Monday, August 6, 2012

Game On Time! Fearless! Ninja News! And the Director's Cut of Movie Trivia...

I am happy to host author Kyra Lennon today as part of her blog tour for Game On! Knowing I have a thing for music, Kyra wanted to talk about music and writing…

Some writers write to music, others find it a distraction. I fall somewhere between the two. When I first wrote Game On, I had no issues writing to music. In fact, if there was no music, I wasn’t getting anything done! The story first came together in 2006, and back then, the music that got me through was Fozzy. I’m not sure whether everyone has heard of them, but for those who haven’t, the band is fronted by WWE’s Chris Jericho. There is something kind of … hot about rock music, and playing their songs motivated me like crazy.

Another of my favourite musical inspirations is Maroon 5. Adam Levine’s voice and lyrics seem to hit me in places I didn’t know existed (minds out of the gutters please! :p) Levine writes such beautiful songs, it’s hard not to be inspired by it.

The problem I had when I was doing rewrites for Game On, six years later, was that I no longer have the same concentration levels I once had. Music became a distraction, not a motivator. I was a bit gutted, because I love my music. But I did what I had to do. Turned it all off and got the work done.

I put it down to my aging brain making me unable to do two things at once, but I hope that I can find a way to get music back into my writing process because I really miss it. Plus, Maroon 5 have an awesome new album out which is playing in a constant loop whenever my laptop goes off!

Do you write to music, or does it mess with your concentration? What music do you like to listen to while you’re working? Have any bands or singers inspired your stories?

Game On Synopsis
After swapping her small town life to work for one of the top soccer teams in the U.S, Leah Walker thought she could finally leave the ghosts of her past behind. However, when she meets serial womanizer, Radleigh McCoy, the memories of her old life come swarming back, and she is forced to ask herself whether she has really changed at all.

Game On Buy Links: Amazon eBook Amazon Paperback Amazon UK eBook Amazon UK Paperback Smashwords eBook


Fearless!

Christine Rains’ awesome book is available now!

I read parts of it during the A to Z Challenge, and every morning I looked forward to the next excerpt.

Christine is also hosting a blogfest to celebrate her books’ release, Who Was Your Childhood Monster? It runs August 7 – 9, so you still have time to participate. Tawa wants YOU!

Fearless is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. And you can find Christine at her Blog and Website.

Ninja News!

Roland Yeomans is holding another contest! You can win an autographed copy of Iron Man II’s Robert Downey Jr. OR Scarlett Johansson. See his site for details.

Cate Masters has a new book out – Death is a Bitch. Congratulations, Cate!

Siv Maria has been working on a book and the first chapter will be published as a short story in a Fantasy Anthology, Open Doors, on September 4th by Wayman Publishing. Congratulation, Siv!

Congratulations to Powdered Toast Man and LC Frost for winning copies of CassaStar and CassaFire from The Writing Nut. And special congratulations to Terry who won a bonus third book for her grandson Caden.

And big surprise!! Voting is now open for Diane's Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest – and I was notified I'm one of the three nominees! Thanks so much, guys. You rock! Voting runs until this weekend.




Movie Trivia!

Ever played Director’s Cut?


Three clue words – name the movie:

1 – Broderick – Military - Chimps

2 – Holden – Newman - Ratings

3 – Costner – Protection - Singer

4 – Lobotomy – Fletcher - McMurphy

5 – Spielberg – Genetic - Dinosaurs

Big Bonus!! - Lucas – Automatons - Pleasence

Do you prefer silence or music? Picked up Game On or Fearless? Participating in Christine’s blogfest this week? Want to watch me grovel for votes? And any ideas on the movie trivia? Come on, a couple are really easy…

162 comments:

VikLit said...

Congrats Kyra! I must say I can't write with music on, I'm very easily distracted, but I can see how it helps set a mood. Especially if it's Maroon 5 ;)

Alex - congrats on the nomination,I have added my two pence supporting you ;)

Your quizzes are too hard! But here's my go:

1 – Broderick – Military - Chimps

2 – Holden – Newman - Ratings: am guessing Paul Newman but don't know well enough!

3 – Costner – Protection - Singer: BODYGUARD

4 – Lobotomy – Fletcher - McMurphy: one flew over the cuckoo's nest?

5 – Spielberg – Genetic - Dinosaurs: JURASSIC PARK

Big Bonus!! - Lucas – Automatons - Pleasence: I have failed miserably!

Ella said...

Wow, I'm first?!
Congrats on being in the running! Of course you are :D Supportive and Extraordinaire are part of your Ninja skills, lol


Nice to meet Kyra! Her book sounds great~ A kick of reality, ghosts always follow us~

I love music, sometimes I can write with it on, but it can't be loud. Normally, I like my music loud. Congrats Kyra, it sounds like a fun read :D

Ella said...

Darn VikLit beat me, lol

Nick Wilford said...

I'm really excited about Kyra's tour kicking off! I hope she picks up a lot of interest from it. I can't write with music or anything else in the background, but I'm definitely inspired by it.

It's not a surprise you were nominated for that contest! You'll get my vote...

The only ones I can get for the trivia are 3 - The Bodyguard and 5 - Jurassic Park. Bonus sounds like Star Wars but I can't figure out where Pleasance comes into it, probably being thick!

Kyra Lennon said...

I cannot tell you how much of an honour it is to be featured on your blog, Akex! You are amazing! Thank you for having me!

Viklit - Maroon 5 are SO wonderful! <3

Ella - Nice to meet you too! :D

Clare said...

Ah Fozzy! *loves* &hears; Kyra, was it really six years ago we were listening to them and working on stories?

