There are hundreds of blogs loaded with writing tips for aspiring writers on topics such as characterization, use of dialogue and story structure. There are even a few that delve into what inspires writers to get into the craft and what you can do to combat things like writers block.
One blog that I've enjoyed over the years is called AFOS or A Fistful of Soundtracks by Jimmy Aquino (a.k.a. DJ AFOS). Jimmy's take on music in pop culture and reviews of comics like Chew and shows such as The Venture Brothers are always fun to read but it was an internet radio station that he founded that really caught my attention. Sharing the same name as his blog, A Fistful of Soundtracks featured some of the most amazing soundtracks ever created. Spinning tunes from movies like The Dark Knight Rises, Tron: Legacy, The Empire Strikes Back or the original Pelham 123, Jimmy opened the doors to one of the essentials of the great medium we all love: soundtrack music.
I'd always had my faves over the years ranging from the background music in the 60's Spider-Man cartoon, through The Six Million Dollar Man, Shaft's theme and right up to the current work of Hans Zimmer and the James Bond composers. These songs were a part of me, a part of my history and with it came the memories of car chases, fight scenes, and the eras these tunes came from. Jimmy's blog gave a face to composers like Ennio Morricone, John Williams, Issac Hayes, Alan Silvestri, and John Barry. One of my favourite segments from AFOS was when he ranked the best Bond themes of all time. I couldn't quibble with his choices and totally agreed that K.D. Lang's under appreciated Surrender should've been the title track for the film, Tomorrow Never Dies. It's truly one of the series' best songs.
AFOS was also my muse. I would write Chronokari Alpha or my articles for Comix Asylum while listening to it on the internet. It was so inspiring that I would champion it as a cure for writer's block and often suggested it to my buddies. AFOS always got me revved up to write. I'd turn up the volume and type away as the tunes filled the room. The creative bliss inspired by Jimmy's selections didn't end at the writing table. The same feeling I had writing was transferred into my drawing. I would draw for hours to the themes from Star Trek, Dirty Harry and Truck Turner. Alas, like all good things AFOS has come to an end with the sad news that the internet station is no longer available. All is not lost however, as Jimmy will continue to write his excellent blog.
All I can say in closing is thank you, Jimmy. Thank you for providing years of enjoyment and for unknowingly being my muse. I'll keep reading your blog but will always remember the musical side of AFOS.
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