And the beat goes on

Whether it's the dance of a child twirling around the room with joy and agility, celebrating the letting out of school for that day, or the passionate dance of two lovers as they caress each other while sultry music plays in the background, music inspires us, moves us and for some of us, transports us to another place. I'm one of those people who would dance away hours if I could.

I remember when I was young and the school I attended would hold weekly dances in the gym. I was always the first one there and the last to leave. It didn't matter if I had a dance partner, for the most part anyway, I just danced. Every song created a different mood, a different style of dance, different steps and rhythms. To me, most had some sensuality, no matter how fast or slow the beat was.

It's funny, I can't write and listen to music. It's one or the other, although music can inspire stories and when I write, it can be very much like music to me. There's a certain pace and beat to writing when it flows well.

A fast paced action story leaves you breathless, just like a lively jitterbug might. The sexy, grinding scene between lovers has a more sultry tune that takes you to heights of pleasure where you can close your eyes and soar. Vampires need a dark smoky tune. Chick lit, well, a light fluffy piece that makes you antsy to move. Stories really have their own music and we, the authors, create it. If we're very good, we can make our readers hear it, or better yet, feel it.

Ever read a story and you can't sit still? You find yourself twisting and turning in your chair. Perhaps even getting up and walking for a few minutes to release a tension that's built in you. Was that the music of the story?


Here's a little something to look at, to add music too and a story. Lovers, kept apart by the circumstances of their lives. He works out of town, perhaps racing cars or buying stock for a company that doesn't care about HIM.

She works in a small shop, but dreams about when he's home. When he can take her out and they can dance. His firm hold on her, supporting her against him. His taut, well-muscled body controls hers. He can make her do anything when they dance, and she yearns for more.

Hear the music? It's soft and sultry. A sax groaning in the distance and holds them under its spell. He'll make love to her on that floor. Fully clothed and in public, they'll share moments more intimate than many married couples.

Sigh. Yes, music means a lot to me. What about you?