Filed under: Music Inspiration | Tags: character development, Music, wanda jackson, Writing, Writing Exercise, Writing Inspiration
courtesy nashvillescene.com
The resurgence of Wanda Jackon’s music into the mainstream has gotten me really inspired. Granted, for many people she’s been an ongoing inspiration and I’m sure there are many old fans that never stopped listening to her. But, I obviously haven’t been around a long time and I grew up in a house of jazz, R&B and classic rock…no country or rockabilly in sight, ‘sides some Patsy Cline in the Catskills with gramma. So I think that lets me off the hook.
The first thing that grabbed me about her music was her voice. It’s hard, edgy and sexy. When I had Ryan listen to her, we immediately started comparing her to her male contemporaries like Jerry Lee Lewis, but Ryan pointed out that her sound might have been a competitive reaction to those boys, which made me love her music more. I also wondered which song was better – Presley’s Jailhouse Rock or Jackson’s Riot in Cell Block #9? Hm. Tough call for me.
Anyway, her style is so fun and old-fashioned, I thought it would be a great writing prompt to use her music to write a character.
Writing Prompt:
Listen to one of Wanda Jackson’s greatest hits all the way through on Grooveshark.
(my favorite collection is Queen of Rockabilly)
As you listen, think about an older man or woman listening to this record. Maybe they’re transported to the sixties, maybe they’re just doing housework. Either way, write a scene where he or she uses Wanda Jackson’s music to get him/her through his/her daily routine, sort of like a soundtrack. Again, you don’t need to stay in the present time frame; you can play around with memories, with objects and with expressions. Have fun!
And remember to rock your baby all night long,
H2I,
Alicia
Filed under: Beat Fridays, Music Inspiration | Tags: Aloe Blacc, Music, R&B, Soul, Writing, Writing Exercise, Writing Inspiration
Courtesy Cafemaroon.com
This Beat Friday is all about soul. Aloe Blacc’s album Good Things gives it to you in many different ways with eclectic inspiration that rivals Janelle Monaé (whom I’ll speak about next week most likely) Good Things contains distinct 70′s inspiration in his use of horns, organ, wah pedals and even vibraphones. The song “Politician” definitely borrows a George Harrison guitar sound along with horn parts that rival “All you need is love”. On “So Hard”, I thought i heard early Pink Floyd. And oh boy, “Momma hold my hand” tugs on my heartstrings hard. Reminds me the most of Stevie Wonder overall.
But there are a lot of 2010 markings, too. Some of the electronic drum beats (“If I”) definitely branch out from the reliance on heavy drum sounds that always was key for R&B. This aspect makes it new and modern without being pretentious. It’s simple, but by no means easy.
The bass is always hopping, though, which makes up for anything that might lack in some of the electronic aspects. It’s an album appropriate for most moods, given that you like R&B and Soul.
And his voice – beautiful without anything fancy, which makes his music about harmony and unity, not about flash. I like that and think it’s refreshing.
Writing Challenge – Look Around
Aloe Blacc writes about troubles on this album – from needing momma to needing to see a change in certain communities. Pick a subject that infuriates you or moves you and form it into a representation. In other words, an allusion or metaphor. Ask yourself what compelled you to make this comparison in your brain. Then write it out. Strip it down after you’ve written a few paragraphs or lines by underlining what you think is most important.
If this is too difficult, just write about the situation in journal form until something – a line of meaning – comes to you. Keep your eye on your words and think on why this line is so important. Keep it. Underline it. Then write a story or poem beginning with that line
H2I
Alicia
Filed under: Music Inspiration | Tags: Grooveshark, Inspiration, Massive Attack, Mood, Music, Rhythm, Setting, Vitamin String Quartet, Writing, Writing Exercise
Music Inspiration:Weather Storm by Massive Attack, as performed by The Vitamin String Quartet**
courtesy tradebit.com
If you read my Facebook, then you already know how I feel about this track, so sorry for the repetition!