I'm like you, Kyra,, mostly music ruins my concentration. Though last week, I did have a really productive way listening to Blur. :)

Looking forwards to Christine's blogfest. I'm going to start reading FEARLESS tonight. :D

shelly said...

Congrats to everyone.

Hugs, Shelly

mooderino said...

I use music when I write but I don't really hear it, I use it to block out the madness that is my household.

I have voted in Diane's contest but obviously my vote is secret (like a ninja).

mood

Ciara said...

It's funny, Kyra. Sometimes I can write with music, sometimes I can't. If there are a lot of distractions I need it to ignore what is around me, but most of the time I prefer no noise.
Congratulations, Cate! That title is memorable. :)

Old Kitty said...

1) War Games!
2) Ooooh I know this....!!!!
3) The Bodyguard!
4) Erm....!
5) Dinosaur film - the big one - they go to an island with dinosaurs!

Yay for football stories and huge congrats to Kyra!!! I am able to write with certain types of music blaring through my headphones but when I read what I had written, it's more often than not total pants! LOL!

Take care
x

ediFanoB said...

I listen to music when I write posts for my blog or while visiting other blogs.

But when it comes to reading and reviewing I do not listen to music.
When I read I encapsule from the rest of the world because every story delivers its on smell and sound.

Catherine Noble said...

I'd love to be able to listen to music whilst I write, but I need the silence to concentrate. Perhaps I should experiment with different types of music, dependant on the scene I'm writing :)

Well done, Alex, I've just voted for you, you really deserve it! :)

Unknown said...

I write better when listening to power/prog/folk metal; it helps with the imagination. If I'm writing something non fiction, Iron maiden is the best to make me productive.

Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom

Karen Baldwin said...

I mostly listen to New Age music when I write. Every now and then though, a piece will come on that sounds like it's coming from a dark place and creeps me out. Then I prefer silence. Brazilian music when I edit.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

First "Game On"... looks "Game Wonderful"... it is interesting to the tunes we listen to, I myself listen to scores. Though I do find the volume getting turned down and find I only listen to things I know from start to finish. All the best to you Kyra!

Congrats to the new book folks and winners of your book... did someone say Iron Man II?

Alex, congrats on "SBEC"!

and the trivia... must check out this game... right up my alley!

yes... I know and the last bonus is well... I know too. great test, as you always do.

jeremy

Anonymous said...

Kyra's book had me at the title. A girl and sports?! Count me in.

P.S. Alex: Thanks for the kind words you left on my blog regarding my mother's death. Much appreciated. xo

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Vik, thanks! And you got three right.

Ella, sorry, you just missed it.

Nick, thanks, and you got two. And don't beat yourself up - it's not Star Wars.

Kyra, happy to host you today!

Clare, you will enjoy it!

Moody, Ninja secrets are fine.

Ciara, I always need music.

Kitty, you got the middle one right.

Edi, I don't listen when I'm reading either.

Thanks, Catherine!

Jamie, we think alike!

Jeremy, think you would enjoy the game. And I know that last question will throw people.

Michael Abayomi said...

Congrats, Kyra. I find it impossible to write fresh words with music on. On the other hand, I don't mind some music while proofing and editing. I absolutely adore Maroon 5 and Adam Levine! Especially their songs, She Will Be Loved, Rag Doll, Back at your Door and Moves Like Jagger.

Alex, the only movies I can immediately pick out from the trivia are Kevin Costner's The Bodyguard and Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park (once again).

Anonymous said...

Most of my writing is done either to the sound of kids' music or audio books in the background! My preference is for silence during the initial creating, and then music for subsequent drafts/edits. Something that's not going to be too distracting - Norah Jones, Diana Krall, or my new favorite, Priscilla Ahn.

Christine Rains said...

Congratulations to Kyra on starting her blog tour! She's awesome! And thank you very much for promoting my book and blogfest, Alex. I salute you, my ninja captain! I prefer silence when writing. Complete silence. I'm off to vote for you and tweet this entry! :)

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I don't listen to music when I write but I like find a song or two that represents the book or the characters to me, kinda like a soundtrack of sorts.

I got 1) WAR GAMES 3) THE BODYGUARD and 5) JURASSIC PARK.

Congratulations on your nomination!

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for the intro to Kyra, Alex! Kyra, thanks for sharing! Best wishes for much success.

Thanks also, Alex, for all the links and info. Congrats on the nomination! You deserve it.

Director's Cut - I know #1, but can't think of the title. #3 is The Bodyguard, I think, with Whitney Houston. And #5 is Jurassic Park. Yes, well, I got the easy ones. The others do sound familiar though.

Happy Monday!

Cate Masters said...

Congrats Kyra! Music has a strong influence on my stories, but I can't listen to it while actually writing.

Congrats on all the great news! And thanks for the mention for Death Is A Bitch, Alex. Much appreciated!

Arlee Bird said...

Congrats to Kyra and all the others. I write to classical. I get too distracted by most modern music--especially if it has vocals.
I already peaked at some of the other movie trivia but I knew 3-5. Don't know the bonus.


Lee
Tossing It Out

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, you are welcome.

Michael, you got it!

Christine, you're welcome and thanks!

Madeline, you got two of those.

Karen, two right!

Cate, you're welcome.

Marta Szemik said...

Congratulations Kyra! While I like to listen to music, I prefer quiet when I write. Any noise around me is completely blocked out.
Love the movie trivia, but can only get 3 of them :)

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

Congratulations Kyra! I can't listen to music while writing. Trying to listen to words and write words at the same time would get me all mixed up!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Maybe I need to listen to music when I write, to get me past this rut. I tend to prefer silence.

Thanks for putting a giveaway (#5) in there, Alex. I needed that.

Be well,
xoRobyn

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Kyra's book sounds fun. I often listen to music when writing.

