For a while there, I was be-bopping along quite happily. SHIFTING RHYTHMS, while not breaking any speed records, was coming through quickly. Then it all stopped.

Why?

Because of music. It's all because of the music.

I know that probably sounds weird to non-writers. I listen to music while I'm writing. Preferably, music favored by my characters. I've found that my characters are more talketive when I have the right music playing. With IH it was Journey and the Damn Yankees. With BMO it's been Danny Vaughn.

I knew Jackson, my male lead in SR likes Mother's Finest, so I popped "Another Mother Further" into my laptop and poised my fingers over the keyboard to record the flood of information that was sure to come.

Nothing.

Jackson may like Mother's Finest, but they don't get him talking. So tonight I've been listening to other CDs, trying to find the one that'll loosen his lips.

I think James Taylor has potential. I'll try it tomorrow.