Sometimes when we write, we write to music playing in the background. There's always that one song, or that one genre of music that gets you in the mood to write. Or in the mood to write a certain scene. It's what comes to mind when we go back and re-read what we got down. A playlist of those songs, the ones you wrote to, can get the reader a deeper feel of the emotion behind the words. Other times playlists are used to create a feel for the book as a whole. The mood of the entire story and not just one particular scene. I've seen this done more with fantasy novels. And if done right...it works. I feel more of a connection with the characters, their stories, etc...
The only way I can think to explain this is, well, take movies for example. There's almost always music playing in the background. It doesn't matter if the scene is full of action or drama...or if the actors are simply talking. You might not notice it, but the music is there, giving the film a certain feel. A theme. And when you hear that song somewhere else--it takes your mind to that film. That's what you want. You want your readers to hear a song from your playlist and BOOM! They're thinking about your book, your characters.
I think trailers are gaining in popularity because of the visual aspect to it. When you read, it's up to your mind to picture the places, the characters, along with everything else. Sure the author helps with descriptions (and if they are good ones, they can do wonders) but a lot of it is really up to you. This is why I love reading. I like having the choices. There are some, however, who don't. These are the ones whom would be better served with a little teaser....trailer style!
You can make it as detailed or as vague as you want. It's really up to you and how much you want to leave up to your readers' imaginations.
So what do you think? Are playlists and trailers too much? Or do you have some of your own?
~Cherri
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Cherri Anderson is new to the blogging world and will be starting up her own MUSIC MADNESS blog soon. Links to this will be posted once it's up and running.
