Toot! Toot! Next stop: the My Writing Process Blog Tour! This blog series offers a chance for you to read about how other writers write, and perhaps discover some new writers in the process. We each answer four questions about our writing, then tag three other writers who publish online.
Today I’d like to draw your attention to the two songwriters behind the band Fountains of Wayne, Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood. Some of the most emotionally rich and intellectually original songs I can think of have come from their heads and hearts.
Maggie’s lyrics tell tales of heartbreak, obsession, longing and regret. Mixed in is a kind of doleful whimsy. Who else could write an eight-and-a-half-minute song about finding the perfect winter coat? And make it work? No one other than Maggie Roche.
I love Zevon’s lyrics for their intelligence, literacy, tenderness and dark wit. These things are only enhanced by the fact that most of his stronger pieces (and there are many competing for that rank) feature interesting characters and and a compelling storyline. They often sweep you through geography, history and intimate events, all in just a few verses and choruses.
Here are the five reasons why I write and perform stories. It starts with the opportunity to enter Valhalla on a regular basis…and only gets better from there.
By combining clear themes with compelling imagery and events both internal and external — and being forced to write quickly and write short — I found the depth I wanted in five minutes. It’s been a beautiful discovery to make.