Thank you for mentioning my contest and good luck.

Bish Denham said...

Congrats Kyra! As a teen and young adult, doing homework and writing to rock music was the norm. Now, for the most part, I need quiet. If I do have music going, it's meditative, quiet, soothing music with no words. Lyrics are a huge distraction.

Yes! I'll be participating in Christine's blogfest.

#1 is Project X,
#2 ? without cheating, haven't a clue
#3 The Bodyguard,
#4 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, #5 Jurassic Park
#6 ? ditto #2

LynnRush said...

Happy Monday!!! :)
Ohh, awesome trivia.
1. Project X
2. ?
3. Bodyguard
4. ?
5. Jurassic Park
Bonus: I know I should know this one, the only thing that comes to mind is Star Wars. LOL!! Hopefully I guessed a couple right. :)

I'm a music girl. But I am starting to find myself having to turn it down a hair once in a while. Maybe it is the concentration thing Kyra mentioned.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Wish I could listen to music with lyrics when I write, but I have to work with only lyric-free jazz or New Age on. Sounds like music is very helpful for many writers, though!

Laura Eno said...

I can't handle any music at all while I'm writing...the distraction thing. I'm not saying I'm old. ;)
Congrats to everyone one their new books coming out!
I'd like to see you grovel for votes, Alex, but I think you're a slam dunk. Congrats on the nomination!

Powdered Toast Man said...

You should have directors cut more often. I love movie games!! I hope the book I'm getting is signed, that way I can sell it on Amazon for more $$..lol

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, I figured that one was easy enough.

Diane, you're welcome!

Bish, you got four!

Lynn, you got three correct.

Laura, I am willing though.

Sorry PTM, you won't get much for it.

Tess Julia said...

No music, but I would if I could. It's because I just haven't been listening to anything specific that inspires me.
I'll definitely put in my vote for you- congrats on the nomination!

Gossip_Grl said...

I like music when I am working. It makes the time go faster. :) Congrats to those who have new books coming out!

StratPlayerCJF said...

Great post from Kyra! I'm mixed when it comes to music -- sometimes it's the perfect background, sometimes it's distracting. But I find that the best music for writing is mainly instrumental. Eric Johnson or Joe Satriani are frequent headphone material when I'm writing, or I'll go all New-Agey and put on some Andreas vollenweider, or amybe Miles and some great jazz...

And a HUGE Congratulations on the nomination on Diane's Supportive Blog contest -- I absolutely agree with DL! You're an amazing uber-blogger! You've got my vote!

Movie guesses:

1. "Project X" (I'm ashamed I know this...)
2. Umm, this is a guess, but maybe I think it might be "Money Ball" (I haven't seen it yet, so I'm not sure)
3. "My Bodyguard"
4. Oh, definitely Ken Keasey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" with Nicholson
5. "Jurassic Park"

Julie Dao said...

Great post, Kyra! I listen to music, but only the instrumental kind. I find that lyrics distract me. So interesting to see what works for different writers!

mshatch said...

Most times I need quiet to write, or music without words. Right now I especially like Opeth's new cd, Harvest.

Trivia:
1. Project X
2. ? (I should know this though)
3. The Bodyguard
4. One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest
5. Jurassic Park
Bonus: THX 1138

Jennie Bennett said...

Great post Kyra! I also go between NEEDING music and NEEDING to turn it off. It always seems like it has to be one or the other :)

As for the trivia questions I know the first one is Planet of the Apes and the fifth one is Jurassic Park, but I have no clue about the other three. I'm so bad at these!

Suze said...

It seems to me there's a time for music and a time for silence when writing.

Movie trivia:

1. X in the title?

3. The Bodyguard (never saw it but my sisters loved it.)

5. Jurassic Park

Finally, just voted for you over at Spunk on a Stick. Ain't NOBODY deserve that title more than you, boy-o.

Sherry Ellis said...

I prefer to write in silence. I'm a professional musician, so my tendency is to pay attention to the music and not to my writing.

Yes, I will be participating in Christine's blogfest Should be fun!

Unknown said...

Congrats on the nom!! Will definitely be checking out the blogfest. I had a monster that lived under my bed as a kid. LOL

Let's see Movie trivia

1. Project X
2. Towering Inferno?
3. The Bodyguard
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
5. Jurassic Park
Bonus: THX-1138

Great post and thanks for the linkage. :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Hi, Kyra and Alex, When I get to chose my name, it's going to be Kyra. Love that name. Kyra, your books sounds so interesting.

I like music. Haven't read either--yet. No, please don't grovel. :)

T

Leigh Covington said...

Excited about Kyra's blog tour. Her book is really fun. :)

Juliana Haygert said...

Congrats Kyra!

#1 - War Games
#3 - Bodyguard
#5 - Jurassic Park
that's what I got without having to think ... the others don't sound strange, but then I'll have to look up lol

Jemi Fraser said...

Yay for Kyra & Christine - excited about both of their books! :)

I like some kind of noise when I'm writing - either music or tv on in the background. They help me to zone out of the distracing noises. Don't know how/why it works, but it does! :)

Nancy Thompson said...

The entire concept behind my novel was inspired by one song, so yes, music definitely inspires me, but I can't listen while I'm actually writing, only prior to get me in the mood. And Alex, you're a sure win! I voted. I know all but #2 & the bonus question.

Kimberly Gabriel said...

Great post Kyra!! I can never write to music while I'm actually writing....but in the car thinking/brainstorming, I HAVE to have music playing!

mshatch said...

ps I meant Opeth's new cd HERITAGE (duh).

Tonja said...

There definitely weren't any chimps in War Games. Love that movie.

I write in silence. Fozzy immediately put the Muppet Show Song in my head. Ugh.

Glynis Peters said...

Congrats! I called out the quiz to DH the movie buff,(as you know I don't watch many), and he responded with:

1: Project X

2: When Time Ran Out

3: The BodyGuard

4:One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

5: Jurrasic Park

6: THX 1138

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

You should win the supportive blogger award :) No one does more for bloggers than you.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Hey, I knew #3,4 & 5. That's a record for me.
Can't wait to read about everyone's monsters. I can write in silence, with music, with the TV on, whatever. Grew up in a house with 7 kids and have six of my own. I can ignore anything.

Unknown said...

LOL, do names count? I can do all the names....Thanks for the shout out..Going over to Cristines blog now to check out her blogfest.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Rose!

Thanks, Chris! I jam to Satriani sometimes as well. And you got all but the second one.

MsHatch - you got those AND the bonus one right! First person to do so.

JA, you got the fifth one right.

Aw, thanks Suze. And the answers - yes.

Melissa, all but the second one, and you got the bonus! You are a cool geek chick.

Juliana, got the second two right.

Jemi, I can write with the TV on, so I understand.

Thanks, Nancy.

Tonja, that made me laugh out loud!

Glynis, all but the second one - very good!!

Thanks, Michael.

Susan, I bet you can.

Siv, you are welcome.

Robyn Campbell said...

You're the COOLEST of the cool, Alex. You know that? You offer so much encouragement and support. Thanks for always stopping by and letting me k now you care. You really made me feel good in the weeks before and after the death of my sis-in-law. You TOTALLY ROCK!!!!

I like quiet or the sound of my family chattering away while writing. It puts me in a great frame of mind.

#5 Jurrasic Park. Hahaha. Has to be. At least I have one here. Waves peace sign*

kjmckendry said...

I write to music, it helps cut out all the distractions the kids cause! I like listening to Red, Evanescence, and Within Temptation.

Game On sounds like a great book.

Trivia:
3. Bodyguard
5. Jurassic Park

Johanna Garth said...

In the last year or so I've taught myself to write with music and distractions because otherwise I'd never get anything done.

David P. King said...

I'm the same way, Kyra. Love writing to music, but with lyrics? No can do. Great post. Thanks for spotlighting, Alex! :)

Charles Gramlich said...

I can't listen to music either. Primarily, it disrupts the inner rhythm I hear in the prose.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Like Kathy, I like listening to Evanescence and Within Temptation when I write, also Jesse Cook, Nightwish, & Hans Zimmer (Pirates and Batman and Last Samurai)

I wish you the best of sales with GAME ON! Alex, thanks for the mention of my contest! I'm off to mail off you and Siv the prizes you won from my last contest!

Tobi Summers said...

I'm weird about music when I write. I can't listen to anything with lyrics because it distracts me, so I listen to classical while I'm writing and jazz while I'm editing. I've never quite been able to figure out why, but it seems to work pretty well.

As for the movie trivia:
3. Bodyguard
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
5. Jurassic Park
Bonus: Star Wars (Attack of the Clones)?

Bryan Russell said...

I'm guessing you're pretty good at movie trivia...

D.G. Hudson said...

Lots of news, Alex, will check out the links.

Leovi said...

Yes, good band Fozzy is a heavy metal.

Andrew Leon said...

No lyrical music for me :(

Unspoken said...

Music
1. ?
2. ?
3. The Bodyguard
4. ?
5. Jurassic Park
I suck at this game :0. I am terrible with movies!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, thank you so much for your kind words. And yes, you got one!

Kathy, Within Temptation is awesome. And you got two.

Johanna, with kids, I imagine you have to!

Roland, you are welcome.

Tobi, all but the bonus one.

Bryan, yeah, I usually win...

She Writes, you got two though!

Alexandra Heep said...

Did someone say music? You might want to grab a drink, this is going to be a long comment. As far as movie trivia - I live in a deep, dark dungeon so forgetaboutit.

I can only write creatively when listening to music. I have tried doing that while writing the paying stuff, but I start to daydream and come up with stories and poetry.

I wrote a poem while listening to Moody Blues and others while listening to so melodic metal and prog rock. I published both in my book.

I also have written a short story (about 2,000 words) about the song Twilight Zone by Golden Earring years ago. A few months back, it somehow got tweeted to a news source for the band and they read it and complimented me on it.

I also wrote a Flash Fiction story to a song by Radiohead, but it was not well received by critics. I wanted to rework it, alas time time time ...

Other than that, Uriah Heep is where it's at for me and Krautrock and melodic metal.

DL Hammons said...

I enjoyed getting to know Kyra a little better. I'm hosting her next week. :)

Rick Daley said...

I write ti music most of the time. I'll set a Pandora station to Pink Floyd or Grateful Dead...something where I know most of the songs, so they are less a distraction and more welcome white noise to mask other more distracting sounds.


1 – Broderick – Military - Chimps
Project X

2 – Holden – Newman - Ratings
Network

3 – Costner – Protection - Singer
The Bodyguard

4 – Lobotomy – Fletcher - McMurphy
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

5 – Spielberg – Genetic - Dinosaurs
Jurassic Park

Big Bonus!! - Lucas – Automatons - Pleasence
THX-1149 (might have got the numbers wrong...also, Duvall?)

Mark Means said...

I prefer to write to music but, it has to be something along the lines of "Pure Moods". Something that stays in the background and doesn't compete for my attention with MS Word :)

My guesses for the movies:

1. Project X (Never saw it)
2. Network? (Have seen bits and pieces of it)
3. The Bodyguard (No thanks)
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. (Great film and one of Jack's best)
5. Jurassic Park (Another great flick)
Bonus: Westworld?

Emily R. King said...

Yay for Kyra! I'm excited to read her book!

