Blogger: Etta Wilson
Location: Books & Such Nashville office
Weather: 70 and Sunny
I love living in Music City USA! The musical options here just get more exciting all the time. Last week I heard Brahms’ Symphony #3 played by the Nashville Symphony in our new, acoustically superb concert hall. Over the weekend, the Nashville Blues festival took place. On Tuesday night, Gretchen Wilson, Charlie Daniels, Amy Grant, and others appeared in a special live presentation honoring our military troops. On Friday night I plan to hear Wynton Marsalis in a jazz concert, and next Sunday there’s an organ concert of note.
I suspect this local scene, which seems to get bigger each season, is being played out in many cities. The TV ratings of American Idol give some hint about the dominant role of music in today’s culture.
This plethora of music may be medicine for our spirits during the recession. When we can’t do a lot of things we’d planned to do, we can sing or strum a tune to pick up our spirits a bit. And for us writers, we can capitalize on the love of music with musical trivia or full-blown musical themes and music-loving characters. I think that’s what Hollywood screenwriters did right after World War II when they produced all the great musicals and gave us stars like Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Who is your favorite musical character, either in books or in film? I don’t think we’ve had many recently, but we sure do need them. Have you included any in your writing? Do your characters have favorite songs or hymns? I’d like to hear.
And did I mention that my husband just bought a guitar? Watch for us on American Idol!
Why didn’t I think of this? Music is such a part of who we are, it should certainly be a part of our writing. You have given me a whole new realm to explore. Thank you!
I think Tevya is my favorite musical character, although I don’t believe he was musical at all in the short stories.
Definitely Maria in “The Sound of Music.” But I loved all the family, and most especially the parting song of “Edelweiss”, (Had to look up on the net to find the correct spelling.)My sister played the piano and we sang it all the time.
I love the idea of puting music in your writing. Have never thought of doing so. Thanks, Etta. Been to Nashville once. My daughter lived there and my sister and I went down to drive home with her. Got to meet Crystal Gayle and go to the Grand Ole Opery. Wonderful visit!
Wanda Rosseland
In my second novel (The Famous One) the protagonist gets “discovered” singing a blues song in a bar. A female character writes music and plays the piano besides acting.
I’m not a fan of musicals on film, but I appreciate the skills to produce a musical.
My ninth novel features a man created from the image of the old rock ‘n’ roll tune “Heard It in a Love Song” by the Marshall Tucker Band.
Wanda, when I was an adolescent on car trips, my younger sister, brother and I would sing our way through the entire Sound of Music album, including the overture!
Didn’t Edith Pargeter use musical themes to the chapters of one of her mysteries? Or was that Mary Stuart?
Music has been working its way into the corners of my current WIP, including a chapter about Twelfth Night that will probably need a lot of editing. I think I was having too much fun with my research!
Wanda, I almost mentioned “Sound of Music” in my blog, but I couldn’t remember whether I’d seen it six times or seven! Come back to see us in Music City anytime.
Nicole, you’re way ahead of most of us. Keep going! I think “Crazy Heart” indicates the strength of music in these times.
Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is an annual favorite at our house. We love the old musicals!
As for music in books, Pa Ingalls’ fiddle came to mind first. It was probably the inspiration for a significant minor character in my first story, who pours his heart out through his violin.