We’re only five months out from the release of Stay With Me. Last month, I wrote about the settings, and this month, I’m blogging about the music in and related to the novel.
Over at Catholic Fiction.net, the author interviews always include this question:
“If you could no longer work with words, what medium would you work in to create art?
I don’t know whether I’ll ever be asked the question, but I’m ready with an easy answer: music.
The summer before my sixth birthday, my mother asked whether I’d be interested in taking a ballet class. And so began a decade marked by black leotards and pink tights, tutus, moleskin, lambs wool, and pointe shoes.
And the custom-welded ballet barre that resided in my family’s living room.
I was struck dumb the first time I took my daughter to a dance shop, and that familiar smell uniquely associated with those years swirled round me. Is it the leather of the shoes? I’m not sure, but it is distinct, familiar, and nostalgic.
This time of year, as dance schools prepare for spring recitals and performances, I’m reminded of my love for classical ballet that began in a large Victorian home converted into a YWCA. Continue reading
So, here’s what’s hanging on the walls in our house – aside from dirt, kid prints, cobwebs, and errant crayon marks. This is a glimpse at most of the artwork in our home. I confess to knowing very little about art – from creating to appreciating to buying. In this brief look, our tastes seem pretty narrow: one French romantic, religious artwork, and pop movie posters. Perhaps if we had the wall space, money, and leisure to devote to it, we could enhance our home with some more inspiring pieces, but in this season of life, I’m just happy if I’m not scraping dried food from the wall. (Yeah, I’m looking at you, toddler boy.) Continue reading
Writing has done a lot of positive things for me, including enhanced my appreciation of art. I listen more carefully. I’m a more discriminating observer. I feel a kinship to artists and songwriters, especially up-and-comers, that I never have before.
It’s no surprise that participating in an activity gives you a greater appreciation for the dedication, expertise, and talent of those who excel at it whether it be a sport, an art, or a technical skill. I can appreciate the leg strength required for a dozen sequential fuetes because I studied ballet. I realize the difficulty of a particular piano or organ piece because I’ve played those instruments. I can gape in amazement at an outstanding catch in deep centerfield because I’ve played softball. And I can appreciate the depth, complexity, and detail of a novel, because I’ve written one. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way in understanding ‘it ain’t as easy as it looks.’ Continue reading
