My very first writing teacher said that I was a novelist hiding behind the short story. She's right--I'm a reluctant novelist. I'm always looking to compress everything into a short story, finding the essence, that kernel that expresses everything. I like poetry for the same reason.
Anyway, this whole novel-writing is spawning other ideas (and I'm not even in the middle of the book, which is where the ideas come fast and furious). My brain cannot just sit with the slow unfolding of events but wants to make a short story, a science-fiction one at that. So I turned to Jeff Tanyard's wonderful short story, Mr. Wilson, and I loved re-reading it. But this time I read like a student, paying attention to how he moves back and forth in time, how he handles emotions. But I discovered it has a reference to Sittin' on Top of the World, which we sang at our barbershop competition. Here's a clip of that song and a poster that a very talented lady in our chorus made using pictures from the contest: https://www.facebook.com/reel/730296856233855
My goodness, we are all so excited to be singing at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival this coming Saturday. We have so much fun together singing and to perform in our hometown is something special. Local friends, come join us. So yeah, busy reading, writing, and singing!
6 comments:
Thanks for the kind words, Vijaya. :)
You're welcome, Jeff. I loved your short story. I need a Buddy to do all the things I want to do :)
Singing and noveling... There must be a connection, if only in the PACING. Like you, my first short stories (which I, then a know-nothing, confused with picture book texts-- a whole other animal) were novels that needed development, I eventually turned a few of them into middle grade novels. Best wishes for yours as you keep at it.
Both writing and singing are about making a connection with others, participating in story. You and me, both. Some of my PBs are actually outlines of novels.
I prefer writing novels to short stories. But I've dabbled in a few short stories and it's so rejuvenating--and so nice to just have to edit something I can keep in my head all at once. I think there's a lot of overlap with music and writing. Conveying emotion is important for the musician and/or composer, just as much as it is for writers.
Jenni, I love being able to keep everything in my head with the short story. You are absolutely right about the emotional aspect of both music and stories. Btw, have you read Don Maass' The Emotional Craft of Fiction? He's a wonderful teacher and this book goes to the heart of story.
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