Anthony Neilson is a Scottish writer and actor, and I love a quote attributed to him about the power of music, especially for storytellers:
Listen to music to find a way into the story you’re telling. Music is incredibly evocative: find the right piece that reflects the world you’re writing about, and you’re halfway there.
Gosh. Truth right there. In the piece I’m working on, my “Project” with a capital “P”, music holds a place in the story in a subtle way. References to the Carpenters “Close to You”, Simon and Garfunkel’s iconic “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock”. Pop music fans…can you guess the time frame the story’s set in? Guess the year?
When my friend Melanie McGauran shared her recent blog post about a poignant moment during her first semester of college, her reference to Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks’ “Whenever I Call You Friend” whooshed me back in time. Instantaneously.
And then the wondering began as I thought about Neilson’s quote as encouragement for writers, considering how important the soundtrack of my life has been in all facets of my world. Music is a welcome companion, often riding along with me – silently – until synchronicity or inspiration strike, threading moments together thanks to melody and song. Until time travel becomes an actual thing (and physicist friends, I’m still waiting), music is the best form of interstellar transport.
After I mulled Melanie’s post, I thought about many of my favorite books and the power music wields to set the tone of time and place and mood. Oh, my goodness. Mood. Whether referenced in passing – a tune as a background character or as a featured player – music matters in writing and in living. Neilson nailed it.
Music is evocative.
I know I’m not alone in my observation. Whether we’re engaged in the craft of writing or we’re winding our way through challenging days, music can be helpful and therapeutic…just pick the style and genre that works for you.
The benefits from a health and wellness perspective are well-chronicled. Impromptu dance parties or gentle toe-tapping can provide relief…perspective. If only for a moment, so we might catch our breath.
I thought about fellow bloggers who are either musicians or afficionados; talented writers who include references to music in their posts and essays. I’m grateful and overdue in saying so. Thank you!
-Vicki 😊
P.S. Melanie’s story? The one I mentioned above? It’s the subject of this week’s Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast – dropping tomorrow. You’ll love it!
Music Therapy: Types & Benefits
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.
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Victoria Ponders 
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