Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Writing 2 Music

It's the holiday season. What does that mean?  The malls are busy. The roads are busy. People are super busy, including me! When I finally got my finals taken at the end of the semester I was excited that I would actually get time to write. HA! Let's just say that not an 'i' has been dotted nor a 't' crossed since November. I was feeling pretty bummed until a few days ago when I was listening to a hard core instrumental Christmas CD and got an idea. I thought to myself, 'Hmm, what if I wrote a story where each chapter was based on a song from this CD?'
I don't know if this is a real technique or if I just made it up, but either way, it's been pretty fun for me.
Music with Wings
I would encourage you to try it as you are enjoying your festive music this season.
Choose an album that's pretty classical with minimal singing. You could use a movie soundtrack (Hans Zimmer is awesome) or something with no definite story behind it (check out Escala - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM5g4i7VjDE). But the key is to write your actions according to the rises and falls of the music.
Just play around with some songs and see what you get. Trust me, it's a good way to get your creativity going... now if you'll excuse me, I'm heading to write. 

Your Gateway

Monica leaned against the window and gently pressed her cheek on its icy surface. She stared out into the cold night, watching lonely snow flakes drift to the ground. She imagined for the hundredth time that she would see him running through the snow towards the restaurant. He would see her and smile and at that moment her heart would melt. But there was no one there. The night was silent and still. When the waitress walked by Monica sat up straight. The woman glanced at the empty seat across from her, then smiled half-heartedly and kept walking. Monica pushed her menu away and rested her arms on the crisp white table-cloth. She fought back the tears that shrouded her vision; he wasn't coming. 
The first paragraph of your story is the most important. While reading this paragraph, your readers will decide mentally whether they want to keep reading or not. Your goal is to draw the reader into your world; make them relate to your situation. Explaining background isn't necessary yet, just start and let the reader figure out what's going on. Show, don't tell. Put them into the action.
Consider:
Amy walked into the train station. She was going to take the 2:30 train to Baltimore to see her parents. She was almost late. The line at the ticket desk was long. She looked at her watch. It was 2:25. The next train wouldn't arrive for another three hours. She had told her parents in her letter that she would be on the 2:30 train. She couldn't be late. 
Versus:
Amy shifted on her feet and peered down the long line to the ticket counter. She sighed when she looked at her watch; it was already 2:25. She had only five minutes to get her ticket. Frustrated, she dropped her worn carpet bag on the bench beside her and pulled out her mom's letter. "It was so good to hear from you. We are doing fine. Your father has been busy bringing in the harvest. We weren't able to hire help this year, so it has been hard for him. However, he said that the drive to the station isn't very far and we would love to come pick you up." Amy peered up at the schedule that was scrawled across a chalkboard hanging above the counter. If she missed this train, the next one wouldn't leave for Baltimore for another three hours. She couldn't make them wait on her. Not again. 
Your first paragraph is the gateway to the rest of your chapter. Make your readers want to run through it.