The Sobfest
Here I am, caught in the middle of working on an emotional part of AFTER THE STORM. I had a bunch of movie soundtracks on the stereo and was moving notecards around for the last sections of the book (yes, I know, my deadline was Monday! I am about 90% finished). The John Barry soundtrack from Dances with Wolves was playing. (It just occurred to me that I can share bits of my favorite soundtracks with you via the magic of YouTube!). I must have listened to that music more than fifty times over the years, but we have a newish speaker set-up and wow! What a difference. There is some percussion in that music I’d never heard before and that cut right through me. I was working on an emotional scene in the book at the time and got all weepy. Which is why I look so sad and pathetic in this picture.
I’m a movie soundtrack addict, as I’ve mentioned before. I’d love some suggestions for soundtracks you’ve found particularly moving. I plan to buy the soundtrack for Blood Diamonds very soon. I’ve seen the movie a few times, and that music, coupled with the ending of the movie, slays me. Hmm, maybe it sounds a little sick to love to be slayed, but it truly helps my writing. When I feel emotionless as I write, it shows.
John and I are going to Quail Ridge Books tonight with my scribbler friends to hear one of our fellow scribblers, Alex Sokoloff, talk about her new book, THE PRICE. Alex is always a treat to listen to, as well as to read. I’ll keep you posted.
I have a set of several CD’s-Andrew L. Webber-from plays and movies…love them…
I don’t know if you saw Pan’s Labyrinth, but the music is pretty amazing, and definitely on the slaying side. You can listen to the entire soundtrack simply by going the movie site: http://www.panslabyrinth.com/
I’m also quite partial to the Once Soundtrack, which you can also listen to at the site, but it’s all vocals if that is distracting to you.
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/once/
Oh, Brenda and Diane, I love movie soundtracks too. But my favorite soundtracks are from Plays. I’ve got Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Rent, Hairspray, Chicago. I could go on and on. I love musicals.
Hang in there Diane, you’re almost finished with your book. We’re waiting patiently. 🙂
I’ll have to listen to Pans Labyrinth. I don’t recall the music, but it’s usually the SECOND listen when music gets to me. As for Andrew Lloyd Webber, Once, and play soundtracks. . . I can’t work to music with lyrics, unfortunately.
just a side note, Brenda, my favorite ALW is his requiem. If you’ve never heard the Pie Jesu from it, do try to get a copy or listen to it on ITunes. Stunning!
My very favorite soundtrack is from Prince of Tides. It is very old but I still listen to it fairly often.
Will be at Topsail Island the first week of May. I was hoping your book would be out by then but I will just look forward to it when it does come out!
Sorry you’ll be there just a few weeks too soon, Ann. I’m properly jealous, though.
Hmm. . . I’ll have to check into the P of T soundtrack. That was one of my all-time favorite books, except for the unethical relationship between the psychiatrist and Tom. (I think his name was Tom?) In the movie, I was happy that they at least addressed the fact that it was unethical. This is what happens when you’re a former therapist. I have a problem with that HBO show “In Treatment” for the same reason. I can’t watch it.
Whoops. Sorry about the soapbox!
My feelings are the same as yours about the book. Fortunately I can listen to the soundtrack with absolutely no thoughts of the story! I do love soundtracks and will check out some of the ones mentioned in this blog. Thanks to each of you for the recommendations.
Just wanted to say thank you for all your great books. I only discovered you a couple of months ago and have been reading everything of yours that I can get my hands on since then. I especially love the stories that take place on the Outer Banks. One of my absolute favorite places on earth. I am going there this summer for a couple of weeks in August and plan to take your new book with me.
Keep the books coming!!!
Welcome, new reader Susan! I’m very envious that you’re going to the OBX for a couple of weeks this summer. Breathe in some salt air for me.
Just read the 3/17/08 issue of Publishers Weekly and saw the wonderful review of Before the Storm! “Chamberlain (The Bay at Midnight) lays out her latest piece of romantic suspense in a shattered chronology that’s as graceful as it is perfectly paced.” Can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Thanks Anne! I think I’ll post the whole review as a blog post just so I can look at it. 🙂 I’m so happy when PW likes something. You know how their reviewers always have to put in a little dig, so getting a 100% positive review is a joy. . . not to mention a relief.
I just popped over to your blog and read about the corn chipotle soup! definitely going to try it. I love soup.
I’d suggest the Out of Africa soundtrack, another old one. I loved the movie.