Writing is the same as music. It’s in how you phrase it, how you hold back the note, bend it, shape it, then release it. And what you don’t play is as important as what you do say.
Interpretation
Writing, like music, involves nuanced expression where both what is included and omitted carry significance.
This quote by Robert Creeley suggests that the art of writing is akin to the art of music, emphasizing the importance of phrasing and the careful selection of words. Just as musicians manipulate notes to create emotion and meaning, writers must consider how they express their thoughts, highlighting the crucial role of silence or omission in conveying a message effectively.
In practice
This quote can be used in a writing workshop to inspire participants to think about their word choices.
I did however used to think, you know, in the woods walking, and as a kid playing in the woods, that there was a kind of immanence there — that woods, and places of that order, had a sense, a kind of presence, that you could feel; that there was something peculiarly, physically present, a feeling of place almost conscious ... like God. It evoked that.
Moon, moon, when you leave me alone all the darkness is an utter blackness, a pit of fear, a stench, hands unreasonable never to touch. But I love you. Do you love me. What to say when you see me.
Writing stories is my way of scratching that itch: my escape from the claustrophobia of individuality. It lets me, at least for a while, live more than one life, walk more than one path. Reading, of course, can do the same.
Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.
I always find myself gravitating to the analogy of a maze. Think of film noir and if you picture the story as a maze, you don't want to be hanging above the maze watching the characters make the wrong choices because it's frustrating. You actually want to be in the maze with them, making the turns at their side, that keeps it more exciting...I quite like to be in that maze.
Digital photography is, by definition, unfinished. You don't feel that after every 24 or 36 shots you have to change your film - you know you can go on for ever if you want. You can see the result immediately, and find out if your original idea is worth going on with or not, whether it can be corrected, whether it can be improved.
I believe in professionalism, but playing is not like a job. You have to be grateful to have the opportunity to play.
The glory of a good tale is that it is limitless and fluid; a good tale belongs to each reader in its own particular way.
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