Monday, May 24, 2010

Writing and Music

Some see their writing as a creative expression and they cling to their freedom with the fierceness of a bulldog guarding its territory. Some see their writing as a vehicle to deliver their story and they stick to the rules like cement. But should we claim one approach is better than another? Would it be better to mix the two?

Writing and music are very similar things. Anyone can make music by taking random stabs at the piano keys. Anyone can write by stringing a few sentences together. But, to do them well, both crafts must be learned first. The rules must be understood. The skill of subtle nuances must be discovered and then practiced.

Both writing and music require a certain freedom to gain the magic of rhythm. Both feed on the almost mystical knowledge of timing to gain a mood.

It takes time to master both. A musician must play. A writer must write. Then the beautiful notes of a masterpiece begin to unfold. Confidence begins to sing out from your creations. The music then touches not only the ears, but it reaches down to the heart. The writing touches not only the mind, but it reaches down to the soul.

How much importance do you place on the creativity of writing versus learning the rules of writing?

5 comments:

Karen said...

Very thought provoking post...

Your analogy is a good one...I have heard musicians play well...as far as perfectly hitting each note...but no passion makes for a very dull evening...

I think writing is the same way...one may know all the rules, but without passion, it is like reading an advertisement...

Balance is needed in everything...even speaking...I Corinthians 13 reminds us..."If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."...

Jody Hedlund said...

Beautiful post, Lynda! I love the comparison because it's so true! And BTW, I love your new writing blog too! You've done an excellent job setting it up!

Unknown said...

Hey Lynda,

Words and music - love both!

They both do touch our hearts, don't they. Even as I'm writing to you, I'm listening to some of my favorite music.

They minister to our souls - both!

Blessings to you,
Melanie

Michelle DeRusha said...

Hi Lynda,
Love your writing blog here...stopping by from Fearfully and Wonderfully. And I'll be back to learn more from you here!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Karen, exactly, the real art is in the passion. Years ago I lost my passion because I couldn't get published. I forgot the joy of writing. My work became flat; it was just a job with what I thought no return. Silly me. That's the perfect verse too!!

Jody, thanks so much for visiting and following. Your kind words mean so much to me. It's always difficult just starting out but it's a whole bunch of fun.

Melanie, yes, both music and words have a wonderful way of ministering to our souls. I think we are really blessed as "artists".

Graceful, welcome and thanks for the visit. I'm so glad you like this blog. It's only new but I'm hoping it will be helpful to other writers :)