Guest post: Roberta Blablanski on how music inspires writing
I've been social-media friends with writer Roberta Blablanski for years, and lately, since we both had new m/m books released, we got up the idea to write guest posts for each other on how music has influenced and inspired our writing. My post for Roberta is over at her blog, and now I'm delighted to host her post here!
Take it away, Roberta!
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Ever hear a song for the first time that immediately gives you all the feels? A story builds in your head of two lovers coming together for the first time, or someone grieving for a love they can’t have. Longing and heartbreak, lust and love. Most of us can identify with those emotions, and the perfect combination of lyrics, melody, and crooning have the potential to make us feel as though we are experiencing what a song is conveying.
Music is part of my writing process. At times when I find myself stuck with writer’s block, the right song will pop up on my playlist, helping me tap into the emotions of my characters. Writing some of the more angsty scenes of Addiction was challenging for me as someone who has not personally experienced drug addiction. I created a playlist that mirrored the emotions my characters were experiencing-denial, helplessness, frustration, hope.
I also use music as a refresher or palate cleanser. Writing particularly difficult scenes can be draining. Putting on something upbeat, fun, or lighthearted gives me a more positive frame of mind. Too often I find myself becoming too absorbed into my writing and having an outlet for bringing myself back to reality-and a reminder that I’m not actually living the life of my characters-is necessary.
Addiction can destroy your life. But if you destroy addiction, can you get your life back?
At twenty-eight, Owen Fredrikson is homeless, unemployed, and grappling with drug addiction. Before he let drugs take over his life, he had a pretty sweet job working the front desk of a fancy hotel, his boss was his best friend, and he had a loving fiancé.
After three years together, thirty-three-year-old middle school math teacher Dex Atterbury could no longer ignore Owen’s demons. Dex made the tough decision to part ways, leaving Owen destitute and Dex heartbroken. When tragedy befalls Owen and Dex is called to his side, Owen has some tough decisions to make. Both men must determine how far they are willing to go to rebuild the life they once shared.
Can Owen conquer his addiction while facing his demons? And can Dex open his heart and trust Owen again?
Content Warnings:
Depictions of drug addiction, drug use and abuse, and drug withdrawal
Scenes of violence
Universal Buy Link: getbook.at/AddictionRB
Find Roberta at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roberta.blablanski.7
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RobertasRamblings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Roberta_Blab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertablablanski
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18590798
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/roberta-blablanski
Website: http://www.robertasramblings.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ghniBf
Roberta Blablanski hails from The Big Easy: New Orleans, Louisiana. She draws inspiration from her colorful hometown and her former life as a college radio DJ. When she isn’t writing, she spends her days searching for the world’s best Bloody Mary and avoiding people she went to high school with. Her normal habitat is curled up in bed with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Roberta developed a love of books at an early age, spending her summers at the library. Years later, after watching the American version of the television show Queer as Folk, she began searching for books featuring queer characters finding love. Most recently, she began writing queer love stories of her own, drawing from her own personal experiences and creating characters and story lines as vibrant as her ever-changing hair color.