Debra Dannheisser

Debra Dannheisser asked Patti Smith:

How are writing lyrics and books related?

Patti Smith Writing lyrics is a more collaborative responsibility, as they are serving music, composer, and the public in a very direct way. Lyrics, because of their form, need to be reined in. Hopefully accessible to the listener. Writing on the whole is a more solitary pursuit, research, thought, mulling, rewriting, all done on one’s own, with the main responsibility to the work itself. It is the way the writer communicates from a very insular place to the outside world. In the end, the way they are related is that one writes songs and books to inspire, entertain, or incite the reader or the listener. I also think that since I work in both genres that even subconsciously rhythm and a lyric feel enters my prose.

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Do you believe that in order to be a writer one has to live and experience remarkable things?

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A Goodreads user asked Patti Smith:

Hello, Patti. As a big fan of your work, I was excited to know another book was coming out. I've devoured it fast without realizing it. It was a delightful read - thank you! I knew you were a fan of Haruki Murakami's work since the last year's review, but I absolutely didn't expect to have a few pages dedicated to him. I don't know if you ever met him but if you would, what would you like to talk about with him?

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India Crone asked Patti Smith:

Have you always been interested in photography? Can you remember the first photograph you've taken? - India.

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