Writing and Inspiration
Do you set aside time to write or do songs just come to you? That’s a question I asked my son recently and his response was: “I try to write something everyday, even if it is just for ten minutes. When you had me meet with one of your writer friends that was some of the advice he gave me. ‘Write everyday, or as often as you can.’"
On the same subject a Nashville songwriter, arranger and orchestrator, Steve Mauldin, posted this on his Facebook page:
““You don’t get inspired then write, you start writing out a knowledge of your craft and inspiration begins to show up, sometimes. An accomplished writer of music, poetry, novels, etc. who has honed their craft can write anytime and have it turn out good. The times of inspiration happen occasionally.””
- I would love to play a decent round of golf, but it never happens because I don’t work on my swing."
- I would love to learn to draw an accurate still-life of an object or person, but it hasn’t happened because I don’t practice.
- I would…
I could make the “I would” list very long.
My craft is not songwriting, but there are things I do work on and it is true, plugging along, continuing to learn them provides a vehicle for inspiration and a more excellent product.
Excellence never comes without knowledge of the tools and process and an investment of time.
Is there something you wish you were good at that you want to invest more time in during the coming year?
What is the craft, job or sport that you spend the most time on and see results?
