I’m very excited to welcome erotic romance author, Bella Andre, to the jungle! Bella and I met years ago and instantly hit it off. I was excited when I saw she had a new book out and asked her to come with us and share something she’s learned about writing. It’s a great topic! I’m so glad she’s here! She’s giving away some copies of the first book in her series to celebrate the release of the second, so reader or writer, be sure to comment to get your chance to win! Welcome, Bella!
Listening to the Same Song Over and Over…. (aka courting the muse)
by Bella Andre
I’m so thrilled to be guest blogging here today! Thanks, Julie, for the invite!
For the past couple of weeks I’ve been extremely focused (read: obsessed) with the third book in my Men of Fire series (NEVER TOO HOT – coming May 2010). Part of this is because it’s due really soon. But also because my hero was burned in the first book of the series and this is his book. He’s damaged and it’s beyond fun to write his story.
Anyway, as this is my 13th book, I figured I had my process pretty much down. As of book 12, it was pretty streamlined.
Sit at desk. Write.
That was it. No music. No candles. No pictures of hunky firefighters above my desk. Just putting my fingers on the keyboard and writing.
And then, in walked an iPhone. I’m pretty sure that no one will believe this, but until a few weeks ago I didn’t have an iPod or a Shuffle or anything at all to listen to music on other than a very cheap, very retro CD player. (Probably a subconscious rejection of all things music related after ten years as a musician….all that touring gets to you after a while.) Anyway, you know that scene in The Sound of Music where Baron Von Trap tells Maria that he’s sorry, and to please stay with him and his children, because she brought music back to the house.
Well, my iPhone is Frauline Maria. It’s brought music back to the house. And it’s provided a constant backdrop to this book.
And I do mean constant. At first I put the songs on my playlist on shuffle as I wrote. But what I really wanted to do was find a repeat button. Because there are some songs that are just speaking to me as I write this book. (Sorry, I can’t tell you exactly which ones they are just in case it takes away some of the magic.) And then, it happened.
I found the repeat button.
And that’s when things got a little nutty. Because I listened to the same song for eight hours straight. The only break I took was to sit down at the piano and figure it out. So that I could play it myself.
See? Nuts.
And amazingly, I’m still not sick of it yet. In fact, it’s playing right now.
If you’re a writer, I’d love to know what kicks your muse into overdrive.
Thanks for letting me drop in for the day! And I’d love to give away a couple of copies of WILD HEAT (The first book in my Men of Fire series) as well.
All my best,
Bella
HOT AS SIN (2nd Book in the MEN OF FIRE series) – out this week!
Sam MacKenzie is a wildland firefighter with few peers. He’s utterly fearless – there’s no one waiting for him at home, no reason not to risk it all. Out of the blue, the only woman he’s ever loved – the same one who ground his heart to dust ten years ago – shows up begging him for help. Dianna’s sister is in big trouble somewhere in the rugged Colorado Rockies, and he’s the only person Dianna knows with the skills to track her sister down.
Working together on their quest to find Dianna’s sister, they soon realize there’s a killer on the loose and his true target isn’t Dianna’s sister…it’s Dianna herself. Using his extreme outdoor skills, Sam needs to track down the killer, before he loses the woman he loves forever.
Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as soon as she started her first romance novel, she knew she’d found her perfect career. Since selling her first book in 2003, she’s written twelve “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publisher’s Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they’ll love forever. If not behind her computer, you can find her reading, hiking, knitting, or lunching with her favorite romance writing ladies. Bella lives with her fabulous husband and children in both Northern California and a ninety-year-old lakefront log cabin in New York’s Adirondacks. www.BellaAndre.com
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Bella welcome, I enjoyed Game for Anything and Game for Seduction. I also just added you a few days ago on FB. I’m a new writer and I sit at the computer and listen to my ipod Music always helps me write that is probably why I get ideas while driving.
I willeven hear songs on the radio and make note to add to ipod if I think it is a song that I want to write too. 
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Hello!!! Wow, such a nice turnout for a Saturday. Thanks for dropping by. Now that soccer games and grocery shopping are out of the way I’m back to my obsession….but first I had to stop by to chat. :)
Michele – I’m so glad you enjoyed my Bad Boys of Football books. It was no hardship to write about football players. None at all! And yes to the ideas coming from a song. Sometimes I”ll listen to one a zillion times, but it’s the zillionth + one where I finally hear THE line, the one that perfectly describes my heroines feelings in the black moment.
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Welcome, Bella! The only time I wrote to music was the very first book I ever wrote! Same thing. Same song over and over. I’m not sure why I never tried it again! Lately I’m not sure what gets my muse going but I sure need something!
