I once was part of a photography class with a student who put forward a photo of a shadowy skull and dagger, all backlit and spooky. The critique from the professor stayed with me. She said, "The power in this photograph comes from the image itself and not necessarily from the skill of the photographer."
This is how I feel about song references in literature. I think it is, generally speaking, a lazy way to go. The writer is relying on the skill of another artist, and not necessarily, his or her own mastery of craft. That said, when I teach new writers, I do reference Ray LaMontagne. Specifically, "Jolene." I reference this song when teaching the difference between concrete and abstract language. Abstractions are words like "love, soul, death, happiness, and fear." They are words you cannot taste, touch, see, or smell. Concrete words include "book, coffee cup, paper clip, lilac, and Australian Shepherd." New writers tend to think that abstractions are important, but I maintain that concrete, specific language and references are better. I start my classes with a series of rapid-fire exercises. "When I say love, what do you think of?" I say this and point to each person in the room. The answers inevitably vary: mom, my kids, boyfriend, sex, kittens, Jesus and others. This, I continue, is why writers need control of their language. Because do you really want to write a word like love and have associations that range from kittens to Jesus? For instance, Ray LaMontagne's "Jolene." It is the single best expression of desperation that never uses the word "desperate." The takeaway: Don't rely on song lyrics in prose, and concrete expression is more effective than abstract. 11/24/2014 12:35:28 pm
The time of dominating women by the male education has gone now and bright day of women education at very high level has become in. Now nobody believes on such old thoughts of restricting girl’s education. Now girls are more educated than Men. 5/11/2015 05:34:36 pm
Mating commonly means the floor covering. We operate the mats to repay the surface so they can keep the symptoms protective for people like us. We operate the mats avoiding slipping within the gym floor surfaces. 1/19/2015 11:33:15 am
The best way to express oneself, is to write down our own thoughts and ideas completely. 1/30/2015 08:20:12 pm
Its a interesting entire world broad world wide web area. I might like it. I am persuaded that you simply distributed this cooperative info with us. i will be again soon. 3/16/2015 03:08:23 pm
I have to say I am amazed by your article. Indeed coupons is very useful specially to online consumers. 7/7/2015 07:41:40 pm
Your post is so interesting and informative. I got a lot of useful and significant information. Thank you so much. 8/25/2015 11:14:39 pm
Dude, you have a really great voice there. I wish I had come here some time earlier and found out about you. Thank you very much for sharing the vid, your talent and your voice! Cheers! 9/10/2015 05:42:18 am
You may be a part of writing forums and post up your things for review and guidance from other writers. This is a fantastic way to improve, and make a powerful control of writing. I don't know any off the top of my go, but I'm sure a fast look for would discover some. 9/11/2015 02:03:12 am
For start writing you can write about your self and whole the daily thing that happened to you, This is the best way to become good writer. Comments are closed.
|
About Shonna.
As a writer living in my home state of Maine, I sling words for cash, compassion, or glory. I also teach, tell groups how to improve systems, and offer development consultation. I also wear eyeglasses. Generally, big ones. Archives
April 2016
|