Some
authors put together playlists for each book, carefully adding songs
that set the right mood for the story and they listen to nothing else
while they write it. I was never that particular, until I started
writing my 2016 NaNoWriMo novel. Unlike most of my books, I had a
vague idea of characters and plot before I started. I had the names
of the three main characters: Flynn Chancellor, Pia Donovan and Yancy
Frederick. I knew they would be living in an old, run down building
awaiting repairs. I knew that Flynn would be an artist, Pia a
musician and Yancy a business major—all three in college working on
advanced degrees. That's far more than I usually approach a novel
with.
Another
difference, I had a few songs I had to start each writing session
with. The rest that followed didn't matter that much, but I had to
have Harlem
Nocturne –
Duke Ellington, Bang
Bang –
Kaleo's cover of the classic Cher song, Seen
It All Before and Arms
of a Woman –
Amos Lee and Can't
Go on Without You –
also by Kaleo. Those five songs, that order—no deviation, or the
words wouldn't flow. Not something I'd ever experienced before as an
author. I have to admit, I think this playlist produced one of my
best books ever! Below is an excerpt for you from So
Much It Hurts,
my 2016 NaNoWriMo novel, and newest publication.
Exactly
thirty minutes later, she was dressed and heading to the door, when
someone knocked. It was Flynn and he had a friend with him.
"Pia
Donovan, my completely undeserving roommate is tagging along. I hope
you don't mind."
"Not
at all. Pleased to meet you—" She waited for one of them to
supply a name.
"Yancy
Fredrick. I hear you're a musician." He held out his hand,
grinning.
"Yes.
What do you study?" She closed and locked her door.
"He's
a sellout," Flynn remarked as he opened the elevator door.
"Business major."
"Someone
has to write the checks," Pia said.
Yancy
flashed her another grin. He wasn't as tall as Flynn, but more
solidly build—all muscle, if she didn't miss her bet. Where Flynn
looked like a swimmer, Yancy was built more like a rugby player. His
russet hair was full and curly, though he tried to tame it with hair
gel. His eyes were vivid blue and he was, for lack of a better word,
gorgeous.
Flynn
was no slouch, but he didn't have the style of his roommate. Dressed
in chinos and a Polo shirt, Yancy carried off the prep look with
flair. Flynn was dressed in another pair of faded, baggy pants, this
time brown, an oatmeal colored shirt clung to his lean, but muscular
frame, and had on another pair of suspenders. These were dark red and
blue stripes. The Fedora had been replaced with a coordinating red
and brown roadster cap.
"We
decided Thai?" Yancy asked as they rode downstairs.
"If
that appeals," Flynn replied. "There's also Italian,
Mexican, or a Mongolian grill."
"That's
a fun place," Yancy replied. "The guy has a big steel drum
on his food truck and goes all over the city. He's not there tonight,
dude. That's Thursday."
"You
are correct. Pia, what sounds good?"
"I'm
actually in the mood for Thai," she said with a grin. "I'm
real picky about Mexican. I'm half."
"Do
you cook?" Yancy asked.
"I
do. Why?" Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"Because
we get tired of eating out. If we pitch in on ingredients and assist
in the kitchen, will you cook?"
"I'd
love to."
"Sweet.
You don't mind cooking for a crowd, do you? Because when word gets
out...."
"Not
at all. Dad runs a restaurant back home. I've worked there since I
was ten. I can make a vat of chili that will put hair on your chest."
"As
long as it doesn't put hair on my ass," Flynn said, shoving the
elevator open. "I don't like waxing."
Pia
snorted. Yancy leaned over, speaking in a stage whisper. "Flynn
hasn't reached puberty yet. His ass is hairless as a baby's butt."
Flynn
reached around and rapped him on top of the head. "At least I
don't have back hair."
"I
don't have back hair."
"Seriously,
you should see him at the full moon," Flynn remarked as they
walked out the front door. "Werewolves howl and try to hump his
leg."
Pia
looped her arms through theirs, laughing loudly as they crossed the
yard. "I'm going to love it here. You guys remind me of my
brothers."
©
2017 Dellani Oakes
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