mscottwrites:

Hi, tumblr!

Sorry for my absence. There were some keyboard issues that still haunt my dreams.

Anyway, today’s tip is about mental health and writing. We all love a good villain and great drama, but it can be hard to get in, stay in, be in and then get out of a character’s head, especially if that character is self-destructive or in a dark place. To tackle that, I assign all my characters theme songs (which is fairly common) so their tone stays consistent. I listen to their song at least once before I write them and often loop their song as I write.

But when things are really hard, when you’re writing someone who’s in despair or deep pain, I find it’s also helpful to give YOURSELF a theme song. I usually pick two, one triumphant kinda “stepping out of the darkness” type power ballad (looking at you “We Are The Champions”) and one that is my own personal “I had a good day” song. Playing these songs when you’re done writing for the day helps build distance between yourself and your characters. It’s a good way to make sure a great day of writing messed up people doesn’t mess up your night when you’re done.

Happy Writing!
Mairghread

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