Writing Challenge #3: Music, Sweet Music

Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.—Plato

If music be the food of love, play on.—Wiliam Shakespeare

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.—Victor Hugo

Music makes the world go round.  Whether you like rock or country, One Direction or the Beatles, heavy metal or musicals, chances are you listen to a lot of it. You may have even written a poem or story inspired by a song.  You may have even tried your hand at writing your own music and lyrics.  It’s worth remembering as you write that music can also have a huge impact on your characters.

This week’s prompts encourage you to incorporate music into your writing in a could different ways.  As always, let me know if you try these or you have any other comments!

1. Put your iTunes on shuffle and write down the first line of each song. Now use all five in a poem or story.
2. “You’re so vain, I bet you think this song is about you…” –Carly Simon
   Write about someone who finds out that a well-known song was in fact written about them.
3. Write a song from the point of view of one of your characters or inspired by something you’ve written.
4. Pick three songs: one you love, one you can’t stand, and one that’s a guilty pleasure. Incorporate a line from each song into a poem or story.
5. Listen to music in a language you are not familiar with. Without looking up translated words, write a story/poem based on what the music makes you feel.