Jo said...

What staggers me is not writing to music, but the choice of music from artists I have never heard of.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Alexander, I have to have music to write and have favorite progressive rock bands I listen to at different stages.

Rick, Pandora is great. And you are six for six, sir! Numbers are close enough - you knew the movie.

Mark, you got the first five right!

Jo, I'd guess you've never heard of the bands I enjoy...

Jeff Hargett said...

Music, especially with lyrics, is a major distraction for me. And the more I like the music the bigger the distraction.

Congrats to Kyra, Cate and Siv!

Kyra Lennon said...

Wow, wow, wow! So many comments! I’m loving hearing about the kinds of music you listen to while writing!

@Nick Wilford – Thank you so much for all your support today, and in the lead up to the tour! It can be difficult to write with music sometimes!
@Clare – Ooh Blur, haven’t listened to them for years! And yes, it really was six years, how scary!
@mooderino – LOL! I can understand that!
@Ciara – I’m the same. Most of the time I need silence, too!
@Old Kitty – I’ve seen you at most of my blog tour stops today, thank you very much for your support! Haha, yeah it is difficult to write well with loud music. I had to stop doing it because I kept accidentally writing the lyrics instead of my story!
@Catherine Noble – Experimenting could work. I find that the Harry Potter soundtrack, Norah Jones or Jason Mraz are good choices for me!
@Jamie Gibbs – Great music choices – especially Iron Maiden!
@Em-Musing – Ooh, Brazilian music sounds good!
@ Retro Zombie – Thank you so much!! Scores are a popular chouice for many!
@Liz Fichera – Yay, glad you are intrigued!
@Michael Abayomi – Oh, you are my kind of guy! You listed some of my Maroon 5 favourites!
I’ll be back later to post more replies! ;)

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'm definitely a fan of listening to music while I write. I have a different playlist for every piece I'm working on.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! to Kyra and best wishes for her success.

I write to both music and silence. Usually there is background noise of some type so silence is a rare commodity for me.

Morgan said...

I ADORE Kyra... she's another one of those fabulous supports in this community. And no music for me! Even with as much as I love it ;)

Maurice Mitchell said...

Congrats to Kyra! I only know two of the list without cheating: Bodyguard and Jurassic Park. You got my vote.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

SL, I need music to write.

Stephen, you have kids, so I bet silence is rare.

Kyra Lennon said...

@Louise Bates – Norah Jones is a favourite of mine, too!
@Christine Rains – Good luck with your book release, too!
@Madeleine Mora-Summonte – Oh, I also do that sometimes! It can be so helpful.
@Karen Lange – Thank you!
@Cate Masters – Same here!
@Arlee Bird – Yes, lyrics can be really distracting!
@Marta Szemik- I like to write while its quiet mostly, too. :D
@Rachel Schieffelbein – Yup, it gets confusing!
@Rawknrobyn – Might be worth a try. Sometimes a change can be really good!
@L. Diane Wolfe- Thanks!
@Bish Denham – I’ve found the same thing. When I was younger, the louder the music, the better!

Allison said...

I think I've said before that I just can't write to music. It manipulates my mood and it's hard to match the music with the mood I'm looking for. The blog fest looks like fun!

Allison (Geek Banter)

Carrie Butler said...

1. Congratulations, Kyra! I can't wait to read Game On.

2. On my way to vote, Alex! :)

Tara Tyler said...

congrats to kyra and christine! maroon 5 is awesome!
but i must have silence or i'll just sing along!
of course alex is is nominated! he's the best support blogger example i know!

1, project x
3, bodyguard
5, jurassic park

i looked up the last and never heard of it so i aint putting it down =P

Michelle Wallace said...

Congrats to all! I
I don't necessarily play music while writing, but instrumental music is a major source of inspiration for me... especially jazz and classical... though I appreciate all genres.
I love Adam Levine's cheeky style...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Maurice! And you are correct.

Thank you, Carrie.

Tara, you still got three right. And thank you.

Kyra Lennon said...

@LynnRush – It’s definitely a concentration thing for me!
@Elizabeth Spann Craig/Riley Adams – It does seem to help a lot of people, but not me lol!
@Laura Eno – LOL, you’re not old!
@Rose Munevar – It’s really nice when you find music that inspires you, isn’t it? :D
@Gossip_Girl – I agree in theory. In practice, it just becomes a hindrance for me lol!
@Chris Fries – You have great taste in music!
@Julie Dao – Lyrics distract me too most of the time. It’s hard to write when you’re howling away to a song LOL!
@mshatch – I think music without lyrics is the best way to go!
@J.A Bennett – I know that feeling so well!
@Suze – Very true!
@Sherry Ellis – How cool that you’re a musician! I can see how it would be super distracting for you!

Nicki Elson said...

I read Lobotomy and now all I've got in my head is Ramones so I'm useless. Congratulations to Kyra (serial womanizer, hehe) and Christina!

Um, how would it be possible for you to NOT win the supportive blogger thingy?

M Pax said...

I know the Bodyguard and Jurassic Park. I remember the Broderick movie w/ the monkey, but not the name of it.

I used to listen to music, but not any more. Congrats to Kyra.

Maryannwrites said...

Yeah, number three in the trivia is really easy. The Bodyguard. Also number 5, Jurrasic Park.

I cannot write with music playing. It really distracts me. I start singing along with the lyrics and get pulled out of my story.

Mel Chesley said...

A good majority of the time I have to write with music playing. Not only is it inspirational but keeps me focused as well. I play lots of soundtracks from movies such as LotR and King Arthur!

SC Author said...

5 = Jurassic Park, and I only got that from reading the comments and having it click in my mind. *hides face in shame*

Cindy said...