Massive Attack, for me, is one of those groups you just have to be in the mood for. That being said, they’re not for everyone, though I think their catchy beats offer accessibility. If you have a pulse, you fall in love with rhythm, it’s as simple as that. Not that you actually acquire rhythm, but you appreciate it when it falls in sync with something natural. Massive Attack’s beats capture natural moods within rhythm, however dark and ominous their sound is. The best word I can use to describe it is carnal.
This song has that synchronicity, that something natural that can evoke memories or create new scenarios. So, here’s the challenge as you put this track on repeat….
Writing Challenge: Setting
Use this song of the day to challenge your conventional ideas about setting and the words you typically use to present it. This piece evokes an obvious mood, but fight against going for the typical wind-and-harsh weather scenario. Try to get away from thinking about the title. Focus on the rhythm. What time period are we talking? 15th century? Or maybe BC? The future? Are there people involved? Animals? How do they influence the sound? MOST importantly, where’s the light coming from – if there is any – and where is it being cast? Do research only if you can’t resist the impulse, but try writing first with your gut. See where it takes you. It’s OK to take liberties…that’s what I’m encouraging!
A poem, a scene of a play, a chapter from your memoir – this is where you start your flow, so have at it!
As always, comment with your thoughts or even share what you’ve written.
H2I,
Alicia
**note: Please go to Grooveshark and search this track until I figure out what I’m doing wrong with my widget. For some reason it’s not embedding correctly. Thanks!
Filed under: General
Ok.
In the beginning I stated that this would be a place for reviewing, well SCREW THAT. This is now a space for INSPIRATION – particularly for writers, though I’m sure all artists can glean what they will from these posts.
Objectives:
- To scour the web for inspirational art, films and music to aid in the prevention of that nasty thing we call writer’s block
- To offer technical advice to “novice” writers (meaning, anyone who doesn’t go to school for writing/call a method of writing his/her livelihood)
- To offer incentives for daily writing through challenges. These will be inspirational “boosts” just to get you thinking, not necessarily prizes that I’ll offer if you please me with your writing…that’s the beauty of this – you are your own critic, I’m just here to get you started.
Given that inspiration is relative (or subjective, however you want to say it), Your comments are necessary for everyone’s benefit, mine included. PLEASE COMMENT. How else will I know what I’m saying is valuable or used?
Also, this is an invitation to all artists to help writers by emailing me your work (film, artwork, etc.) so I can feature you and link you to others. Who knows, maybe one of these writers NEEDS your art hanging in his/her room for continued inspiration. Don’t be shy! Submit/suggest! I’ll always give credit where it’s due. Swear.
Special thanks to a few people: Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge. Without your inspirational blog about home design, I would never have conceived this idea that is tailored for writers. Lynn Hassan of LIU’s writing center, who gave me the idea to start a blog in the first place. The entire MFA writing program at Long Island University, Brooklyn. You’re all doing so much to further the art of writing, I’m going to do everything I can to help push you. Lastly, Ryan Dausch, the hub-sand. Because seeing him in a drooly ball of sleep every morning is inspiration enough for me.
My goal is to give you the tools for your work to survive. I hope I fulfill this for you!
Until then…
H2I
Alicia
Filed under: Uncategorized
Julieta Venegas’s album Otra Cosa
I know I’m behind on the times and whiter than wonder bread, but Wow. wow wow WOW. This album is probably one of the best I’ve heard in a long time. And it’s the kind of album you have to listen to on a friday when all you want to do is dance. You can’t be in one of your “what does it all mean, Rob Gordon?” moods. This also might mean it’s not one for the fellas….it’s pretty hardcore girly, I’m not going to lie.
Often throughout the album, you’re reminded of Regina Specter’s knack for beats and catchy lyrics, but then Venegas infuses those beats instead with melodies gushing with happy. Regina who? Venegas’s choice of instruments, too, from the rhythmic shakers to accordions never let up on the Spanish vibe, making me want to just get on a plane right now. And for those who are just looking for a good time, try the album’s remix of “Bien o Mal”. Nothing really compares to her Nancy Sinatra sexiness..it’s intoxicating. Other favorites? “Un Lugar”, “Debajo De Mi Lengua” and “Original” all make the weekend start a bit earlier. Siesta anyone?
