Can you hear it: Selecting the soundtrack

Everyone has their own ideal setting for writing, or just relaxing in general. Some can only work if there is total silence, some need chaos (like that from a coffee shop or busy restaurant) to get the creative juices flowing. What about me? Well, I need some kind of background noise, and usually in the same tempo/genre/mood of what I'm writing.

I've read a lot of authors websites that mention having a soundtrack for the novel, and I've found this technique a very handy tool to get into the right frame of mind for writing, and it's also a fun way to procrastinate think about the story.

For haven, my soundtrack consists of:
1. Down with the Sickness by Disturbed
2. 7 Days to the Wolves by Nightwish
3. Monsters by Matchbook Romance
4. The Curse by Disturbed
5. Rest in Peace by James Masters, aka Spike (see above, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
6. Disturbia by Rhianna
7. It's the Fear by Within Temptation
8. Somebody Help Me by Full Blown Rose
9. Vampires will never hurt You by My Chemical Romance
10. Whisper by Evanescence

So, do you have a soundtrack to the story you're working on (if you don't, then why not)?

P.S. that's my kind of vampire. Spike from Buffy, bad boy all the way, and he's actually coming down under in 2 weeks...

An ode to rejections...

Well, since it's already 4:30 on Thursday here I guess I've missed Wind-down Wednesday (don't feel bad, I'm feeling great because I took my singing and guitar lesson and that really helped relax me).

My guitar teacher is also a collaborator with some original songs that I write. Instead of doing my usual depressing gothic style music (hey, I love that dark and emotional packed music) I chose to write an upbeat, happy song based around what we all know. I thought it would be good to share with you all, it's titled "Jump".

A single voice above the noise,

A single thought of not enough.

That inch of doubt that holds you back,

Are you good or will you fall?

Facing the bumpy road that life reveals.

Jumping all the hurdles, stumbling for a few.

Feeling like the light's switched off,

Fumbling for a match.

You always second guess yourself

Over and over, facing doubt.

Never be afraid. Don't just stand there

When you can jump, jump, jump.

You'll hit the ground running if you jump.

When all you get is pain, and the ground is approaching fast

All you need is one little smile, think about that yes.

Is all the work worth the trouble?

You'll never know if you quit.

Isn't life a bumpy road, never knowing where it leads.

Having your eye on something far, watching the sun slowly set.

Taking the road less travelled isn't that hard,

Taking that chance against all the bets.

You always second guess yourself

Over and over, facing doubt.

Never be afraid. Don't just stand there

When you can jump, jump, jump.

You'll hit the ground running if you jump.

Is it worth the trouble?

Can you see the goal?

Push yourself forward,

Take that chance.

You'll never know

If you don't jump.

It's just a work in progress, and stay tuned because soon there'll be actual music for it (yes, it will even contain my voice singing... oh the horror). Just writing this really helped lift my spirits, so I hope it can do the same for some of you too.