrained habit that I found it next to impossible to put the two together in my brain.
It’s the same reason why I’m always a bit baffled when people ask me about my writing playlist. For the longest time I never thought to write to music just because it would never register through my focus on the story. And then if it’s good music, it seemed like a built in distraction method (just stop and have a listen for a minute or sixty). Tried it a few times, and either it’s too distracting for me, or I’m through ten songs before I realize I have NO clue what I listened to.
I can see, however, how the songs inspired you here with the scene. Looking at each separately I could definitely feel a shared vibe between the two, so the choices really were quite appropriate.
Those songs actually reminded me of a song called Space Dye Vest by Dream Theater, which is a song I loved years and years ago and then completely forgot about. Found it on Youtube and enjoyed listening again so I thank you for that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O4_C68PmFI
Other songs that hold meaning for me, The Sound of Pulling Heaven Down and 18th Floor Balcony both by Blue October. And countless others, but those two jumped to mind first and I’ve already been long-winded enough as it is lol
I don’t always write to music, mostly because when I read, I too tune everything else out. Some of the music that inspires the most emotion actually comes from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, primarily the soundtrack to the Return of the King (although I can think of a track or two from Fellowship and Two Towers that pack a punch).
I did enjoy listening to your musical inspiration while re-reading the excerpt, however. I can see how they inspired you.
Very cool this post. I am off to listen to the music.
Thank you for sharing sweetie
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Cool songs to choose.
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Kinda sad – but I guess it goes with the book theme.
Thank you for sharing and all the fun!
I love music! Great songs listed.
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As for the songs, I tend to get distracted when I am reading if there is music on. I love these songs though. The Medusa one definitely made it harder for me to read. It might also be because I had the speakers turned up kind of loud. A bit haunting and a bit ethereal. I don’t know if it actually changed my opinion as I was reading the excerpt though. As far as soundtracks that really get to me I would have to say The Purple Rain soundtrack gets to me because I have listened to it about a billion times. The other soundtrack I love is Grease because who doesn’t love that soundtrack. The Dark Knight rises is a pretty amazing soundtrack too.
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