The only downfall to listening is that I don’t know Spanish…Yet another reason I wish I took Spanish instead of French through my early years. Well, there’s always Rosetta Stone…or I could just let Julieta Venegas teach me. Enjoy!
Listen to it for free on grooveshark and then buy it!
Filed under: Uncategorized
It’s making me increasingly angry…those who call teachers glorified babysitters have no idea what it’s like.
First off, let’s just dispel the argument that the job is “cushy” because of its short hours and paid vacations. Have you ever had to grade 70+ 5-page essays on the Great Gatsby while also working on lesson plans for the upcoming week? Oh, and that summer vacation? I never got one. Your “summer vacation” is spent (if you’re a teacher who really cares) developing your repertoire, being your own judge on what worked the past year and what didn’t and then going back to the drawing board to create a huge outline for the upcoming year…all the while knowing in the back of your brain that you NEVER know what to expect every single day, not to mention what the upcoming class has in store for you. Vacation? please.
Short hours? I wasn’t married then, but all Ryan and I had time for was a conversation on the phone at night. Otherwise I was writing lesson plans or grading. Then having nightmares about certain insecurities or impairment only adds to the restlessness of the profession. But you somehow LOVE it still – counteracting those negative energies, saying, “…if I can just reach one, please, God, just one…”
And Unions? It’s the union that’s going to help you out when you have a parent threatening you at a parent-teacher conference for teaching her son about “useless women’s studies” and not letting him play on the court that night. It’s the union that’s going to try to help you when the superintendent is threatening you with your job if you don’t make some adjustments his way. Otherwise, without the union, usually, you’re on your own.
Why did I leave? It wasn’t because of the students – I LOVED them. Even the ones who liked to bust my butt…I loved them even more for challenging me. I never gave up on them the whole year, even when they felt like they couldn’t go on hearing about the same old junk. It wasn’t because of the other teachers, no, they were my support group.
I left because of the “powers that be”. Unfortunately, usually the higher you go in the pyramid, the less people care about education. And that’s where all the money and power comes from, isn’t it? And isn’t it harder to do your job when the majority of the public no longer respects how hard you’re working for everyone else around you? Think on it.
I’m working now in a position that will leave no mark whatsoever on the world. I would have made a greater, more important difference if I’d continued to teach. But honestly, if I am so easily pushed out because of a little pressure, what does that say about everyone who sticks with it? They’re my heroes.
To be a teacher is to struggle…don’t you dare add to that weight on their shoulders.
None of you could be where you are today without your teachers.
Filed under: General
What else could there be to talk about?
Filed under: General
It is 10:30 pm. I’ve been working on artwork for upcoming fliers for the Creative Writing program at LIU Brooklyn. I’m not tired yet because the three glasses of wine have not hit me. I’ve been drawing for a few hours because, frankly, my schoolwork has just been killing me. I’m realizing that this, among other methods, is thus far the best therapy for getting through grad school. Writing this, I feel a little too “zen” or “sentimental” or “new age” or even “romantic” in nature – but who cares! This kind of advice might just save you, no matter what your grad school status is.
#1 – Stretch or work out frequently. This should be self-explanatory. Stretching and working out build up your energy and immunity through tough seasons. If you’re finding it hard to gain inspiration, just hold onto those Victoria Secret mags. I’m sure you’ll look at those flat abs and wonder why you’re not counting crunches at this moment. And then you can order nice underwear for when you’re feeling sexier.
#2 – Draw/paint/collage/play or listen to music often – first alone then by yourself. If you do this alone, you’ll be able to calm those demons. If you do this with someone (even if you’re not speaking to one another) you’ll feel that kindred spirit glowing. And if you prefer, listen to music of the past to get your memory going. OR really search for new music so you can get some sort of pep back in your step. New music makes all the difference in moving forward while old music makes you remember your roots.
I think the wine just hit.
