On using songs for chapters

[PBJ_Time]

I started doing this to invoke some "feeling" in the plot. I did this before for a previous chapter, but I'm not sure if this was a great decision for the latest one I published, especially when one of them is a pop song.

- 13. One World to Another | Scribble Hub

www.scribblehub.com

This chapter uses one song but then switches into another, but I made sure they were significantly apart from one another. Still, I'm afraid this might kill the pacing, and my story's pacing is already faster than the usual web novel. I'm also afraid this might just end up as pointless filler. What do you think?

 

[Placeholder]

I try to block out most author's notes and songs unless they're mentioned at the end.

Lyrics are a special horror.

 

[Hans.Trondheim]

I do not put songs in my chapters, but I do have chapters and plots inspired by songs. A lot of Saint Series' events were inspired by Sabaton, which in turn, was inspired by historical events.

 

[FluffyGura]

Idkkk, if you are good at choosing the right songs then maybe? But if you pick the wrong one, you will definitely ruin your story atmosphere. It's a 50/50 chance ig

 

[miyoga]

As a chapter title, go for it (so long as the song fits the theme). I've seen this a lot.

In the story itself? Is the character a singer or something? Is there some great importance attached to the song? If it's something like Thanos starts singing "Dust in the Wind" before he does the snap, then hell yeah (I pictured that right before typing this). Something like that should be used sparingly, but when it fits it fits.

Spoiler: If anyone wants to see how I picture this specific scene

As he prepares for his ultimate triumph, Thanos takes a deep breath and opens his mouth.
Closing his eyes, he starts to sing:
"I close my eyes,
Only for a moment, and the moment's gone."

He raises his hand, readying his final move. But he hesitates. Thanos begins to reflect on the events that brought him to this point as he continues his song:
"All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity."

Unable to bear the pain anymore, the Mad Titan snaps his fingers in his efforts to bring peace to the universe, still singing:
"Dust in the wind."

He pauses as everyone realizes what's just happened. 10 seconds, then 30, then a minute go by without anyone making a sound. Finally he finishes:
"All they are is dust in the wind."
With his life's work finally complete, he collapses. The joy from his success, the anger at those who didn't listen, the horror of what he's just done, the sadness for what has been lost and can't be recovered all hit him at once, and he cries. The rush of emotions overwhelm him as he breaks down into great heaving sobs. On the battlefield, his allies are divided with some having somber vigils while others raucously celebrate their victory. His enemies, reduced to screams of pain and tears for lost loved ones and friends, not caring that Thanos also suffers as they do.

 

[Lysander_Works]

Yeah I would avoid using any songs that use heavy lyrics; go for atmospheric music. In the event I can't think of one on publication date, just don't include any at all. It is better to not have one than to have one but pick one that works against the feeling of the plot. Mine are riddled with music changes even in the middle of chapters, but I've also had years to choose songs for them which fit best.

 

[HungrySheep]

I thought you meant commissioning actual BGMs like they do with webtoons.