I love music. I love everything from the concept of composing a new song, writing lyrics, hearing the first melodies, listening to the finished product.

I can’t do any of that stuff, but I love the idea of music.

I also love it when I have a physical reaction to a song. Sometimes it’s a lyric that makes my heart skip a beat like, It’s Been Awhile, by Staind. Or just the melody of a song that grabs you like, The Mummer’s Dance, by Loreena McKennitt.

And now, I can add James Blunt to my list. His song You’re Beautiful affects me like no song has in a LONG time. It’s haunting and sad and beautiful. My heart literally races when I hear the first notes. And then his voice: wow. It’s an odd mixture of echo and melody. At first, I thought I would hate his voice, but then it just washed through me and I found myself drowning in it.

So, yesterday I listened to his album, Back to Bedlam and now I’m completely hooked.

I listen to music when I write. I form a soundtrack in my head that is appropriate for the story and I play those songs over and over. For my current novel, it’s been country music. But, I’m afraid Mr. Blunt has found his way into my head and into my book. There is another song on the album, Goodbye Lover, which is very appropriate for an upcoming scene.

Now, I just hope Mr. Mel sees this and takes note. Christmas isn’t very far away.

p.s. Mr. Mel, if you’re reading this–UPDATE YOUR BLOG.