How to Read like a Writer

[A.J.]

How to read like a writer
How to write novels – analysis is the key
How can music (analysis) help you to write?

Find out in my Blog!
http://awaines.blogspot.com/2014/01/h...


The Blog of A J Waines: author of Girl on a Train and The Evil Beneath:

[Lisa]

That sounds very interesting. As a writer and a musician, I shall be heading off to see what you think :)

[A.J.]

Lisa wrote: "That sounds very interesting. As a writer and a musician, I shall be heading off to see what you think :)"

Hi Lisa

Do let me know your views!

Alison

[Lisa]

Well, firstly, I thought you pointed out something familiar! We do read for enjoyment and don't often stop to analyse the technique. I related to what you said about sonata form too, because it is something I am thoroughly familiar with and I think applying it to analysing or writing a story actually works!

Having done all of the musical analysis "stuff" myself (see On Wenlock Edge 100 Years On for example) I wonder if it is somehow easier to do with music? When we write (or analyse) music there is a lot of mathematical and objective reasoning going on isn't there. I think the linguistic side is more subjective and so we probably have to make more of an effort to analyse a novel.

For those of us who studied "set works" for music A level (and at degree level) all those years ago, did it kill the enjoyment? I have to say analysis put me right off The Symphonie Fantastique, but perhaps it was because it was so teacher driven. Studying the Vaughan Williams songs did not affect me the same way. It did not affect my enjoyment of them at all negatively. I do think it made me more aware as a composer though.

[A.J.]

Lisa wrote: "Well, firstly, I thought you pointed out something familiar! We do read for enjoyment and don't often stop to analyse the technique. I related to what you said about sonata form too, because it is ..."

Thanks for this, Lisa. I think you're right - it's easier to step back from the written score in music, maybe because notation is a 'code' and not the real (audio) thing. We can analysis music visually as well as orally. I find it hard to analyse writing sometimes, especially if the story is compelling because I'm caught up with the meaning of it - perhaps like you! But, it's really worth it - to see how/what other writers do well.

I loved pulling music apart at Uni, but you're right - can't say I listen much to the O and A level pieces much these days!

Do you play an instrument?

[Lisa]

A.J. wrote: "Thanks for this, Lisa. I think you're right - it's easier to step back from the written score in music, maybe because notation is a 'code' and not the real (audio) thing. We can analysis music visually as well as orally."

I think you are right. With words we get caught up in the meaning rather than the structure!

I do play an instrument, although these days I am out of practice. My main instrument is guitar and my second was piano (but I have no access to one now, so my skills are pretty basic!)I also sing a little. The interesting thing with music is how so many people love to listen, some people perform but relatively few compose happily.