Thanksgiving is over. Company is gone. Harrymania is over (for now). So it’s back to the normal routine.

For my regular blog readers, are you wondering what happened to November’s centerfold? Yeah. Me, too. My hubby developed a case of the lazies and tells me it’s going to be combined for November and December. I think that bites and I’m not giving up. I’ll keep you posted on who wins this match…

In the meantime, I was talking with a writer friend the other day about what motivates us to want to write a particular book. This is a lot of different things for a lot of different writers. For me, I can’t be too tired, of course. I LOVE having wonderfully scented candles. Right now, I’m burning vanilla and sandalwood. Yum!

But for me, it’s about the music. Like couples often come up with “their song”, I often do the same with my books. It’s odd, really. I find these songs in so many different places. They come from a lot of different genres. The one common theme is that some emotional note in the song draws me in. I’ll give you the 411 on the songs that have influenced me in the past (at least the ones I can recall) in reverse order of release:

GOOD TO BE BAD – “Enjoy the Silence” – Depeche Mode. It’s just such a Jack Cole sort of song. All he ever wanted, all he ever needed, there in his arms…just like the song says. He just has to figure out a way to hang on to her. Besides, it’s one of my all-time favorite songs. I HAD to use it.

STRIP SEARCH – “Behind These Hazel Eyes” – Kelly Clarkson. I discovered this song as I was finishing the book, and it really described how Nicki was feeling at that point in the story. “Here I am once again, I’m torn to pieces. Can’t deny it, Can’t pretend. Just thought you were the one.” Struck a deep chord with me while I was tangled in this book. Actually, this book had another song. While plotting, “Little China Girl” by David Bowie was helpful, too. This hero was the type to tell Nicki, “You shouldn’t mess with me. I’ll ruin everything you are…”

BOUND AND DETERMINED – “Love Sublime” – Vehkavaara & Piltch. The CD is supposed to provide sounds from a Mediterranean night…but most of these sounded Latin in flavor to me, which inspired me to write really hot and spicy. This particular song has a sexy yet poignant feel to it, which the plot called for as well. Very inspiring!

STRICTLY FORBIDDEN – “Desert Rose” – Sting. The entire sentiment of the song really embodied what Gavin was feeling for Kira. It was really instrumental in helping me open my mind to the idea.

STRICTLY SEDUCTION – “Marco Polo” – Loreena McKennitt. This mostly instrumental is exotic and somewhat Middle Eastern. While the motif isn’t English, the song is pure seduction, which is what this book was all about to me.

HIS REBEL BRIDE – “Don’t” – Yve. N. Adams. From the Message in a Bottle soundtrack. The woman singing this song was imploring the man in her life not to entice her because she was weak, and he embodied everything she wanted and thought she couldn’t afford. Perfectly described Maeve’s perspective about Kieran.

HIS STOLEN BRIDE – “Why Lady Why” – Alabama. Yes, it sounds odd to say I listened to a country song to write a Medieval, but the singer’s problem was exactly the same as Drake’s. Knowing he shouldn’t touch Averyl and being able to stop himself from doing it–two different things.

ONE WICKED NIGHT – “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You” – Heart. If you’ve read this book, you’ll realize the song was a huge inspiration to the plot. The book sort of plotted itself after hearing this and really thinking about it. Lucien and Serena thank the Wilson sisters.

Going forward, I’ve been looking for a plot for years to put with the song “The Weekend” by Steve Wariner. I think I’ve FINALLY found one! I’m still searching for one for Diamond Rio’s “Beautiful Mess” but I think I’m closing in on it.

Have songs that inspire you? Please share! Maybe they’ll help me cook up something really fun and wonderful.