by Jim
Poor Rihanna, and I mean that literally. This is an artist who peaked way too early in her career. I’m not usually into this type of thing, but this song found a place on my playlist very quickly. When to Listen: Villain creation is a good place to start, but also during the creation of dark scenes. I like to listen to it at night … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I’m admittedly not a huge fan of these guys. Their lead singer’s voice just doesn’t fit very well and he often sounds like he’s straining to hit high notes. That being said, they do have some gems. This is one of them. Ghost Division from The Art of War. When to listen: Given who this song is about… I would say use it when creating your villain. The music isn’t all that dark, but it paints some decent imagery. On a side note, if you want a version with better vocals (sorry Sabaton fans!) Minniva does a pretty serviceable version: Readers, Do … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
This is definitely some of the more run of the mill Avantasia. Even so, I do love it. Seeing them live is still #1 on my bucket list. When to Listen: Adventure story, usually when the hero first metaphorically picks up his sword. When something or someone he loves is taken from him and he begins his journey to get it back. Readers, Do you … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
One of the few welcomed changes to the Star Wars classics. I was never a huge fan of Yub Nub. That being said, they ruined the scene this song was in by replacing Sebastian Shaw with Hayden Christiansen. RUINED ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL SCENES! When to Listen: If it wasn’t already plainly obvious, this is a post-final battle song. It fits in so many … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Ah an oldie, but one from I musician I loved back in college… and still do! I don’t think you can qualify him as metal, but who cares? Beyond his music, he’s also wonderful to his fans. I had the opportunity to see him live and then waited two hours in line to meet him after the show. It took two hours because he … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Okay, I love Hammerfall, but this version is too good to ignore. When to Listen: The primary struggle of the hero. Listen to this when your hero is coming face to face with their biggest issue. This does not necessarily mean the final fight. This could be an internal – emotional struggle that the hero most deal with. Readers, Do you have a question about … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Everyone knows how much I love Dragonforce. Like really a lot! This is one of the best covers of Through the Fire and the Flames I’ve ever heard. That acapella part at the end is actually my ringtone now. When to Listen: General playlist, brainstorming, fighting scenes… Dragonforce songs are notorious for being versatile in when it’s appropriate to listen to them. Readers, Do you … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Okay, this is not what Rock and Roll looks like, I can assure you of that. Still, that girl has an interesting voice. She could do well with a metal band. When to Listen: General playlist for me, though it could be a pallet cleanser as well. It has that affect every now and then. Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I’ve heard this rather low and haunting music played over several audio books in the Star Wars Universe. Not on the general playlist, but I thought it merited a listen. When to Listen: This would likely be a very specific one. Listen to this when writing about a distant evil. Something off on the horizon that cannot be avoided. Your character knows it’s there, fears … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Got this one stuck in my head. Can’t help it. Not my fault!!! Seriously though, Beast in Black Berserker has become one of the better albums I own. I can’t wait to see where they go from here. Most of the songs on this album are really great. When to Listen: When the hero confronts the villain. In most stories, before the final battle, the … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
One of Avantasia’s songs off of the Metal Opera. Again, a very well done album that I thoroughly encourage everyone to listen to. When to Listen: This is a reflective song. Listen to this when a character is doing inward looking or soul searching. Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
From the first band I knew Bonny from. When to Listen: General playlist. This is really the best place for this song. Listen as filler while you write. Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me. jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post. I have been … Read More From My Writing Playlist
James Harringtons Creative Work 