tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post4605247847432769354..comments2024-03-16T04:31:41.355-07:00Comments on Writer S.A. Joo's Writing & Editing Advice & Tips: "No Writing Track" A Guest Post by a Writer/Musician Derek FlynnS. A. Joohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15372483704898665019noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-8552220349326600042011-07-08T03:08:15.879-07:002011-07-08T03:08:15.879-07:00Thanks for stopping by Louise. I hadn't though...Thanks for stopping by Louise. I hadn't thought about the blogging thing actually. I could probably do a light blog post while listening to music, but nothing with too much heavy lifting!<br /><br />Ray, that's interesting the way you talk about 'seeing' the music and the writing. I'm not sure about music (although if I think about it, it's probably the case as well) but I'm definitely with you on seeing the writing. I can always see the scene in front of me as I'm writing it. Maybe that's the case with a lot of writers?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-5864027831111001952011-07-07T13:28:25.276-07:002011-07-07T13:28:25.276-07:00Well, Ray. That was more like a $1.25 but thanks f...Well, Ray. That was more like a $1.25 but thanks for your thoughtful comment. Sarah Brightman? That's so......but love "Nella Fantasia" sang by someone else. With love....S. A. Joohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15372483704898665019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-13922735398868533882011-07-07T12:21:45.408-07:002011-07-07T12:21:45.408-07:00I’m with Derek and Su on this one. Although I lov...I’m with Derek and Su on this one. Although I love music very much, I cannot write with it playing, unless it is just an ambient mix at a coffee shop. Also, like Derek, I am a musician—I play guitar and bass. I am a visual thinker, and tend to “see” music. When I write, I also “see” the writing. Perhaps that is the key here. If I am listening to my favorite music I cannot help but see it playing out almost like a short film clip or video. If I am trying to write, I cannot partition the music I am seeing and the writing I am seeing. <br /><br />When I am exercising, doing yard work, cleaning house, or carpentry work, music is a must. I almost cannot even do these things without something loud and heavy. In fact, I can study and listen to music. When I was in law school, I listened to nothing but Tool, A Perfect Circle, Deftones, and Sarah Brightman, at full volume, on my headphones. Usually a concoction of Red Bull and Vodka was within my grasp as well. I think the music actually helped. My theory is that because studying required the use of a different part of my brain, the music occupied my creative side and held it at bay while I studied. Similarly, I have a hard time writing in total silence—ADD kicks in. I do my best writing when at a coffee shop, café, or park. There is just enough of a distraction to occupy the idle sectors of my mind but not enough to fully engage them. <br />Great post on this subject Derek and Su. Thanks for letting me add my proverbial two cents.RayisOKChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14117945459269278672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-31334711850184792472011-07-05T16:22:40.617-07:002011-07-05T16:22:40.617-07:00Okay got here in the end -even though it is late. ...Okay got here in the end -even though it is late. I understand how you need to leave space between both creative forms. Each needs their own private place that isn't cluttered or invaded by anthing other than the task in hand. I write at my best when I know I am alone for example, or if there are others around that they will leave be in another room in peace! Mind you I could probably blog, which is very different with a crowd!Louisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05912071192179983603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-53026964279897524662011-07-05T13:52:13.646-07:002011-07-05T13:52:13.646-07:00Krystal, I think about lyrics in songs the way I t...Krystal, I think about lyrics in songs the way I think about novels. You wouldn't read a novel while you're writing for fear you might end up recycling some of it unconsciously, and it's the same way for me with lyrics. As a songwriter, I'm just too aware of the lyrics. <br /><br />Michelle, yeah, absolutely. Can listen before I write no problem. In fact, it can be good to get you psyched up. <br /><br />Rob, I think a lot of writers find it interesting how songwriters work because they’re not a million miles removed from prose writers. In fact, as I alluded to in the post, I think a lot of poets are closer to being lyricists than they realise.<br /><br />Sarah, good to see you here too. Yeah, I reckon some loud music would be helpful to drown out the six kids :-) Go over to my blog and turn up 'Original Sin’ REALLY LOUD!<br /><br />And all of you should check out the other posts on Su’s blog. She’s got some great writing posts on here. Thanks everyone for commenting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-5943260264345801742011-07-05T13:48:42.744-07:002011-07-05T13:48:42.744-07:00I can do either but I find the words flow so much ...I can do either but I find the words flow so much more easily when I have my playlist running. I credit some of my music collection with providing exactly the inspiration I need to come up with a good scene.Paul Anthony Shortthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14393249001158230985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-49758640598518502492011-07-05T12:17:34.284-07:002011-07-05T12:17:34.284-07:00I love listening to music when I write, but whethe...I love listening to music when I write, but whether I liked it or not I'd probably HAVE to. I have six kids and I need enough noise to drown THEM out, LOL.<br /><br />I enjoyed this post, Derek! What a fun way to get to know you. ;c)Sarah Ballancehttp://sarahballance.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-4031801360718757712011-07-05T11:52:04.552-07:002011-07-05T11:52:04.552-07:00I almost always listen to music when I write. Or w...I almost always listen to music when I write. Or when I do anything, really, and particularly when I'm at the computer.<br /><br />The only time I make an exception is when writing something that requires a specific mood or voice -- listening to music can get in the way of that.<br /><br />But it's interesting to see how a writer/musician combo deals with juggling the two forms of expression.Rob Schwarzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10875804967951046069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-75478999738992558222011-07-05T11:42:53.569-07:002011-07-05T11:42:53.569-07:00Great post Derek, I agree with you.
I can never l...Great post Derek, I agree with you.<br /><br />I can never listen to music when writing...unless before I write to get into the correct mindset.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14208566966746780786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226709176244280726.post-72709065193670259092011-07-05T10:20:10.824-07:002011-07-05T10:20:10.824-07:00Hey - nice blog. Will follow.
So, Derek, when yo...Hey - nice blog. Will follow. <br /><br />So, Derek, when you said you don't write while listening to music I was floored, but your explanation makes perfect sense. <br /><br />I would think listening to music does to you what most writers feel when we read a book...it's like research. We learn from the way others write and put their stories to paper. Am I right? Do you learn from the way others sing?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11805206329378779413noreply@blogger.com