The Soundtrack to My Stories

I’ve heard rumors that there are writers in the world who can write without music, but I have to confess I’m not usually one of them. Perhaps it’s the lack of quiet spaces living in the heart of a city, but I’ve always found it difficult to summon fantasy worlds when all I hear are the sounds of planes taking off, fire trucks hurrying to the rescue, and my neighbors re-shingling their houses. On an almost daily basis, I put my headphones in and let the music transport me to wild worlds filled with magic. 

1. “The Three Hunters” from the Two Towers Soundtrack. Yeah, it’s probably a cliché, but writing fantasy with the Lord of the Rings Soundtracks playing simply works. My wife and I recently rewatched the trilogy, and I was reminded of how much I love the story and the music, so the albums have been on repeat more frequently than usual lately. This track in particular, which plays as Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli chase after their friends, throws me directly into my own writing for the day.
2. “The Quiet Place Away” by I Built the Sky. What happens when a progressive metal band puts down their electric guitars and picks up acoustic instruments and violins? This masterpiece of an album. It’s a quiet album, filled with nature sounds in the background and beautiful violin and guitar play. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to a quiet scene between friends or family.
3. “From the New World” - Symphony No. 9 by Dvořák. This soaring masterpiece was written after the composer visited America for the first time, and every time I listen to it I’m put in mind of explorers visiting new lands. In my own story, much of the world is unmapped, and I like listening to this as Elian, Samora, and all the rest explore corners of the world humanity knows nothing about.
4. “Heavy is the Crown” by Linkin Park. A fight scene needs something heavy, and the new release by Linkin Park caught my attention right away, especially as the lyrics play so well with the plot of Children of Light and Shadow. For Elian and Samora in particular, their previous victories have placed a burden on them they never planned on carrying, so this song definitely pulls double duty in my playlist.
5. “Hell You Call A Dream” by The Warning. Another new band that I recently discovered, I pull this song up whenever I’m writing the character of Elyn. While all those around her prosper, her life has been marked by suffering and struggle, and this song fits her well. It’s angry, but there’s a note of hope within, a desire for something more to believe in, and I think that fits her well.

CHILDREN OF LIGHT AND SHADOW by Ryan Kirk 

The Legend of Adani #4 

A new generation of warriors arises 

Two generations have passed since Elian, Samora, and the united wandering clans fought against the greatest threat their world had ever seen. The land has known peace, and in that peace, humanity has flourished, regaining much of what had been lost during the endless years of war. 

Now an elder of her own clan, Samora has never believed the war against the Debru was over, but even she isn't prepared for the overwhelming strength of the foe that appears one sunny day to enslave humanity. She and her family have grown strong, but they are still children playing with powers they don't fully understand. 

Like his sister, Elian has spent the years since the war preparing for another invasion, but he'll soon find that humanity's greatest threats come from among their own allies. Even he doesn't know how to lead a people that don't want to fight. 

As Elian and Samora struggle both against former friends and this new enemy, it is their children and grandchildren that must lead the way into a brighter future. 

But only if they can conquer the darkness in their own hearts. 

Action | Fantasy Epic [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: February 4, 2025, Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9781648398063 / ] 

Buy CHILDREN OF LIGHT AND SHADOW: Amazon.com | Kindle Unlimited   

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Ryan Kirk is an author and entrepreneur based out of Minnesota. He is the author of the Nightblade series of fantasy novels and the founder of Waterstone Media. 

He was an English Teacher and non-profit consultant before diving into writing full time in 2015.