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Carly – Thanks for the lovely welcome. And I can’t tell you how much better it makes me feel to know I’m not alone in the same song over and over nuttiness! :-)
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I have been known to carry a spiral notebook with me at all times and make notes and write out lines that may or may not end up in the book I am working on at the time but may be used at a later date on a completely different project. And these were usually inspired by a song I may have been listening to at the time.
Thanks Bella for stopping by the jungle for a chat with us. I hope you will continue to let the music move you and your characters in ways no other thing on Earth can do!
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Patsy – Hi there! Oh good, it’s always nice to know that you could find the book. :) I hope you really enjoy HOT AS SIN. My 3yo daughter was just looking at the cover saying, “He’s standing in front of fire. Without his clothes.” I pointed out that he had a t-shirt on (a very wet one….), but she didn’t seem convinced. LOL. And you put it so well. The songs do help me see the characters more clearly.
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I’m not a writer but I love listening to music while reading. Love your book cover and the book sounds HOT. Will definitely have to add it to my gotta have list. Have a great Halloween.
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Linda – I agree with you about the cover. :) When my editor sent it I was actually working on the revisions for the book. Her exact words were, “Hope this provides some good inspiration.” Um, yeah, I’d say it did!
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Hi Bella
I just wanted to say hi & can’t wait to read Hot As Sin. I just bought it this week. It was actually in Chapters here in Canada on Monday, one day early.
I have & loved all your books. Enjoy your visit here.
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Mary – Thanks so much for buying HOT AS SIN, hot off the presses! And for reading and enjoying my other books too. :)
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Welcome, Bella…I am not a writer, but a reader. I can relate, as I get ‘stuck’ on a song while I am walking (currently, “Chains of Love” by Erasure) and I listen to it over and over and over. I guess it’s better than some of the others that I have been stuck on….
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Katie – Hi there! I’ve always been like that about songs. Gotten completely stuck on certain ones at certain points. Thanks for stopping in.
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Hi Bella,
I sometimes listen to music while read , but sometimes find it pulls me away.
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Dina – Oh yes, while reading, I don’t know about music. A different thing entirely. I do, however, walk and read at the same time. It makes me really look forward to putting on my tennis shoes every day.
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Hi Bella. Great blog I can’t wait to read Hot As Sin. As a (would be) writer I ‘m lucky that I can pretty much tune in or out of almost anything. At the moment my DH is watching “Death of a Gunfighter” (not my scene btw but…it keeps him amused!) as I type away! Early morning writing I tend to listen to nothing just the soft snores of DH and my two old dogs.
Take care. Caroline x
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Caroline – You’re a writer. Period. :) Especially if you’re using the words “early morning”!
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That is a completely gorgeous and appealing cover! And doesn’t look like just another rehash of everything out there, so congrats!
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Louisa – Thanks! I totally agree. The folks over at BantamDell really did a great job with the cover. Nice that they “get” my vibe so well.
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Bella,
Just wanted to say -again – that I love your books. I won Wild Heat on FB a couple of days ago so no need to enter me in the giveaway today. Can’t wait to read Hot as Sin! Trick or Treating with the kids tonight, bookstore tomorrow!
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Kara – Hey there! Thanks so much for saying all those nice things!!!! Hope you love Hot as Sin (and Wild Heat too)!
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Hi Bella
I haven’t yet read your books but promise to pick
up HOT AS SIN. That cover is very enticing.
I like katie am a reader. It seems being a
Plotmonkey fan is the best way to find the new authors
I have to read. I still have an old cd player too!
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Jeannie – Hey there! Glad to know there’s more than one old CD player still out there. :)
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Hi, nice post!! I read your interview with Jill too the other day. I LUV a good series!! Please enter me to win your first book. Thanks, Sue
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Sue – Thanks for following me all over the blogosphere!
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Hi Bella, welcome to the Jungle! I tried writing to music once but I ended up listening to the music and having my characters sing the lyric.
Recently, I fired my muse. I called her the Hell Bitch. She swigged Tequila, watched DVD’s all day, invited numerous boyfriends over to join her in the closet off my office. The woman was an alcoholic slut. It took a lot to drag her out of that closet and get her to help me with my writing. But most of the time instead of helping she stomped on my story ideas and offered her own. So recently, I fired her. She was shocked and really pissed off, totally trashed the closet on her way out, but I was sooo glad to get rid of her.
