More often than I like to admit, the song "Wither" by Dream Theater describes my writing process. Describing the frustration of writer's block, the song show the desperation of the lyricist as he tries to "let it out" and fill the page. Before listening to this song I had thought of writer's block as a problem strictly for writers or poets, lyricists just had to come up with some rhyming verses and a chorus that would be repeated (seemingly ad infinitum at times). However, this song showed me that every type of writer faces a time when s/he has no idea how to begin or continue their work (though I probably won't be able to make a boatload of money describing my writer's block).
Whenever I find myself staring at an empty page or a half finished paragraph I typically start listening to music in order to revitalize my creative energies. Strangely, even a song about my exact same situation can do wonders for my formulation of ideas. The combination of emotionally charged lyrics and skilled instrumentation is able to greatly focus my mind and get me to think about how I can create a certain mood or describe a character's emotions (awesome rocking is optional but it also helps reenergize me when I'm tired). Sometimes I'll just close the document or notebook I'm working in and just listen to one of my favorite albums. By the time I'm finished something has generally popped into my head and I'm able to "let it out" as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment