Music that inspires...

Music holds a special place in most people's lives... and if it doesn't, then I feel genuinely sad for you. Music is an amazing gift from one person to another -- there is nothing quite like listening to a piece of music which has a special meaning for you, either.

For some people, different instruments will provide different images and feelings. It's easy to decide how different chords and riffs make us feel differently, and sometimes these are expertly chosen by the musician... and other times it's a personal thing.

Music can be a powerful tool for writing, especially when the piece is purely instrumental. Without lyrics, a piece can stimulate the creative section of the brain, and your mind overflows with images and ideas.

Here's a couple of exercises:

• Take a piece of instrumental music and listen to it once; as you listen, write down any words or emotions that you think about/feel.

Compare the list of words and feelings from one song to the next and see if a friend comes up with the same. Try and discover the song's meaning through your interpretation, and remember: You can't be wrong!

• Next, take the same piece of instrumental music and have it on in the background whilst you write without pause or editing for the duration of the song. 

After the song ends, look at what you've written and see if it could lead you further and into a story of substantial size. If not, then keep it as a flash fiction piece.

If you don't know any good artists for instrumental pieces, try some guitarists like Antoine Dufour, Andy McKee, or Maneli Jamal.

Pay attention to changes in tone, speed or volume. And, most of all, have fun!