Have you ever read a passage that evoked so strong an image in your mind, you could almost be there? That stirred your emotion to the point you cried, laughed, felt elevated, or got goosebumps?
While everyone can relate to how music moves us. Writing has the same power.
For the writer, it’s about knowing how to harness that power. To use words that elicit imagery, that provide an escape from the real world, and to stir an emotional response.
Flow
Like music, writing needs to flow. This can be achieved through the culmination of structure, word choice, and pace.
In fact, let’s correlate some musical terms to understand just how similar they are, and how we can use writing to the same effect –
- Rhythm
In Music – “Rhythm is the backbone of music. It is the driving force that keeps a song moving forward and gives it a sense of momentum.” iMusician
In Writing – In writing, rhythm can be attained through word choice, sentence length, and punctuation.
- Tempo
In Music – “Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played.” Masterclass
In Writing – Otherwise known as pacing. This is easily recognised in poetry. And if executed well in creative writing, can carry the reader through a passage. We can create tension and urgency, taking the reader with us on a wild chase. Or vice versa, take them on a leisurely stroll, where insights or hints a subtly hidden.
- Phrasing
In Music – “Phrasing is the arrangement of words and lyrics into lines and music. It does not distract from the song – it communicates and enhances the flow.” Song Fancy
In Writing – Like the expression ‘Turn of Phrase’, it’s the choice of words we use to get a message across. This can be a description of something tangible, or something referred to. The arrangement of words can make all the difference.
- Crescendo
In Music – “We can describe crescendo as the gradual or subtle increase in loudness of a musical passage.” Phamox Music
In Writing – Think of this as the lead up to the climax. Tension is mounting, and all the varied ‘off-shoots’ during the story are coming together.
As with anything else, it all takes practice. Believe it or not, it’s not a natural talent, it’s a learnt skill. You may think there are those who put words on a page with what seems minimal effort, but trust me, they’ve worked hard to get there. But if we’re willing to put in the time, effort, and be open to learning, we can all achieve it.
Read It Out Loud
Writing sheet music alone isn’t very helpful unless you can hear it played back. The same with writing narratives. You won’t know how it sounds until it’s read aloud.
Now this can either be you reading it out loud, or an App. There’s plenty out there. I find the Narrator option on my computer is fine for me.
When our writing is audible, that’s when we pick up on nuances. Whether a better word could be used; if the sentence is too long, clunky, doesn’t make sense etc.
What your mind picks up when you read silently, and what you notice when it’s read out loud is quite different. The mind is very clever in filling in the blanks. And in this instance, it knows what you may have intended, but that might not be what you wrote.
For example, who amongst us hasn’t sent messages or emails (after checking them), that we re-read again after sending, and found errors! Either missing words, files or spelling mistakes. ARGH!
Though reading your work out loud certainly helps with self-editing, there’s a reason why writers need beta readers and professional editors. We become too close to our work on many levels. It takes a new set of eyes, and ears, to pick up the things our own minds keep skipping over.
Creating Visuals
There are times music will trigger visions to flood our minds. Either past memories, wished for events, or simply images of what the music and lyrics together are conveying.
With writing, to open a reader’s imagination, we don’t necessarily have to spoon feed them detailed descriptions. It’s the hints, and the strategically placed blanks that their minds will fill in, forming their own version of the world we’ve created.
Together, the finished product will emerge seamless to the listener or reader. But as with any creative piece; each note, word, brush stroke, or stitch, is not a stand-alone, but part of an intrinsic web artfully woven together.
