On What Writing Means to Me
A couple of newsletters ago, I wrote about how important I have found it to lift myself a little out of the world of ‘violin’, and jump more into many of the other things that interest me and that I love (by the way - thank you so much for all the nice feedback on that post! It seems many of us are feeling the same kind of way right now…). Maybe I have Covid to thank for this, or just the nature of aging and time, but without a doubt, this newsletter has been my favourite thing to come out of this voyage of discovery.
I am quite a shy person, I don’t find it easy to speak about feelings or tell personal stories, and I don’t really understand yet where my boundaries between my private and public lives are. But creating this space where I have the freedom to be as open as I want, on a topic of my choice, has become so very meaningful and valuable to me. Somehow, the art of putting words together that shape my personal thoughts, in a way that I can control, and where I can then leave you to read between the lines, is just the perfect form of communication for me! Having always wanted to share ideas publicly, and searched for the right way of doing so for me, I feel so glad to have arrived here!
It definitely doesn’t always feel comfortable, and is almost never easy. I don’t practice writing techniques, or work with editors, so I really have no idea if what I cobble together here is any good at all. I don’t even really know what ‘good’ is. I have heard writers talk about the art of the craft; how they go about constructing pieces of writing, what role research plays, using devices such as ‘tone’ and ‘mood’. But, basically, I am going solely off my experiences of writing my theses and having a vague sense of what I like to read myself. I don’t spend too long on it, don’t make many revisions, and try not to get hung up on the particulars. As vulnerable as I feel, both in revealing my perspectives and in showcasing the ‘quality (or lack thereof)’ of my writing, everything I put down here is as honest and undisputably ‘me’ as it can be, and that is what I love the most.
This is not at all to say that I don’t have profound respect for the experienced and professional writer. On the contrary, writing myself has given me a much better understanding and joy in what and how I read now. Listening to writers and poets read their own work at the Banff Centre three years ago was so incredibly inspiring and something I’ll never forget; I don’t even think I truly knew the power of words and language until that moment. I suppose the key is to look around for, and be open to, these kinds of experiences, when we can feel so moved by someone else’s work that it spurs us on to try it out for ourselves. I remember the joy and passion with which my Grandad used to sing an operatic aria in his kitchen, and I think that writing gives me a similar feeling of happiness and sometimes (also like my Grandad and his singing) even pride.
Finding my way to this point has been a process, with lots of trial and error, and it is ever-evolving. I wanted to write about this today to encourage you, if you have a tiny bubble of an idea not yet simmering in your head, to just try it out and see what happens. I think it’s important to know that what it is at the beginning is probably not going to be what it ends up looking like, and that you may feel discouraged or overwhelmed by all that you don’t know yet very quickly. Stepping into a role where you know NOTHING, where you are starting from zero, and then putting that out into the world, is terrifying and challenging. But I think it is fascinating to see what we are left with when we take out the need of earning money, of selling something, of meeting someone else’s standards, being successful, fulfilling quotas, and achieving particular life goals. And what I think that is, is pure human heart and soul!
Some Interesting Things
I’m in awe of the new album, released last Friday, by Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion; ‘Let The Soil Play It’s Simple Part’. This music is quite remarkable.
I am enjoying reading on the reporting of people quitting their jobs in huge numbers; something is HAPPENING! This article from The Atlantic presents both the good and the bad potential repercussions of this movement.
I recently discovered this Spanish TV series based on the novels by Elísabet Benavent. It’s creative, fun, summery, with Sex and the City vibes. Perfect for these hot days.
Going book shopping at night after a glass or two of wine. I recommend it.
Have you ever heard of Jo van Gogh-Bonger? I hadn’t either until yesterday’s podcast of The Sunday Read: The Woman Who Made Van Gogh, and it turns out we would have no idea who Vincent was without her. This is definitely worth a listen!
I am disgusted but unfortunately not surprised by the racist comments made by infamous violinist/violist Pinchas Zuckerman in a video masterclass at Juilliard last week - see this article on Violinist.com. It represents one of the many problems in the Classical Music industry that is far too long overdue to be fixed. Also, why are we still worshiping famous men??
This Instagram post from the Guggenheim showcasing Edvard Munch’s ‘Lovers In The Waves’.
I had the chance to eat an ice cream from well-known Princeton spot, The Bent Spoon. I can see why the crowds flock here. I got dark chocolate orange flavour and it was simply delicious.
I don’t know if it’s something to do with the hot weather, but I recently remembered this song that I used to love when I was about 18, and it really made me smile to hear it again!
I played a live concert. With two powerful musicians. In a moment when the rain stopped and the birds sang again. It was wonderful.
Happy 4th July weekend everyone! Take care xxx
