Lately, lots of conversations between my husband and me have centered around my songwriting passion. A LOT a lot. (Bless his heart and ears.)
During vacation he got all impassioned about this passion of mine. Of course, being THE-MOST-DISCIPLINED-PERSON-I-KNOW, his mind headed straight for the practical. He talked about how Hemingway wrote for 2 hours. Standing up. Every day. Whether he wanted to or not. He talked about how those who really make masterpieces have tons and tons of failed attempts in their trash bins. He talked about honing the “skills” of songwriting, so they’ll be effortlessly employed when true inspiration hits.
Then he told me that he really thought I could write 100 this year.
And a lot of them would be bad.
And some of them would be great.
And I could post them for y’all here.
I looked at him like he was crazy.
Then he looked at me in a deep and deliberate way – like he could see things in me that I’m completely unaware of.
Then I decided to find out if he was right.
hooo-yippedy-ray! Looking forward to them.
you KNOW very well… Drew is perfectly right (well – on this thing anyway!
)
Leonardo Da Vinci did NOT just draw perfectly when the mood ‘took’ him – not without hundreds of hours of ‘practice’ when many many rough drafts were tried – and tossed or painted over.
Lennon and McCartney did not write just a hundred and fifty or so ‘Clasic Hits and nothing but – they wrote lots that never made it to the charts – or even as finished songs.
Michaelangelo did not ‘start’ with the statue ‘David’ and quit while he was ahead.
you COMMIT to what you love because you love doing it – not because you are going to make everything you ever start a great work of ‘Art’ – and if you are lucky – after many long hard hours of ‘striving’ and determined effort – you might just find something within you that comes out just the way you hoped… or maybe not the way you hoped but which all who hear it – for some reason – LOVE it. Probably buried under all those sheets of noted that won’t ever be a ‘great’ composition, but that’s how ALL the hreat artists begin – and develop their craft.
so go get writing like your Hubby said
and don’t be the ONLY one who gets the chance to decide if what you write is great – or not! yes?
<B
I was going to say that I look forward to hearing about your failures, but that doesn’t sound right…
So, instead I’ll just agree with what lovewillbringustogether said. I think he even inspired me!
With the encouragement of your husband and your friends here, I am thinking you’ll write just over a hundred songs.
You can do it!!
I’m trying to write a song per week (not as ambitious as 100 for the year) but a challenge nonetheless!!
Maybe we can spur one another on.
Russ: I’ll take all the spurring I can get!
L’s: y’all are all too good for me!
Thank you for that.
I like it! Go for it lady.
One artist to another…sometimes what we write is good, sometimes it sucks…but as long as we WRITE, then we are half way to the finished masterpiece we have waited for:)
Bring it on girlfriend!
i can’t wait to listen. (but i hope you already knew that.)
AND… i love how much your husband believes in you.
i’m excited for you.
100 songs. a challenge, i’m sure, but you can only grow.
can’t wait for the first one.
Hey Mandie! You’re back!
Gonna check out your blog soon…
Al: thank you.
You’re blessed to have someone who not only believes in you but also pushes you lovingly beyond your comfort zone to become the best you can be. You’ll do great:)
If you haven’t seen Finding Forester…go rent it…it might help you out and inspire you. You are totally up to this challenge, and I think you will totally see what you are made of during this time.
KA: haven’t watched that movie in a long time… Might be good to watch again. Thank you.
Rain! Welcome back.
I LOVE new people more than I express it. Thanks for coming.
All you oldies, thanks for coming as well!
Smart man!
GOOD for you!
Dani & Robin are back too! HEY Y’ALL! It’s like a blog reunion day around here.
(PS: why does the word “reunion” look funny to me? Is that the correct spelling??)
that drew is a smart man!
“He talked about how those who really make masterpieces have tons and tons of failed attempts in their trash bins. ”
my stupid fear of failing has prevented me from this step.
dang it drew!
mandy, i can NOT wait for you to do this!!!
Praying for your journey!
You know, Mandy, you have to submit to his authority!!!
Just kidding. I would have told Phat it’s time to stop talking.
Well, actually…after I got over the initial shock of 100!!!!!…I would probably agree.
I’m sure we’ll love most of them.
Tam: How ’bout you write a paragraph a day with me? c’mon… Accountability at its best.
Holly: Don’t. Stop. Praying!
Red: I almost told him the conversation was over. I honestly don’t think I can do it. I’m brewing up something that I hope to complete tonight, but I’m so intimidated by the number!
