Quote

For my characters, it's important to get really specific about what they listen to. Because it affects how they move in the world.

I make a playlist for every character I portray. Music plays a huge part in helping me understand a character. Every time I get a new role, I will take a chunk of time to just sit and listen to a bunch of songs and select the ones that make sense in my mind for that character. I can't even explain how much it helps me.

I sort of look at music as helping me get through situations.

I see music as an aid. It overcomes my internal editor, especially when the music evokes the character or the mood I'm trying to build.

I find that, maybe because I'm also a singer, I hear music in characters all the time, even if they don't sing. I hear what affects me in my heart.

And whether you're drawn to gospel music or church music or honky-tonk music, it informs your character and it informs your talent.

Honestly, I get character ideas from the most inane places. Sometimes a song will give me an idea. Sometimes I will just hear a snippet of conversation that ends up having nothing to do with the book that emerges.

How we absorb music is unique. I know what I do. When I'm listening to music, I tend to find myself in a song. That's what really makes you connect is if you feel what that song is saying.

Music helps me tell my story. That's where I can really be heard. But there's so much focus on the things that aren't music.

Music is always a part of my characters' make-up.