Many writers write to music. I can’t do that. I need quiet or coffeehouse sounds to focus my thoughts. But that doesn’t mean that music doesn’t inspire my writing. It’s pretty amazing how the perfect album comes along just when I need. Read below about the music that inspired the story and characters of Another Place on the Planet.

All the way at the bottom is information about a giveaway of yummy caramels Whitney’s Goodies! Visit each author for another chance to win.

I happened upon X & Y by Coldplay about the time I was developing Charlie’s character. “White Shadows“ sounded like the journey he was on and remains on for most of the trilogy. He has an idea of what he wants but doesn’t know what he has to give up to get it.

Maybe you get what you wanted
Maybe you stumbled upon it
Everything you ever wanted
In a permanent state

Maybe you’ll know when you see it
Maybe if you say it, you’ll mean it
And when you find it, you keep it
In a permanent state
A permanent state

He tried, but when he lost what he couldn’t replace, he gave up on himself.

Which is where Lily and “Fix You” come in because that’s what Lily wants to do for Charlie.

The whole album inspired Another Place on the Planet and really, all of Lilyland. I sang song after song on the way to and from work for I don’t know how many months. (When I find an album I love, I wear it out.) What If, Low, Swallowed in the Sea…well, here’s the whole thing, Coldplay’s X & Y for your listening enjoyment…

In Chapter 17, Lily’s relationship with Charlie suffers a setback at the swankiest of dinner parties. She finds an understanding ear in the person of Adrien Fulbert, a friend of Charlie’s and the foremost European director. He woos her into playing the piano, which she does well. As she plays and sings, she attracts a crowd of mostly men and an old dream of hers is fulfilled. I have her singing a song from the mid- 1950’s Now At Last, which was originally recorded by Blossom Dearie and more recently by Fiest. Both versions are lovely and perfectly captures Lily’s heartbreat at the moment.

Visit my writer friends and see what inspires them as they create their characters and worlds for our enjoyment.

 Laura Kenyon           Gina Henning           Lauren Clark

Laura Chapman           Jennifer Farwell           Bethany Turner

Clodagh Murphy           Stacey Wiedower           Tracy Krimmer

Jillianne Hamilton           Kristina Knight           Jennifer Collin

Whitney Dineen             Maggie Le Page            Karen M. Cox

Rachel L. Hamm            K.J. Farnham           Heather Balog

Serena Clarke

As promised, the…

CARAMEL GIVEAWAY!  

Holy cats, these sound good!

GRAND PRIZE: A one-pound package of caramels from Whitney’s Goodies http://whitneysgoodies.com/  Winner can choose their flavor from those listed below. Visit all the authors for 37 chances to win.

This giveaway is open to residents of the USA only.

The Girl Next Door (Crème Caramels): A scrumptious, full-bodied caramel. Old fashioned, melt-in-your-mouth bliss!

The Charmer (Chocolate Crème Caramels): This smooth, chocolate cream caramel will add panache to your day. An exquisite and elegant morsel, simply irresistible.

The Movie Star (Orange Crème Caramels): A timeless treat that will satisfy caramel fans of all ages. “The stuff that dreams are made of!”

The Bombshell (Lemon Crème Caramels): A bodacious bit of heaven with a bold citrus pallet. They will leave you satisfied and refreshed. Caramels are a girl’s best friend!

Always a Lady (Rose Caramels): A delicate bouquet of rose essence infuses this lovely caramel: alluring, tantalizing and reminiscent of another era. They are perfect for weddings and bridal showers. A definite for ladies who lunch or breakfast at Tiffany’s.

HOW TO ENTER: To enter, answer the following question in the comments section below. “What’s you’re favorite song from my playlist or the album X & Y?”

Entrants must leave their full name, along with an e-mail address (so we can contact the winner.) A winner will be chosen via Random.org on Wednesday, May 20th.