Pages

Friday, August 26, 2011

Musical Stories 8: Children's Literature

I knew I might gain some readers when I decided to take part in this Campaign, but honestly I had no idea that things would explode. I'm thrilled to have reached, and exceeded, the one hundred followers milestone. (By the way, am I the only person that hates that our readers are called followers? I can't find my way to the corner with a map and a compass at the best of times, without 116 people behind me trusting in my non-existent sense of direction. I'll stick with 'readers' thank you!) I won't be running a contest, I'll save that for when I finally have a job, but please know that I appreciate every single one of you that took the time to click that little button. To my new readers, I hope you find something here you like and decide to stick around; and to my old readers (in time served, not age of course, dahlings), thank you for supporting me. At the risk of sounding corny it really means a lot to me that you come back, time after time, and leave comments. Not to get all mushy, but you don't know how much it helps having all your support. Actually, you probably do, you've all got blogs too! Anyway, thank-you.

It's Friday, and some of you know what that means. It's time for Musical Stories. I choose a writing genre each week and then pick three songs that I think fit. Mostly they're songs that tell a story in the particular genre. Occasionally I cheat slightly, but there's always a good reason for it :-)

Thanks to all of you who contributed genre and song ideas. Those that don't get used the first time round have been filed away for possible use next time. This week it's children's literature.

The first song was one of a number of lullabies suggested to me. This one is from Jamie at Mithril Wisdom. I see this as a picture book that is being read to a child at bedtime.

To me, number two is also a picture book, but one that the little boy or girl reads under the covers with a torch (or a flashlight, depending where they live!) when they're supposed to be asleep.

Number three was a late contender. I already had all my choices picked out when I came across this, and I'm so glad I found it. (I won't tell you what it knocked out, because I'll use that one next time). Here's a perfect example where the narrator's story, although the truth as a young child sees it, isn't quite the one that the reader picks up on. I have to mention the graphics in this video which I think are lovely.

Next week, we're changing the pace completely, and getting a little heavier, (for one song anyway!) with the Horror genre. For now, enjoy!








58 comments:

  1. I absolutely loved The Babysitter's Here. It brought back all kinds of wonderful memories, not of being babysat, but of being the babysitter and the fun I'd have with the kids.

    Nice.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a neat idea! I can't wait to see what songs you've come up with next week for the Horror genre! Lol...

    Also? I agree - we should stick to Readers vs. Followers (I was born completely and totally without a sense of direction...)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Three songs I've not heard of before! Great ballads :O)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for sharing this unique idea. Music can be a fabulous source of story inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good luck with your campaign! Looking forward to the horror genre:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm a fellow campaigner/blogger. Just wanted to drop by and say hi, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congrats on all the followers! That is great! And I love your Musical Stories. So much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  8. WOW, well done! 116 is a great number! Madonna's song is cool!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congratulations on the followers! :)

    I love the songs you chose!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Of course people will see something they like here - it's PURPLE!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've never thought of the "followers" thing, but you're right! Too bad we can't say "cheering section" or "supportive, awesome people."

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations on the Readers! The Madonna song is cute, I've never heard it before.

    ReplyDelete
  13. My 'followers' are tagged reading and writing nuts, but yeah, the people who support us are so much more than followers. Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ohh my fav is Madonna's song - such a cool song. I always write to songs:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Sarah! I'm checking out all my fellow campaigners and I'm excited to get to know you better!

    I love listening to music while I write. Something about the way they phrase things sometimes just sets my imagination off running.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I liked the Babysitter's Here. Girl has a nice singing voice.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh my! You're at 100 followers! Congrats! Rock on! And I mean literally, as I'm rocking on to your Madonna song. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a great idea. I've never really given much thought towards integrating song with story writing, either for inspiration or directly in the writing, so I am thrilled to have a new concept to think about when I write :)

    That's great you're 'readership' is climbing! I love writing blogs :) The campaign has introduced so many new blogs to me, so I have a lot more to read now! Thank you for visiting mine and sharing your thoughts in my comments section!

    I am looking forward to learning more about your writing through your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I really loved the Babysitter one. It had real pathos and I could identify with the kids and the babysitter. Very moving.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really enjoyed this post--especially the babysitter's song. I think music and writing are so intertwined--and songs are absolutely just a musical story. Look forward to horror next week!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I can only imagine what you'll choose for Horror! Can't wait to see.

    Hope you're having a good weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a fun idea! Can't wait to get to know a fellow campaigner better. :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am looking forward to reading more. What a great idea for blog posting. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Congrats on breaking 100 readers!

    I have fallen deeply in love with the first song. Her voice is so pretty and I'll have to check out other songs by her. The Madonna song is also perfect. And I totally wish I had had kids that excited to see me when I was babysitting.

    Slightly nervous about next week, as I'm not a huge horror movie fan.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sarah - Well done on getting over 100 readers! I'm very happy for you and it's well-deserved :-).

    And thanks for sharing those songs - delightful :-).

    ReplyDelete
  26. The babysitter one was my favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hey, I don't mind the following label. Now, stalker might be a little over the top, but I love following what my blog-buddies are up to.
    I'm often inspired by what I read.

    ReplyDelete
  28. ...lovin the Madonna clip, Sarah ;)

    Well done,

    EL

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for the shout out, and I'm glad you liked the song too :D

    I prefer to call my followers 'vassals', it makes me sound like a warlord. Mwahaha!

    Can't wait for the next installment, I love your Musical Stories :D

    ReplyDelete
  30. So creative - I loved the songs. Good luck with your next 100 followers, Sarah! I shall follow also...

