That would be the incomparable Julie Andrews; and Maria, from the Sound of Music, is singing about her favorite things. Don’t ask me why. I haven’t the slightest clue. The brain, it is a mystery.

Now, I’m thinking about some of my own — favorite things, that is. Earlier, I was adding Elen Reads, Elen Listens, Elen Watches to my sidebar: books I’m reading or just finished, tuneage on the iPod, TV shows I’m into right now, and movies recently seen.

I listen to music before I write. It energizes me. It can focus me. Every story has a different playlist. It evokes mood, tone. It’s the music of the characters, and the setting, and the plot. I’m pretty sure other writers are out there doing the same. You are, right?

I’m almost always plugged in when I’m listening. It’s self-preservation. Mr. G gets a certain gleam in his eye after weeks of hearing the same cluster of music. Yikes!

I like to mix-it-up with other music when I’m taking a break from writing. Something I can shake loose with. You can get pretty stiff sitting at a keyboard for most of the day. Right now, for shaking loose, I’m really into Two Tons of Steel, with their lively, infectious beat and fun lyrics. I love Ice Cream Man and I Wanna Be Sedated from their Vegas CD.

I have author Karen Kendall to thank for introducing me to the blast that is Two Tons. They’re on the scene in one of her earlier novels, First Date (The Bridesmaid Chronicles), a thoroughly delightful read. Thanks, Karen!

If Two Tons ever makes it to my neck of the woods, I’ll be there. Until then, I’ll just have to content myself with my CDs and the occasional visit to their MySpace page.

What about you — Does music play a part in your writing day? Have you got a fave band you like to shake loose with when the work is done?

Elen