Sometimes I think of my stories while listening to music, but while writing I prefer it quiet..if that makes sense.

Theresa Milstein said...

Nice to meet Kyra Lennon. I think Stephen King writes t music too. Good luck with the book, Kyra!

Anonymous said...

I don't write with music on. I get too distracted.

I have FEARLESS downloaded and look forward to reading it. I'll be sure to check out the blogfest that starts tomorrow.

CONGRATS on being one of the nominees for Diane's Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest! You totally deserve it.

klahanie said...

Hi Alex and Hi Kyra,
Indeed Kyra, music and writing can go hand in hand, or hand to keyboard. I consider background musical ambience conducive to my incoherent and disjointed musings. Must stop having punk music playing in the background.
However, the talented writer and 'pawblisher' on my site, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, rather enjoys listening to "Three Dog Night"...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, you got two. The movie will come to you when you see the answer on Wednesday.

Maryann, you are correct!

Mel, I need music as well.

Thanks, Susanne!

Gary, imagine that!

Jay Noel said...

I write to music, but it can't have lyrics.

#1 Project X
#2 (No idea)
#3 The Bodyguard
#4 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
#5 Jurassic Park
Bonus: THX 1138

The Angry Lurker said...

1 – Broderick – Military - Chimps
Project X

2 – Holden – Newman - Ratings
The Towering Inferno

3 – Costner – Protection - Singer
The Bodyguard

4 – Lobotomy – Fletcher - McMurphy
One flew over the Cuckoos Nest

5 – Spielberg – Genetic - Dinosaurs
Jurassic Park

Big Bonus!! - Lucas – Automatons - Pleasence

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I know the first one, but I couldn't have named that it was Project X (I just know it wasn't War Games unless the computer had a chimp inside, giggle). I also recognised Bodyguard and Jurassic Park. I wouldn't have picked the others.

Yay for Kyra and Christine!! I'm looking forward to reading their books.

Mark Koopmans said...

Kyra Lennon is a RockStar and I'm so happy that you were able to feature her - Thanks, Alex :)

Laura Pauling said...

Jeez, I'm late to the party! :) I like music when I'm writing the first draft but if I'm editing I usually need silence. So I love the first drafts!

And good luck with Game On!

Unknown said...

Ugh I know next to nothing from your quiz today. Only number 5, which is Jurassic Park, and I've never even watched it!

I love writing to music, though I have to listen to music I know really well if I'm to get anything done. Apart from the fact that having earphones in makes people realise I'm busy, I also like having the background noise. Sometimes I listen to the same song on repeat for hours just so I have the musical noise, but I don't get distracted. It's a weird idea I know, but it works for me.

Liesel K. Hill said...

I'm someone who more often listens to music to PREPARE to write; to put me in the mood for the scene I'm writing. If I listen to anything at all while I'm writing, it's always classical. Lyrics distract me and I don't get anything written. :D

LisaAnn said...

Thanks for hosting Kyra! I A great blog tour, and I definitely have a love/hate relationship with music, too. My go-to is the Shins, and I love the soundtracks to Garden State and Wonder Boys... Almost everything else distracts me to no end!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jay, all but the one - good stuff!!

Lurker, got four - number two will surprise you.

Lynda, back in the day, there may have been a chimp inside!

Laura, this party never ends...

Imogen, I totally understand.

Liesel, I can sing and write at the same time. Not well, but I can!

Heather Murphy said...

Congratulations to Kyra and Christine!
Alex, you deserve your nomination. Good luck!
Great trivia. The only ones I knew were Project X, The Bodyguard and Jurassic Park but those are all great movies! A great trip down memory lane

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats on your well deserved nomination! I enjoyed meeting Kyra! Sadly, I relate most to Cukoos Nest! Julie

Chuck said...

Okay now I am going crazy...I knew all the movies except the last one and I feel I know it but. not. quite.

Pat Tillett said...

Congrats to everyone! I'm jealous of PTM...

Unknown said...

I've had the opposite effect with music and writing. I used to not be able to concentrate with music on, but now I need it to find the mood of the scene. Congrats, Alex, on your nomination! I've only got 2 of the 6 movies, The Bodyguard (which I haven't even seen) and Jurassic Park. Not a good performance. :(

Anonymous said...

I always write to music... without it I get distracted by all the other things going on around me:)

dolorah said...

Congrats on your nomination Alex.

I write to music, but MUSIC only - no lyrics usually.

I got 3 of these, but I'm late to the party, and its late here so I'm off to bed.

Have a good day Alex.

......dhole

Kyra Lennon said...

@Teresa Coltrin – Thank you!
@Leigh Covington – Thank you, Leigh – most especially for all your help getting it ready!
@Juliana Haygert – Thanks!
@Jemi Fraser – Thanks for the support! :D
@Nancy Thompson – It seems a lot of people feel this way!
@Kimberly Gabriel – Oh yes, me too!
@Tonja – LOL sorry about that!
@Susan Gourley/Kelley – Wow, sounds like you’ve had loads of practice in blocking out noise!
@Robyn Campbell – That’s so nice!
@Kmckendry – Great choices!
@Johanna Garth – I really need to learn how to do that!
@David P. King – Thanks! Yes, writing to music with lyrics can be so hard to do!
@Charles Gramlich – Me too!
@Roland D. Yeomans – Thanks so much!
@Tobi Summers – Hey, if you’ve got a process that works, might as well stick with it! :D
@Leovi – Yay for a fellow Fozzy fan!

RaveAir said...

I usually listen to music when I write or translate computer games (Oblivion, Skyrim) to Hungarian. I prefer the songs without any sing, because these don't distract my attention.

Alex, you cooked a great trivia again!

Cally Jackson said...