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love it when you come to my blog too! You are seriously one of the greatest "readers" I've ever had, so I added you to my blog roll:)
    I liked that last song, reminds me of when I would babysit!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I really liked Babysitter's here! Thanks for the awesome recommendations. I love hearing new songs. ;)
    I love how you called us "readers". Awesome. And you are one of my favorite readers! :)
    Can't wait to see what you choose for horror! Scary!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  33. How creative are you! What writer doesn't love music to books? I can't wait to hear the horror song you pick out:)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello lovely. I was really pleased when I saw you were doing the campagin too! Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Looking forward to reading your blog posts :) Please come back to mine on Thursday when I will be announcing the launch of an exciting competition.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Did I read that your hubby is a blogger too? What's his blog and I'll check it out.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh my gosh, ALL those songs were perfect!! That was fun. Looking forward to the next genre even though it's ...horror. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Did you know you can change the word "Followers" on your blog to say "Readers"?
    Design>Find Followers and click Edit>Change the name and save!
    Good luck!
    And congrats :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Sarah!
    Thanks for visiting my blog - and you WON a critique from Lindsay and Trisha. So please email me at: rewrighter@gmail.com so I can give you instructions.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Bish - Glad I could bring back some happy memories :-)

    Crystal - You and me both :-)

    Madeleine - Glad to introduce you to something new :-)

    Angelina - I totally agree. I think all art is intertwined in some way.

    Mark - Thank you. I hope you like next week's offering!

    Cindy - Hello back! I look forward to visiting your blog :-)

    Abby - Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy them :-)

    Claudia - Thanks. The song is great isn't it?

    Golden Eagle - I'm so glad you like them :-)

    Patsy - You are awesome, I love this comment!

    Julie - we can! A lovely person told me how to change it :-)

    Jenny - Thank you. It's not her usual style, but lovely.

    J. L. Campbell - They are indeed, and thank you!

    tfwalsh - I wish I could, but I just end up singing along!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Jeigh - Welcome! Music is awesome for creativity, isn't it?

    Michael - I agree. Its the first time I've heard of her.

    Emily - Thank you. I do and I will!

    K - Oh yes, music is wonderful for inspiration. I look forward to getting to know you.

    Rosalind - Welcome! It's a bit of a heartstring tugger isn't it?

    Julie - I hope to be able to scare you!

    Talli - I've got them all lined up :) Hope you enjoyed the carnival.

    Julie - Hello there, and thank you!

    Christina - Yay! It's my favourite too!

    Liz - Welcome to you. So glad you like it :-)

    Jenny - Isn't she talented? I'm so glad Jamie introduced me to her.

    Margot - Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.

    Lydia K - Mine too!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Life 101 - I love that people are following my blog. I just don't like them being 'my' followers :-) I've changed it to something much better! Hubby's not a blogger, by the way. Did I say something that made you think he was?

    Elliot - Thank you, good to see you :-)

    Jamie - Now that's one I haven't seen! Glad you're enjoying the stories. Thank you so much for suggesting the lullaby.

    Pat - Welcome, and thank you. I look forward to getting to know you.

    Jen - Aww, thank you honey. You know I love your blog!

    Chantele - Thank you so much for the compliment . It really means a lot.

    Deana - I don't think I've ever met a writer who doesn't like music in some form :-)

    D. J. Kirkby - Hey there! Of course I'll be there on Thursday. I never miss one of your posts. Can't wait to read about your competition.

    Jennifer - It's okay you can cover your eyes if it gets scary next week. Oh, wait... ;-)

    Shelley - Welcome, and thank you so much for the tip! Already done!

    Melodie - You're welcome, and wow, thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I have to say I don't have much experience with children's books, but I'm excited for Horror next week! :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Who sings "the Babysitter's here"? It sort of sounds like Natalie Merchant or Ani DiFranco...or Patti Griffin??? I can't place it, but I must have it???

    Thank you for posting 3 songs that allowed me to 1. be a kid for a few moments and 2. appreciate my own kids all day long!

    Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I've gotten a lot of new followers too as part of the campaign. It's great isn't it? It's refreshing to find out how nice the online writing community can be.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Holy comments, batman! lol. Congrats on all the new peoples :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. You are not alone on your distaste of the word "Followers." It sounds so cultish to me.

    Congrats on all of your new friends! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cool idea! I hadn't heard any of these before.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Love this idea!

    Saying "hi" from the campaign. Nice to meet you. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  49. (= That was really cute and funny!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Liz - I hope I'll be able to inspire you next week :-)

    Heather - Her name is Dar Williams. Funnily enough, she has toured with Ani DiFranco (among others). I haven't heard anything else of hers yet, although I intend to. I'm so glad you enjoyed the songs.

    Christine - Hello there. Indeed, this community is one of the best :-)

    Kelley - Lol! And thank you :-)

    Liz F - Happily, I was told how to change it. My new name is much more suitable :-)

    inluvwith words - Glad to introduce you to something new. Hope yo liked them :-)

    Tara - Thanks for visiting. I look forward to getting to know you :-)

    Jolene - Glad you like it!

    Jo - Thank you. Perfect description of 9some0 children's stories!

    ReplyDelete
  51. These are so sweet.

    I remember playing Dear Jessie over and over again in the 90s. I never got sick of it.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Charmaine - I totally agree :-)

    Matthew - Glad you like it, it's my favourite too.

    Medeia - I hope it brought back good memories :-)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Here is a good one that the lyrics are about someone caught in the Zombie Apocalypse. I heard it on IdrA's Starcraft 2 stream I think, that or TLO or Day9's

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHHYgYEy-0M&NR=1

    ReplyDelete
  54. SBJones - Sorry I missed this. I'm checking it out for next time!

    ReplyDelete

I happily answer all comments on my blog, and by email if it's not a 'noreply' address :-)