Monday's Muse~Artist Matt Stawicki

This picture popped up while I was searching for something else entirely and it spoke to me in a very powerful way. The artist is Matt Stawicki and I think the painting is called Heartwood.  It seemed to express visually exactly what was going on with my the main character in my new novel. My protagonist is a teenager weighed down by his desire to make the world a safer place and yet is unsure of whether or not he's worthy of the task. I have a feeling this picture will inspire me through the entire novel.

This character is so much fun to write! I'm having a blast with this book. He's different from any protagonist I've ever had. There's a devil may care attitude to him that makes me smile every time this book comes up in conversation with anyone. If you've never written a novel with a protagonist that makes you smile like that, I highly recommend it.

For the first time I've actually put together a play list on my MP3 player for my novel! I can't believe I've never done this before! I'm loving it. Whenever I write now I put my earphones in and it's as though I have my own soundtrack. Love it! Here's a link to a teaser of the first song on my playlist Reign of Fire by Armored Saint: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018KI4R2/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk1 A word of warning, while completely PG, it isn't for the faint of heart, but then neither is my protagonist! 
 
Do you have any favorite music to listen to as you write? Is there one song or artist that makes you think of your book or protagonist?

Comments

  1. Isn't it great when you really connect with a character like that? I had this one song that made me think of a particular manuscript that's out right now. I almost feel silly, but it was You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift and the gender roles would have to be reversed, but otherwise it belonged to one of my favorite characters. :)

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  2. I find I listen to music when I'm in the groove and everything's flowing. When I'm struggling through some plot point, I need silence. As to what I listen too, it varies a lot. For instance, I had a chapter set in Iceland a while back and found listening to Sigur Ros helped ...

    Love the Armoured Saint through - very early 90's metal!

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  3. Wow! That's some powerful art. I love the ties between writing and other art forms. Amazing how we all inspire each other.

    You might like
    this particular gallery
    on Deviant art. Good, inspiring stuff for fantasy writers. The Persephone piece and the Seven Deadly Sins series are my favorites.

    The band Rise Against has been my go-to for my current novel. Every novel seems to have a band that speaks to me while I'm writing it, so I know what you mean there.

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  4. It is very 90's metal isn't it Simon?! LOL! When I'm struggling I put on a soundtrack of just instrumental. It helps a lot! Silence works sometimes but most of the time it just drives me crazy!

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  5. It is amazing Lisa. I've always loved my characters but this one is different. He's kind of wild and funny and I love that. And hey, Taylor Swift is a great singer, she inspires me all the time!

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  6. It is amazing how the different art forms inspire one another Kristy! I will definitely check out the link to Deviant Art, thanks for posting it! Interesting how each novel has a differnt type of music or group isn't it? Mine are the same way!

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  7. Great pic, it is very powerful.

    An artist I love to listen to while writing is Utada Hikaru: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RefdhRjRSM This link is a youtube recording of the English version of the song Simple and Clean, a favorite of mine that the artist sings. The first few seconds she talks about the song, you can skip that.

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  8. Thanks Lindsey, it affected me strongly that's for sure! Love the link by the way!

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  9. Awesome art! Is it a book cover? Because if it isn't, it should be!

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  10. It's beautiful artwork. A male protag, eh? I've always wanted to try one :-) I like classical and opera when I'm writing and editing, because I don't get too distracted and sing along!

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  11. It's great you found an image to inspire you. I haven't run across one yet for my wip, but I do have a carefully collected mp3 playlist with songs to capture the feel of different characters, the story as a whole, and certain scenes. Even if I haven't written the section yet, I see it every time the song plays and it motivates me to keep writing 'til I get there.

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  12. Heather, I love your muses! They're so inspiring. And... I do listen to music when I write. It depends what I'm writing as to what I listen to. George Winston is really emotional for me for some reason. If I'm writing an erotic scene... the jazzy, sultry music comes out. If I'm in a fun mood... maybe country western. My villian... he is all about Shakira. Oh..and... I love Taylor Swift too!

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  13. Hmmm...so honestly I've never used a picture or music to motivate my muse. I'm thinking I should try this.

    You're always so full of good ideas!

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  14. Music and writing is a beautiful combo. I usually create Pandora stations for my manuscripts. My current main character is a huge Regina Spektor fan. Love this post and how you're main character makes you smile!

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  15. It should be a cover shouldn't it Karen? If it isn't then there's hope someday it could be MY cover... ;)

    Classical & oprah so you don't sing along, great idea Portia! And I've got to tell you, writing a male protag was a LOT easier than I thought it would be. Though I do ask my other half a lot of questions!

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  16. Lorel I love the idea of different songs to catch the feel of different characters. I'm going to try that, thanks!

    I know what you mean Karlene, from book to book I listen to vastly different music. It's a fun way to get into the mood for the character!

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  17. You should definitely try it Olleymae it has added so much to my writing!

    Thanks Samantha, I'm really loving this new protagonist!

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