I can understand that. But think, how many really good songs are on a CD…4 out of 10??? (Well, unless it’s U2, then they’re all great.)
You can do it.
We’re cheering you on!!!
Bring on the songwriting. And make a part for me in a couple of them…cuz I’m BELIEVIN’ 2009 is our year to meet.
Congratulations! That’s a big step!
And really, isn’t utter (public) failure better than doing nothing?
Good for you. And good for Drew, believing and pushing…
Can’t wait to hear all 100!
Red: So, if I can write 40 decent songs this year, then I’m practically a recording artist?! I LIKE this thought! I can still have a 60% failure rate.
Cindy: It IS 2009, isn’t it!? YAY!!!
PQ: Failure better than nothing? Um…. I wince at the thought, but I think you’re right… At least, if I’m gonna stick to who I really am. I gotta do this.
That was my thinking.
You’re good to go!
I can’t help but hear “mooooo” when I read utter.
Challenges make me nervous. Like, pace the floor nervous.
Good luck!
So, you have to write roughly 2 songs a week ya know? Better get crackin!
I’m looking forward to hearing them.
Red: gotcha
Brandy: I can HEAR the sarcasm in your comment.
Peter? Is that you. Thanks!
DO IT! You write music, I’ll write words. Pinky swear.
uuuh, not that I’d write words to your music. I meant that I’d write my own words to paper stuff. see?
whati’mtryingtosayis…I need to commit to my passion as well. sheesh.
Nat: HAHA! Glad you clarified. I’m twisting Tam’s arm to write 2 chapters a month. And that’s weenie. You’re a pro. You can do better than that! So, you want in as well?? Set your goal!
hey. i know im not a pro – but thats not “weenie”. for me – thats a great start. watch it missy
B: caught ya!
Tam: I honestly sincerely had the thought “she won’t come back and read this – she’ll never know I left this for Natalie.”
sounds like an excellent plan.
You can Do it!
(Invision Rosie the Riveter)
Here’s what I love about this challenge you’ve taken on: You do all the work, and I get all the reward of hearing your songs.
Yep. Sounds fair to me. Gotta love that Drew. Smart man.
I’m looking forward to the ability to be part of this with you.
shame. shame.
that hurt my heart.
Do we get to help again…
That’s about 1 every three days ! Wheres the first 2 ? Lets get it going girl !!
Nice to see you back. It’s also great to see how much Drew supports your passion for song writing. I look forward to every song. There is no bad music, we just like some songs more than others.
Pushing your self by setting a challenging goal can be the motivation that may help you produce your best work. The idea of setting aside X number of hours a day, a week, to writing is something most of the great authors and composers had to do.
Music to me, comes more from the heart more than the head. You can discipline your head, but not your heart. When your heart sings to you write the song. If your heart isn’t singing then I doubt any amount of work will do that much good.
DO NOT beat yourself up if you can’t write something you like during your work session. That might be counter productive. If in 2009 you can only write one song you love that would be fantastic.
Ed: That’s why I’m nervous. I hope my heart can keep up with my head in this endeavor!!!
Papa: I’m workin on it!!! Sheesh!
Michael: But of course!
Tam: Sensitive…
Becca: Yes girl. Me too!
Gitz: Um. Does that make you lazy, or a cheerleader?
Tammy: Who’s Rosie?
Wow I missed all the fun today. I’ll even give you a paragraph. My 15 yr old son is an amazing songwriter!!!
Both.
H: I have books he should read!
Gitz: hehe. You da best!
You go girl!! Don’t chicken out. Don’t weenie out. You can do it. You love what you do so let that love fuel it!!!
Really?? He loves to read and he’s a beautiful poet and won awards. No I am not just one of those moms, but he’s really that good!!!
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GO FOR IT!!!!!
I’m aiming for 30 good songs and to complete at least 5 chapters in a novel Im writing!!! Can’t wait to hear what comes pouring out of you this year!
Dang girl!! And you got kids to take care of, too, right?
Heidi:
You sure you’re not just one of those moms? Just kidding! I actually read that some of the best songwriters have a natural gift for poetry. They make the best lyricists…
Fran: Fueling! Fueling! Thank you.
I totally came back! HA!
Now THAT’S funny! So. Listen, if you come back tomorrow, I’ve got a post asking who else wants in on this challenge. Better get a plan ready!
You are blessed to have a husband who loves you and challenges you to pursue your dreams. You can do it, Mandy!
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