#3 – Hold parties with the people in your program. Try not to exclude people. These others are in the same boat and the closer knit your clan is, the easier it is to survive the workload. No, I’m not talking about collaboration or plagiarism. I’m again talking about cultivating relationships with professionals. You never know where these relationships can take you. That girl in your theory class could play a role in offering the ticket to your dream job.
#4 – Pay for a quality massage once in awhile – I know, they can be pricey. But I guarantee you, it is a memorable experience when all you’ve been doing is working. Get massages after tough tests or term papers. Reward yourself. You work, play and PAY hard…you’ve earned this, what I call, the greatest type of down time in the world.
#5 – Start a blog. AND – GO!
So…any other advice? Talk to me…
Filed under: Film Review
Bronson – 2009
Director: Nicolas Winding
Starring: Tom Hardy
So who’s been on my radar for the past month? One Tom Hardy. I’m still trying to teach myself how to say his name without letting my jaw fall slack accidently, allowing drool to come blubbering out. Yes, that’s how phenomenal he is at nearly everything he’s been up to in the past decade. Though, over the past two months I’ve seen him play some amazing roles, each time asking myself who the f is this guy? First he played the IT know-it-all impersonator in Inception and then I came home one night to indulge in a little Guy Richie film Rock N’ Rolla and saw Mr. Hardy get his crush on with Gerard Butler. If you haven’t seen either, they’re both worth the watch. If you’re not into Guy Richie films, though, I don’t know if I would start with Rock N’ Rolla.
One movie that NO ONE should miss, however, is Bronson, the 2009 film about Charley Bronson (aka Michael Gordon Peterson), an ex-bare-knuckle boxer with his own special talent for unleashing his animosity on prison guards and, well, anyone else who crosses his path. This is a based-on-true-events film and the real Bronson still dwells in one of Great Britain’s high security prisons for crimes of severe violence that he has periodically committed. As the real Bronson puts it, the issue lies in the fact that other genuinely awful criminals (rapists, murderers, child molesters, etc.) are set free year after year, while he sits in prison, quiet as a mouse for the last decade.
After reading a bit on the boxer, the film seems like the best light that can be shed on such a complicated man. For one, the guy is seriously lovable in a macabre way. Similarly how one was able to sympathize with characters like Leonard from Memento, Bronson makes it possible for us to understand the master of Looniology through being told the story straight from his mouth – or rather, Hardy’s mouth – through artistic monologued segments. And Hardy is just as impressive as the real deal.
You might question my aesthetic when I say this; you might say I’m blaspheming the law of the actor’s studio or something, but Tom Hardy gives a better performance in Bronson than Heath Ledger or Johnny Depp in any of their acclaimed roles. Ok, really, Ledger only killed it in Dark Knight partially because (a) there wasn’t enough Maggie Gyllenhaal and (b) there will never be a better Batman than Keaton. In Bronson Hardy’s facial expressions were stretched to their limits and his brutal stares gave me chills. Hardy didn’t even have to hide behind makeup (most of the time) and his ability to tackle schizophrenic monologues was magnified by his powerful, dominating body. The actor had to bulk up like a madman for this role, so screw that Christian Bale character; here’s a man with actual talent save the ego trip.
Due to the amazing ingenuity of live streaming from Netflix (thank you) I’ve been able to watch this one instantly. If you’re hooked up, go give it a try. Otherwise seek it out at the library or video store. Chances are it will be waiting for you because, as I’ve said, it has somehow gone under our state-side radar for the last year.
So, grab your cell mate and cuddle up with a little Bronson.
Coming soon…my take on the words straight from the man, Charles Bronson, in one of his many books, The Good Prison Guide.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Greetings readers…what few of you still exist.
My 26th birthday is approaching.
I just did some calculations and found that I will be 35 when all of my loans are paid off.
That is, if all goes according to plan.
Though, lots of things could make this end come closer. One of those things could be that we move out of state and pay next to nothing for a house. We could both get amazing jobs with amazing benefits. We could win the lottery.
But I’m banking on the end of the world before any of that happens.
Yay. Happy getting older.