Then I hired a new muse. A guy! That’s right, he’s a man. He lives in a gorgeous tree house, really cool place with lots of windows. He’s got dark eyes, dark hair, wears jeans and a Henley and is always barefoot. Being up in the trees is great for creativity, the breeze sawing through the boughs, the birds singing, the cozy, nurturing atmosphere… One terrific thing about him is that he actually listens to me! He never talks over me. When I’m done telling him about my story, he offers suggestions that enhance the story instead of ripping it apart. And he has an assistant. She wears a suit and heels, keeps her hair in a bun, wears reading glasses and is an efficiency whiz. She’s a combination of Ellen Ripley from Alien and Mary Poppins. She keeps me organized, on my story track and oh did I mention she carries a flame thrower? Anytime, the monsters of doubt come around she makes french fries out of them. Oh, and she completely obliterated the worst monster of all–Writer’s Block. I don’t believe in it anymore.
So, my advice to anyone out there struggling with their muse is to fire them and hire someone new. Hiring a new muse is one of the best things I’ve ever done for my writing.
Have a great day all,
Cher
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Cher – I know. That used to be exactly what happened to me. I think because I wrote songs for a living, I couldn’t detach from the lyrics enough to have any of my own thoughts! And btw, your new muse sounds AWESOME
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My muse is amazing!! I wish I had hired him years ago.
Thanks again for stopping by the Jungle today,
Cher
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Woo-hooo Cher!! Sounds like you’re definitely on track. Good for you!! And having a male muse, sounds like a mighty fine idea.
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He’s great, Alannah! He has that Tom Hanks/Jimmy Stewart Best Friend thing going on. Wonderful!
Cher
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Hi Bella, welcome to the jungle. Thank you so much for coming and swinging with us today. Your books sound interesting.
Iphone as Frauline Maria…love it! The Sound of Music is my all-time favorite musical. I am really curious to know which song you listen to, but I get why you don’t want to say.
I have never used music when I write, but I am considering it, especially since I am going to try NaNoWriMo this year. It should be quite the learning experience. I will have to experiment with different types though. The first that comes to mind is Classical, then maybe broadway soundtracks, country, gospel and R&B…long list to choose from, but I will eventually figure out what works. Have a blast in the jungle.
Jules, I missed some really wonderful blogs this week and last week…tres bummed about that. You still continue to amaze me with the talented authors you have on tap to visit us. How is homeschooling going?
Happy Halloween everyone!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Paula – Thanks for the welcome. And I’m not joking about the Frauline Maria thing. Well, sort of :) but it’s also true. I feel like my world has blasted back open with music. It’s awesome. Good luck with NNWM!!
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You are welcome and thank you. The more I think about NaNoWriMo, the more nervous I get. I am sure that after a good night’s rest, I will be less stressed out.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Happy Halloween!
I love listening to music as I do things, but find I do not enjoy it when reading. I get so into a book that I do not want any distractions… Your series sounds great… I have to look for some of your books…
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Colleen – Yes. No distractions while reading. A good book trumps all.
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Bella (with the gorgeous name)–
I enjoyed your post. Thanks for visiting with us on Halloween. :fallleaf:
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Happy Halloween!
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Welcome Bella!
Great Interview! I, to, can do just about anything with some good music on ! 
Kudos to you on your new release. I haven’t read your first book yet but I can’t wait to get ahold of it. OOHWWAA LA LA FIREFIGHTERS! Yummm! 
Now that’s a really 
topic to write about!!! I 
Firefighters!! Thank you for being here today! 
Happy Halloween!
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Lisa – LOL. I feel just the same way about firefighters. Obviously!
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Hi Bella,
Happy Halloween. Congrats on the new release. Will there be a fourth book in the Men of Fire series or will you start a new series?
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Jane – Thanks for the question! I will be continuing in the same lake town that NEVER TOO HOT (My obsession book, out next May) is set in, but my hero will be the only firefighter in town. :) Except for his hot brother (Sam in HOT AS SIN) and Logan (WILD HEAT) when they come out to visit, of course!
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Hi Bella Andre :) As always, I’m such a huge fan of yours. Can’t wait for the new book, I know it’s gonna rock. I was just wondering what were some of the songs you listened to as you wrote??? As I read, I’d like to listen to them! :)
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Rachie – Hey you! I’d tell you but then I’d have to…. No, seriously, Anne Mallory made the off the cuff comment about the song losing its magic if I spill which one it is, and I thought “What if she’s right?” So, until the book is done, must keep mum. Although the running joke now is that unlike many authors who post a long “song list” on their web sites for each book, mine will have only one song. LOL
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Hi, Bella! Welcome to the jungle! I like to listen to music while I write, too. Nothing specific — just background noise for me.
