I really get way too into the "meta' elements of writing. Instead of focusing on word count or plot development, I'll instead fixate on something like "Oh man, this song would go so well with this scene." For example, I was just listening to Syringe by Emilie Autumn, and it clicked. That's totally Disasterstrike's theme song.

But since when did a novel need a theme song?

There are many tricks to maintaining an ideal writing environment. It's largely an individual matter. For me, I like to play music that serves as a soundtrack to my story. If I'm writing a peaceful scene, I need peaceful music. If I'm writing an action scene, I need music that is appropriately frantic.

It can get very specific. If style or pace of a fight is chaotic, the music needs to match. Not just any old rock song will work.

For Disasterstrike, I'm finding that I draw the most from Diablo Swing Orchestra. Their music is appropriately heavy in a prog-metal sort of way, but that "swing" element also gives it a certain amount of pseudo-jazzy class that I hope carries over into my story. The best example will be in the character of Walter Indigo.

Walter is a man of his work, though his casual nature makes him appear less passionate than you'd expect. He enjoys the pleasures of life and living, yet he's very capable, bringing an intensity to his work that doesn't show in his personality.

Another artist I've been utilizing a lot is Emilie Autumn. Her work is very gothic and beautiful. A talented singer and musician both. Her stuff can be quite intense in a more haunting sort of way. When I think of "the tune," I think of Emilie Autumn. Her music really represents the soul of all the characters in Disasterstrike. Since I will be delving into the nature of KIt's soul in the future, I feel that this is an important translation, especially since music plays a role in the story as well as out.