I’ve completed approximately a dozen books and even more novellas and short stories during my life. There’s probably more and I’m just not remembering them. During that time, I’ve found that I can write anywhere on anything at anytime and get along just fine. The one thing that seems to be a sticking point for me is the music.
The music that I listen to while writing a book help me to find the mood for the scene or keep me in a character’s mind. I need to have music playing in the background to block out the rest of the world.
When I was writing Mira’s books for the Dark Days series, I listened to a lot of Linkin Park and Marilyn Manson.
When I was writing Gage’s books for the Asylum Tales, I listened to a lot of Shaman’s Harvest and the score for Assassin’s Creed II.
And when it came to working on Shiver, I knew I’d need something different. For some reason, the Counting’s Crows’ August and Everything After album just fit me perfect. To be entirely honest, I have no idea why. I don’t know if it’s the lyrics or just the melancholy sound of the piano on some of the songs, but I think it echoes something about the loneliness deep in Lucas’s soul. And I think that some of those songs are going to resonate even more when I start working more heavily on the second book in the Unbreakable Bonds series.
I’m still searching for song that I think match Lucas and Andrei. If I asked Andrei, I think he’d say a great song for him would be Five Finger Death Punch’s new song Jekyll and Hyde. Of course, now I’ve got both of them chiming in my head.
Lucas’s brow furrowed and his head cocked to the side as if he was struggling with Andrei’s answer. “Seriously? Jekyll and Hyde?”
“I thought you liked that song?”
“I do, but it’s kind of a dark mood.”
“What do you think it should be, O wise one?” One corner of Andrei’s mouth lifted in his teasing.
Lucas grinned wide. “Laid.”
Andrei rolled his eyes, not even trying to hold back his chuckle. “You wish. Try again.”
“Sex on Fire.”
“Nope, try again.”
“Gimme More.”
Andrei threw his head back, laughing loudly. “You just listed a Brittany Spears song. I’m losing respect for you.”
“Whatever. You recognized it.” Lucas gave a wave of his hand, a slight blush to his cheeks. “Just so long as the song isn’t I Kissed A Girl, we’re good.”
“And what would your song be?” Andrei folded his hands over his stomach and lifted his eyebrows, prompting Lucas.
“You Make Me Smile.”
Andrei’s expression softened and his words were little more than a whisper. “You fight dirty.”
“For you? Every time.”
I can’t wait to introduce you to more of Lucas and Andrei when Shiver is released on October 27. To get the latest updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Also, you can see the lovely inspirations we’ve had for the series on our Tumblr page.
Shiver will be out on October 27. We are aiming to release it both as an ebook and in print. Pre-order your copy of Shiver from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, or Kobo now.
OMG, I can’t wait. Already preordered the book. I’m so excited to start reading your new series!
Thanks so much! Rinda and I had a blast working on the first book and creating this world. We are extremely excited to share this series with everyone. Happy reading!