HOT AS SIN caught my eye at the bookstore this week, so I bought it. Then realized that it was the second book in a series and went back and bought WILD HEAT (I have this thing about reading series books in order, LOL). I can’t wait to read them. Awesome (and
) covers, BTW!
Happy Halloween everyone!!!
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Janelle – THANK YOU for picking up HOT AS SIN this week! And Wild Heat too. I hope you really enjoy them. I’ve loved writing this series. There’s something just so incredibly seductive about big alpha firefighters….
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Hi Bella, I haven’t had a chance to start this series yet, and just took a peek at the wonderful reviews for Wild Heat. Great excerpts for both of your stories, I would love to read them.
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Cathy – Thanks for checking out the reviews and chapters. I hope you love the books!
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Hi Bella – welcome to the jungle!!
I love my iPod. I’ve worn one out, had my second refurbished and have the iPod Touch at the very top of my Christmas wish list. I never leave home without it, I keep music playing while I’m cleaning, etc. and often have headphones on while I’m cooking dinner and the family has the TV on.
But I can’t listen to it while I write. I think it’s because I end up getting so lost in the music that I then lose track of my own writing. Sometimes I can listen to music with no words, but I usually need the house to be silent – although I do often have the TV on but muted. It makes me feel less alone.
I really, really wish I could write with music playing in my ears because that would be my idea of absolute perfection. Music and writing!
I hope it’s a great Halloween and a great weekend for everyone!
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Alannah – Hi there! Thanks for the welcome! It’s been so nice meeting everyone here today. Okay, now back to Connor…..I mean my book! Will check in again later today.
Bella
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Hi Bella, it is so nice to meet you and welcome to the jungle! (Isn’t that a song?)
I am absolutely anxious to find your books. I love…huhum…Hot men *grin*! That’s why I married a Recon Marine! Have you seen the little brown shorts these guys wear when diving!!?
to whom ever thought that design up…. Hubba…Hubba!
Okay, let me get back on track here. What was I going to say before the ‘shorts’ comment? Oh, yes, my muse. I can’t write to music. Weird right?! Well, I use music to work out, and to escape the noise of kids at times, but when I write….no music please! I can’t seem to tune out the tunes. However, I can tune out four kids and a husband all wrestling for my attention when a good scene hits me. Corky
I really enjoyed your post today, Bella. You have found a new reader in me for sure!
Have a great Halloween
~Talina
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Happy Halloween Bella! I’m not really a writer. I’m a big reader and I just do poetry sometimes. When writing it I often have music on but when I’m getting stuck into it I find that I don’t listen to it at all. Everything becomes still and I’m totally focused on what I’m doing. I do find music very inspiring, especially classical piano.
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Hey Bella and welcome to the jungle! I love to read how each author writes their stories. You are a new to me author, but after going over to your website, I’ve already found several books to add to my TBR list.
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give me a firefighter story any day; I love finding out how they put out the fire and take care of the heat, lol. Thanks for being here today.
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Hi, Bella! Its always interesting to me to learn what motivates authors to write! For me, its reading a good book or listening to instrumental music (anything with words distracts me to much lol)
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Hi! I really enjoyed the article and the excerpt!! You are a new to me author, but your books sound really great. I’ll have to look for them.. (Maybe I’ll get lucky & win one!!)
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Happy Halloween Bella!!!! :fallleaf:
Congratulations on your new release. I enjoy your books and ecspecially enjoy your heroes
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Hi, Bella! I love your books, and it’s fun to learn you’ve got a new inspiration with the iPhone thing
Don’t want to ruin the magic going on now, but it would totally neat if you’d consider posting a playlist on your site after the book’s done! Looking forward to the hunky firemen, so write on!
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Hi Bella! I just picked up my first book by you ,,, Wild Heat. I hope to start it tomorrow. It’s looks HOT just by the cover alone! I don’t write at all,,, but as an artist my ipod shuffle and headphones are a MUST! I have several different playlists. Depending upon my mood, depends upon which list I listen too. If I know what I’m making, if my mind has already “designed” it ,,, I play all kinds of up beat music, anything from jazz to head banging. If I need to “design” the next piece as I’m making it,,, It’s all Dave Matthews! That man’s music melts me from one end to the other! He gets wicked!!! Thanks for the books! I can’t wait to start! Shell
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I love music! all kinds! But, I can not listen to music while I read definitly too distracting.
I do not own an IPOD. I just have an old tape player and an old CD player. At home, I usually listen to an old SONY boom box.
Your book sounds GREAT! Looks FABULOUS! I’d love to read “Hot as Sin”!
You are a new author for me.
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Hi :)
Thanks for sharing Bella!
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
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Your book sounds good.
I live in Northern CA, too.