Music is always in my life, usually classic rock. I integrated my music into my MS when I began it years ago. Not long after, Guardians of the Galaxy was released and music was an integral part of the story. In fact, Peter and I share a very similar trait, we love our music. It actually helps me deal with my tinnitus. So my question is, should I continue using it in my story? Will I be considered a copycat of the GOTG style? Thanks in advance for any comments! Here's an outtake from my MS: The song filled his ears, loud and pounding, drowning out the hisses, voices and the general prattle of the hospital. Eyes closed to negate the sterile room and putrid smells, escaped into the music…. Seasons don't fear the reaper Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain. we can be like they are Come on baby...don't fear the reaper Baby take my hand...don't fear the reaper We'll be able to fly...don't fear the reaper Ahhhhh… nothing like a lil Blue Oyster Cult to take your mind off the world Will mused. Classic rock did it totally right. Wish I could do the same for the smell of piss, disinfectant, vomit and something that reminded me of that dead possum in my garage a while back.
Be aware of copyright issues. If you’re going to traditionally publish, a publisher may want to cut the lyrics rather than go through the effort of securing permission for every song you quote. If you self-publish, then you can decide whether you want to take the risk of a copyright infringement lawsuit. As for how it works in the writing, could you just give the name of the song?
I agree with @Steerpike on this matter. Though you could describe the music and let it be at that as well. Only way to dodge around copyright issues is to use free domain songs with lyrics. Good luck.
I am definitely aware of copyright and use. My question was more concern over being seen as a copycat which distracts from the story. Perhaps I wasn't clear.
I am not too familiar with adding lyrics in between narration in stories. I wouldn't say copycat, cause it has been done by others from what I know, so it is possible to do it. Style choice to add to atmosphere, I think.
It won't be a copycat, any more that GotG was a copycat of Steven King, who was a copycat of Alan Dean Foster, who was probably a copycat of someone even further back. (Ok, so maybe Foster and King didn't copy each other, maybe they had similar ideas at the same time. I'm too lazy to go back and look up the publication dates for Spellsinger and The Shining, respectively). Using music in a novel is an old, time-tested concept. You're fine!
