When writing, I sometimes prefer the quiet. It affords the opportunity to “hear” the characters as they speak to me or to imagine the setting for the story. However, sometimes, as I am doing now, I turn on YouTube, a channel from Sirius or an FM station, my playlist from Apple or Spotify, and allow the music to flow over me and inspire my writing. Depending on the story, the mood needed, or my own muse, I select the genre for the music.

I borrowed ideas from the lyrics of “Every Breath You Take” by The Police for the suspense in my paranormal book Angels Among Us where the antagonist, a wealthy scoundrel involved in the murder mystery, is stalking the protagonist, a stained glass artisan with psychic abilities who is guided by her guardian angel, someone who also is watching out for her.

Classical Spanish music including the piece Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo inspired a feeling for the steamy romance of reincarnated lovers in Mexico in my to be re-released Sacred Fires.

Of course, you have to take care not to plagiarize songs, but using phrases and giving credit to the artists is important.

Since my tastes in music run from classical to reggae, I can have fun with finding inspiration from a variety of sources. There is often music of some kind in the background for the story, be it a scene where characters are dining together or dancing, there is music.

So, if you are writing and looking for inspiration, try turning on and tuning into music.