No writing yet, but I’ve decided to pick back up my earlier goal of writing Thurs-Sat every week. I need the other days to get my house and other aspects of my life in order. After I get a handle on everything, I’ll probably add another day to the schedule. Last night, I cleaned out one side of the cabinet under the bathroom sink. This was a big chore, and I ended up with a full trash bag of stuff to get rid of. HOW did all that fit under the sink?
Now, what I need your opinions for. I’m having an audiobook narrated for Haunted Lake. The producer/narrator wants to know if I want music. He said he could do music at the beginning of each chapter or just at the beginning and ending of the book. I’ve listened to a LOT of audiobooks, and most of them don’t have music. Some of the well known authors have music. I’ve heard the music both ways that the narrator asked about. At the beginning of each chapter, the only problem I have is when the music is louder than the narrator. Otherwise, it doesn’t distract me. I’m kind of leaning toward music at the beginning and the end. So, what do you all think? Music at each chapter, music at the beginning and ending of the book, or no music at all? Haunted Lake has a ghostly mood, so I wondered if the music might add something.
lauralynnelliott.com 
I’ve heard books where they put music between sections (like a grouping of chapters). I’ve generally heard it when the books being played like a radio play.
Personally, I like the idea of opening and closing the books with music if I have something that really fits the mood, but I wouldn’t love hearing it in between chapters. I think that might take me out of the story.
I think you might be right. Music at the beginning might set the mood, but at each chapter might be too much. I can’t WAIT to hear the sample to approve. It should be done at the end of the month. 🙂
I’ve listened to a TON of audiobooks and most don’t have music. At most there’s an intro and outro at the start and finish of the whole book, but none in the middle, which is my preference unless specific music actually plays into the plot, as the music does in Beautiful Creatures.
I’m leaning toward music at the beginning and the end. Some people seem to feel it’s too distracting in the middle of the book. My producer offered to do it at no extra charge (because he’s nice like that), but I really think most people would prefer no music at the chapters.
I don’t listen to audio books so I’m not sure how to advise you. But personally, I’d lean towards music only at beginning and end.
Oh, I HAVE to do SOMETHING when I’m driving to and from work. I would go crazy without my audiobooks!
I’m also not an audiobook kind of guy, but I think that music at the beginning and end would add a lot.
Bathroom cabinets are kind of like the TARDIS, aren’t they?
At the beginning and the end seems to be what most people suggest. Even my narrator thinks this would be best. He’s going to create some music for me and let me approve it before he adds it to the book sample.
Exactly. It looks SO much smaller on the outside….
I don’t listen to audiobooks either, so I’m hesitant to give advice. I do know that the audiobook version of the German translation of Yseult didn’t have any music, and my instinctive reaction would be — no music! But maybe you should sample some audiobooks in your genre before you decide.
Good luck in getting back into writing mode!
I’m surprised at how many people are saying they don’t listen to audiobooks! I thought everyone did. I have to have something to do while driving, and it takes me about 20 minutes to get to work. I’ve listened to LOTS of audiobooks, and most don’t have music, but some do, especially the well-known authors. I’m thinking maybe having music at the beginning and the end. But NOT at each chapter.
I’ve only listened to a few audiobooks, but those I’ve best enjoyed were ones that had understated music between chapters. I liked the “radio serial” effect… Just me though. I tend to like music on and around everything I do. I’m probably not the best person to ask.
I do like you idea of setting a few days off a week to get control of your house. I hear you about cleaning out under the sink… I dread what I will find under mine. (How DO we store so much stuff there?)
The narrator is going to put the music at the beginning and let me see how I like it. Al has been great to work with. I think music at the beginning will set the mood.
I HAVE to get control of my house. I was doing well for awhile, using the FlyLady method, but I’ve let things go. I don’t know how so much stuff got under the sink. An old hair dryer that doesn’t work (why did I keep it?), old hairspray, old body spray, BAGS (what the heck?), containers…the list goes on.
Sounds like you have things under control with the book… The house–well, I’m starting to wonder if clutter might not be the real curse of the writer. 😀
I usually enjoy music at the beginning and end of audiobooks! And I can definitely say I’ve never disliked music in an audiobook. I lean towards none in the middle unless it has a specific purpose….like Beautiful Creatures or the dream sequences in Vampire Academy.
I just did the same thing with our sink! It’s amazing what fits under there. Good luck with the Thurs-Sat writing!
I think beginning and end is what I’m going to do. It makes the most sense.
I can’t believe how much stuff I pulled out from under that sink!
I don’t listen to audio books either, but I’d go with what Emma said. Beginning and end. Might be distracting during. Whatever choice you make, Lauralynn, will be one you are happy with. 🙂
Sandra, I think I’m going to go with beginning and end. I think that’s what most people are suggesting, not just here, but in emails to me. Before each chapter just may be too much. I don’t really mind it in my audiobooks, but many people don’t like it that much.
Hello, Lauralynn, I’m with everyone else! Music maybe OK at beginning and end, but nowhere else. Maybe just go for no music at all! Congrats on deciding to write certain days of the week. That should keep you focused, especially when tackling major reorganization. Have you see the Fly Lady’s motivational newsletter? She recommends setting goals and a timer each day for keeping the household the way you wish. I’m less certain that would work for writing, but you will persevere! And here’s the link to Fly Lady. I do love her cheery sense of humor! http://www.flylady.net/ Have a great week.
I think I’m going with music at the beginning and the end. The producer is going to let me hear the music first so I can approve it.
I get FlyLady’s emails and was trying to at least do most of the daily challenges, but I’ve been off my game in all aspects of my life lately. I’m a Fly Baby! 🙂