I'm definitely a music girl. I try to match the style of music to the scene I'm writing to help put me in the right mood. As far as your quiz goes, I'm sure I could cheat and get the other answers by reading through the other comments but the only two I guessed on my own were The Body Guard and Jurassic Park!

Kyra Lennon said...

@Andrew Leon – Always better to keep the lyrics out!
@Rick Daley – I find that the better I know the songs, the more likely I am to be singing along and not working lol!
@Emily R. King – Thank you!
@Jo – LOL, there are a lot of artists out there, and I struggle quite a lot with the current stuff!
@Jeff Hargett – It’s the same for me, too lol!
@S.L Hennessy – Cool! I wish I could do that!
@Stephen Tremp – Thanks!
@Morgan – I adore you too! :D And I definitely agree about the music!
@Maurice Mitchell – Thank you!
@Allison – I completely agree!

Kyra Lennon said...

@Carrie Butler – Thanks, Carrie!
@Tara Tyler – Haha, that is my problem, too!
@michelle – Adam Levine is just incredible!
@Nicki Elson – Lol, thanks!
@MPax – Thank you!
@Maryann Miller – Me too!
@Mel Chelsey – I like listening to soundtracks, too. :D
@Cindy – That makes total sense! :D
@Theresa Milstein – Thanks! Nice to meet you, too!
@Suzanne Drazic – Yup, music can really mess with the writing process!
@klahanie – Hee hee, but punk music is fun!
@Jay Noel – Yes, that is a good way to do it!
@Lynda R. Young – Thanks!

Unknown said...

1. ??
2.??
3. The Bodyguard
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo Nest
5. Jurassic Park
6. The Invention of Hugo Cabaret

No 6 I think it could be this movie, I have a set of the hard cover books which I read to my students - great story!

Congrats on the book release Cate!
And well done to you once again Alex for being nominated at Spunk on a Stick!

Brinda said...

It's nice to meet you, Kyra. Your book sounds like a winner. Also, congrats to all the authors with releases and to you, Alex, for Supportive Blogger nominee.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, you got those right. And thanks.

Julie, we all relate to that movie at some point!

Chuck, it will hit you when you see the answer.

Michael, I need music to set the scene. And two is good!

Zoltan, you translate video games? Now that is cool!

Cally, you got it.

CM, you got three. And thanks!

Thank you, Brinda.

Kela McClelland said...

Game On sounds good, I'll have to go check it out.

I listen to music while I do anything writerly-writing, revising, editing, blogging, and critiquing.

And the trivia:
1.?
2.?
3. The Bodyguard
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
5. Jurassic Park
6.?

That's all I got.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Great post Kyra! Music is too distracting while I write. I just sit and sing and never type! Good luck!

Alex, good luck with the Supportive Blogger contest! I love the other two nominees as well but you are still my NINJA BLOG GOD!

Here goes...
1. Project X
2.
3. The Bodyguard
4.
5. Jurassic Park
6.

I stink!
HMG

Talli Roland said...

Big congrats to Kyra! I must say I'm of the not-writing-to-music persuasion. I need the relative silence in my head to focus!

Kittie Howard said...

You're a Must Stop, First Stop for the latest to get caught up. Thanks!

Kyra Lennon said...

@Mark Koopmans – Thanks Mark! You are quite the rockstar yourself!
@Laura Pauling – Ha, I am the complete opposite!
@Imogen Elvis – It’s not that weird lol, I sometimes play the same song on repeat when I’m editing :D
@Liesel K Hill – That’s definitely a good strategy!
@LisaAnn – Go-to music is the best – I have a few bands and artists that don’t distract me, too. :D
@Heather Murphy – Thanks!
@Empty Nest Insider – Nice to meet you, too!
@Michael Pierce – Lol, that’s funny! I guess your concentration improved, while mine got worse!
@tfwalsh – Yes, a lot of people find that to be the case, too! I wish I was one of them!
@Donna Hole – Good choice!
@Zoltan Gecse – Lots of people say they find lyrics distracting, I’m glad I’m not the only one!
@Cally Jackson – That’s a good idea. I do that when I’m editing. :D

Whew! Thanks so much again to Alex for hosting me, and to everyone for your support!

Sangu Mandanna said...

I think I only got Bodyguard and Jurassic Park! Cool quiz, though :-)

Congratulations, Kyra!

Melissa said...

Congrats - you deserve the nomination.

Great interview. I've tried to listen to music and write, but I find myself distracted by the words. I'm still trying to find some good instrumentals to see if I can write to those. Any suggestions?

Leovi said...

Yes, Alex already have my vote for Supportive Blogger Contest Extraordinaire. Greetings.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kela, you got three!

Heather, thank you so much! And no, you got three right - no stinkage.

Kittie, just glad to have you back.

Sangu, but that is good.

Melissa, most movie soundtracks don't contain lyrics.

Thanks, Leovi!

Anonymous said...

Kyra's everywhere. :)

I can't listen to music when I edit. I usually play it when I draft and revise, though.

I'm participating in Christine's blogfest tomorrow.

Tracy Jo said...

I definitely do better in the quiet. I have been writing in the middle of the night and LOVE the silence. :-) Voted!

Anonymous said...

Great interview promotion post. Good luck to Kyra.
Congrats to all those with book launches. I've posted my Monster fest entry.

No 1 Planet of the Apes?
No 3 is easy The Body Guard
No5 will be Jurrasic Park.
No idea on the others

cleemckenzie said...

I'm impressed by how many authors are launching books! It's a steady stream.


I got a few of the Director's Cut. Bodyguard for sure. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest . Jurassic Park. Star Wars?

Hey! George Lucas was born in the same town I was. Do I get a prize?

Patricia Stoltey said...

