The Power of Music for Writers

These past few weeks I have been using every spare minute of every single day to work on the revise process of my novel. Yep, when you finish the long process of writing a book, landing an agent, editing the book with said agent, and then finally sell it–wee!–you then roll up your sleeves and start a new layer of work on the book. It’s a long process, and not for the faint of heart. But, P.S. I kind of love it! I’ve watched as this book has grown from a little seed of an idea, to a little green shoot, to a bud, and now, thanks to the keen eye of my editor at Penguin, Denise, it is growing into a big beautiful in-bloom flower. (At least, that is our hope!)

As some of you know, my book tells two stories: that of a modern-day woman, and a woman in the year of 1943. As I’ve been living with these characters (really, they’re like old friends), I’ve come to rely on some favorite music to fuel my writing and imagination. And, I can’t tell you how powerful music has been to me as I write, and now, revise. Particularly, for this book, the old songs of the past–the songs my grandparents listened to–and some truly amazing, jazz music as well as modern-day faves, have gotten me in the place I need to be to write well. Here’s my The Violets of March playlist (in random order):

Toshiko–Jessica Williams

Body and Soul–Billie Holiday

It Never Entered My Mind–Miles Davis

Kissed by Nature–Eliane Elias

The Waters of March–Susanna McCorkle

Make Peace–Brad Mehldau & Pat Metheny

Moonlight Serenade–Glen Miller Orchestra

My Friend, John–Bob Florence

Red Is the Rose–Lynne Arriale Trio

Until–Connie Evingson

What Sarah Said–Death Cab for Cutie

When I Fall in Love–Nat King Cole

Where I Stood–Missy Higgins

You Go to My Head–Billie Holiday

Tea for Two–Blossom Dearie