Music moves us. In recent blogs, I’ve discussed different categories of music and song, addressing the emotional highs of a love song and the tension in a breakup song, as well as the call-to-action urgency of a message song.
My novel series is infused with music and songs influencing a character’s reaction or mood in many scenes. The types of music my characters listen to also reflects a bit of who they are as ‘people.’ The ‘soundtracks’ of my books is as much an integral part of my stories as the plot and setting.
So, what’s the story behind the music and song in my stories? Here’s a brief look …
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- Dr. Naomi Alexander. As part of her character makeup, Naomi enjoys a wide range of music genres but has particular preference for classical music. From the Bach composers to Vivaldi, she often listens to concertos while pondering a patient’s case. Naomi listens to a good deal of spiritual music, too, but when she’s in the mood for snapping her fingers on a different tip, she likes the older stuff.
- Like Sweet Buttermilk. This work is a love-story revisited with a marriage under strain and a deadly attempt to get things back on track. Part of this couple’s history is their affinity for classic Soul and R&B from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, so quite a bit of the soundtrack features this music. As part of their character profiles, Rick is an EWF fan, while Viv loves her some Phyllis Hyman. As expected, a love song or two is key to the story line. And, as most couples do, Rick and Viv Phillips have ‘their’ song: a classic by L.T.D. This song ‘plays’ at pivotal and/or poignant moments in the story. Key song example for LSB: “Stay in My Corner” (the Dells).
- Obscure Boundaries. We have grieving and familial jeopardy going on in this work as the Winthrop family reels in aftermath of losing wife/mother, Julia Winthrop. Grief over the loss of a loved one tends to lend itself to pondering spiritual matters. For the familial jeopardy, the story also includes an ‘evil’ stepmother with heavy ‘religious’ leanings, so OB has its share of spirituality-based message music. There are a few love songs in the soundtrack, but these simply demonstrate the extent of Jeff Winthrop’s longing for his dead wife. Key song example for OB: “Respect Yourself” (the Staple Singers).
- Broken Benevolence. With plots and subplots weaving this story together, the music soundtrack for this work is extensive. While Oscar is too ornery and preoccupied with plans and schemes to be bothered with the joys of music, Cecily copes with a lot of her stresses by listening to music fitting her mood. As part of her character profile, Cecily loves Nina Simone. Book three has love songs, breakup songs, message songs, Celtic music, gospel music, and, since Naomi is working a case, there are samples of classical music. A major part of the story takes place during a charity ball, so also included are numerous R&B oldies, with a few more recent hits representing the younger generations. Key song example for BB: “Boogie Shoes” (K.C. and the Sunshine Band).
And there you have it. Sort of.
Blogging about it is one thing, but this is really more of a ‘you had to read-and-be there’ type of book-lover thing. Dr. Naomi Alexander and the gang definitely have their interplay with music, such that the stories lose something without it.
Here’s to a good novel soundtrack.