Total silence is what I like...which is pretty hard to find around my house with ham radio, a cat, a chatty hubby, and a neighbor with a motorcycle...and I swear everyone on the neighborhood has been having their roof replaced this summer.

Jack said...

I always write with music, my brain goes on holiday when I don't have it playing.

I know one of the movies, 5 is Jurassic Park. But that is the only one I know.

PK HREZO said...

Ok lets see:
1. War Games
2. ?
3. The Bodyguard
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
5. Jurassic Park
Bonus: ?

Congrats Kyra!!! ANd to everyone else!

PK HREZO said...

Okay, now that i've looked at everyone elses' answers I know that #1 is Project X. lol.... couldn't remember where the chimps fit into War Games.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Medeia, my blogfest entry will be up tomorrow as well.

Thanks, Tracy Jo!

Madeleine, second two are correct.

Lee, did you know him? You'll be the grand prize winner if you say yes.

Patricia, and at seven in the morning I bet!

Miss Jack, one is better than none.

PK, got three right. And a lot of people guessed War Games.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I'm really struggling to name films, when I've been given only three words. I suck at that big time. :)

OK, I admit, I got 3 and 5. Those have to be Bodyguard and Jurassic Park. :)

Helena said...

I have to write in silence because I need to hear the words in my head (as opposed to the voices). The closest I can come to having music while writing is classical.

Golden Eagle said...

It depends. Sometimes music helps me write; other times it will just get in the way. Congrats on your book, Kyra!

Participating in the blogfest! It should be fun.

Voted for you, Alex. :) Congratulations on being nominated!

Author A.O. Peart said...

Congratulations, Kyra.
Music is a big part of my life, and definitely inspires my writing. There are a few songs that I responsible for the creation of certain scenes in my upcoming novel.

Alex, so happy for you. Congrats for being nominated. You deserve every bit of it. I hope you win. Going to vote now.

Rek Sesh said...

Congrats to all the ladies with books out.
I use music to get me into and out of the mood for writing. Sad music for poetry and the rest to get me started.
I really love the guys who invented the iPod...can listen for longer and without disturbing others.

The answers...I didn't look at the others -
Project X - one of the first bunch of Holly movies that I saw on VCR. :)
Towering Inferno?? just guessing
Bodyguard
One flew over the cuckoo's nest?
Jurassic Park
Not Star Wars, most definitely.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

George, you are correct!

Thank you, Golden.

Angela, thanks! And I always need music.

Rek, the iPad inventors rock. And you only missed two.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Silence! Always! But I wish I could write to music.

Gwen Gardner said...

Oh Oh Oh! I know one of the movie triva! #3 is The Bodyguard. I think it's the first time I got one:)

Also, congrats to all the new releasers.

Jennie Bailey said...

I have never played Director's Cut - and I love it! Even though I only got two of them off the top of my head - #3 The Bodyguard and #5 Jurassic Park (which my mom for some reason still calls Jurastic Park - she can't seem to keep the T out of it).

Anita said...

Also love Maroon 5!

Rusty Carl said...

If you don't win I'll call the whole thing a farce. You've got to be the most supportive blogger in the history of the internet.

Anyway, trivia guesses:

Project X
??
The Bodyguard
??
Jurassic Park
THX1138?

Amy Saia said...

Kyra- Congrats on your book release! I always find the music/no music issue very interesting. I love to have music on, and even make soundtracks for different books. But I can see how it would be distracting for others.

Misha Gerrick said...

I definitely write to music. Even have a soundtrack for every book and every book's main characters. :-)

jaybird said...

Hey Alex-Can't wait to find out what your Blog Fest is going to be about. The suspense is killing me.

Fearless is next on my TBR list.

I absolutely love Kyra, and Game On rocked, whether she had music on or not! I'm definitely a "music blasting" while writing kind of gal. If I don't have my ear buds in, and music going, I don't seem to have the same flow.

Looking forward to reading everyone's entries for Christine's Childhood Monster hop. Hope it doesn't cause me too many nightmares though!

Annalisa Crawford said...

I'm sure your posts get longer and longer, Alex. Good luck to everyone with new releases. I'm soooooo curious about your new blogfest!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gwen, you got it!

Jennie, that is funny.

Rusty, four right including the bonus!

Misha, I'm with you.

Annalisa, seems like it...

Nicole said...

Great insights from Kyra! Big congrats to her. And that Director's Cut game was so fun. :)

Kyra Lennon said...

@Sangu Mandanna – Thank you!
@Melissa – I find the Harry Potter soundtracks are really good because they are mostly lyric free and relaxing. :D
@Medeia Sharif – Music can be helpful in those stages where you don’t have to concentrate so hard. :D
@Tracy Jo – Writing in the middle of the night is great!
@Madeleine Maddocks – Thank you! Hope your tour is going well!
@Patricia Stoltey – Lol, yes chatty family members can make work difficult sometimes!
@Miss Jack Lewis Baillot – You’re lucky, I wish I could do that!
@Pk Hrezo – Thank you!
@Helena – Classical is definitely good!
@The Golden Eagle – I’m the same!
@Angela Orlowski Pearl – Thank you! Music is so inspiring, but I find it almost impossible to write while it’s playing!
@Rek – Thanks! Yes, the iPod is indeed a brilliant thing!
@Carolina Valdez-Miller – Me too!
@Anita – Yay for Maroon 5!
@Amy Saia- Thank you! I make soundtracks too, but I can’t play them until I’ve finished writing LOL!
@Misha Gericke – It’s so good to hear I’m not the only one who creates soundtracks!!
@jaybird – Aww, you’re so sweet! <3
@Nicole – Thanks!

Patsy said...

I wasn't scared of a monster but I was very frightened of the Dr Who music. I really did hide behind the sofa.