This line spoke deeply to me: "I came here curious, confused and afraid. Still am." Please stay curious, post anything you want whenever you want. I always enjoy seeing what you share. And happy anniversary!!
Your writing is great, Taz. I loved Stephen King's book too, but having read a lot of those kinds of books when trying to improve, I now think it's best to find an author you're inspired by and just soak up their writing. But don't lose your own style because that's what makes you so interesting.
Thanks AJ. Same. Yeah, Pat is a professor at Berklee. He has written a ton on books on songwriting which I read early on. It was torture. So much better to learn at Lydia’s seminars from the folks that have been at it for decades and by trial and error working with my buddies. He's one of those people that loves referring to esoteric works rather than things that are actually relatable.
I did one of his online video courses years ago and while I got something out of it, he struck me as one of those guys who had a bit of middling success and then parlayed it into teaching. I think if I hadn't lived in Nashville where people like that are a dime a dozen I might have been more impressed, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Adverbs always and forever! I lovingly use them all the time, rightfully enjoying myself at every step of the adverb. I also wish i shared your more positive, nuanced outlook on so much of my engagement coming from strangers. Becoming friends with everyone on Musicstack, yourself included has been amazing, but I simultaneously find it frustrating that so few of my real-life peeps show interest in my work here. In any case, I’m glad you’re here, Taz — congrats on one year!
I picked “all of the above.” I like the stories about songwriting (and the songs, of course), but also the ones that go in a direction I never saw coming. Mostly, I’m happy we connected on here. Here’s to bunch more years of writing, adverbs or not!
Thank you for writing, Tamara. You do it beautifully and it's a pleasure to read. You're absolutely right, too. Stephen King's 'On Writing' is just brilliant. The section on the use of 'that' is gold all on its own.
Congratulations on One Year, Taz! It goes by in a hurry, doesn't it? I love who you are on here....when you're able to be as much of yourself as you are (and have been) here, that's how (as you say) you know you're a writer. You know me well enough to know how much I value....nay, treasure the songwriter. To somehow conjure melodies out of thin air (or, better still, your mind!) is a gift I've never fully grasped (I certainly don't have it....so, I choose to worship it from afar), but I'm in awe of those who CAN. This August will mark my 5th year here (which is mind-boggling to me!), and as you step out for your Year #2, Taz, please let me know if/when I can do anything for you...all you have to do is holler!😉Go get 'em!🤠
Congrats on your first year Taz! Time flies when we’re having fun. Or so they say!! I’ve really enjoyed reading your work and getting to know you a little through your writing. I’m a big fan of “write what you want” so that’s what I picked although I could happily have answered all of the above.
Long live the adverb and a very or three are fine and very dandy! And you are absolutely very fine and dandy, and your success here is well deserved. Stats schmatz I like to say, but since you shared yours, I must say they are impressive and speak to your true spirit which is contagious. And that Gladys Knight and the Pips clip is fantastic. A top-5 love song of all time for sure. One of the greatest voices ever. Happy anniversary!
This line spoke deeply to me: "I came here curious, confused and afraid. Still am." Please stay curious, post anything you want whenever you want. I always enjoy seeing what you share. And happy anniversary!!
Thank you so much Emm.
Thank you so much Andy. You know those feelings are mutual. You make being here so fun.
It's been great to have you here! I'm picking "Just write what you want" because it's been fun to watch you experiment with different ideas.
Thank you Nick. I appreciate that very much.
Your writing is great, Taz. I loved Stephen King's book too, but having read a lot of those kinds of books when trying to improve, I now think it's best to find an author you're inspired by and just soak up their writing. But don't lose your own style because that's what makes you so interesting.
Thank you Ellen. I really appreciate that.
Congrats on your first year! You're a hoot and I'm glad we actually got to meet up in person while you were in town!
What do you dislike about Pat Pattison? Is he another songwriting blowhard?
Thanks AJ. Same. Yeah, Pat is a professor at Berklee. He has written a ton on books on songwriting which I read early on. It was torture. So much better to learn at Lydia’s seminars from the folks that have been at it for decades and by trial and error working with my buddies. He's one of those people that loves referring to esoteric works rather than things that are actually relatable.
I did one of his online video courses years ago and while I got something out of it, he struck me as one of those guys who had a bit of middling success and then parlayed it into teaching. I think if I hadn't lived in Nashville where people like that are a dime a dozen I might have been more impressed, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Exactly. There is no way you didn't learn more about songwriting from doing, co writing in Nashville and being an attentive listener.
Yeah I learn best by doing for sure. He gave me some interesting food for thought on some of the technical parts of it though, I can't lie
Adverbs always and forever! I lovingly use them all the time, rightfully enjoying myself at every step of the adverb. I also wish i shared your more positive, nuanced outlook on so much of my engagement coming from strangers. Becoming friends with everyone on Musicstack, yourself included has been amazing, but I simultaneously find it frustrating that so few of my real-life peeps show interest in my work here. In any case, I’m glad you’re here, Taz — congrats on one year!
Thank you Max! Long live the adverb.
Taz — glad you're here. Keep doing what you're doing.
Thank you Jay. I hope you have the strength for a third installment of the vault. I had a flash of inspiration for this year.
Only a few more days until launch [many fingers crossed emoji]
It will be awesome.
I picked “all of the above.” I like the stories about songwriting (and the songs, of course), but also the ones that go in a direction I never saw coming. Mostly, I’m happy we connected on here. Here’s to bunch more years of writing, adverbs or not!
Thank you Kevin! I am so glad we connected as well. And yes, here’s to many more years of backroads, detours and great music!
Well my answer to the poll is sitting at 10% so…😬😱🤣.
And I know what you mean by restraint. It is sometimes hard to stay “on message” with all the shit that’s going on.
Thank you for writing, Tamara. You do it beautifully and it's a pleasure to read. You're absolutely right, too. Stephen King's 'On Writing' is just brilliant. The section on the use of 'that' is gold all on its own.
Thanks Paul. I haven't gotten there yet.
Congratulations on One Year, Taz! It goes by in a hurry, doesn't it? I love who you are on here....when you're able to be as much of yourself as you are (and have been) here, that's how (as you say) you know you're a writer. You know me well enough to know how much I value....nay, treasure the songwriter. To somehow conjure melodies out of thin air (or, better still, your mind!) is a gift I've never fully grasped (I certainly don't have it....so, I choose to worship it from afar), but I'm in awe of those who CAN. This August will mark my 5th year here (which is mind-boggling to me!), and as you step out for your Year #2, Taz, please let me know if/when I can do anything for you...all you have to do is holler!😉Go get 'em!🤠
Thank you Brad! You are always so kind. 5 years is crazy. You were definitely an early adopter. You're the heart of musicatack.
So glad you're here Taz! Love your posts and comments! Keep going!
Thanks Dan. Likewise. I need to catch up on progress at the park!
Lots happening and more to come!
I have always liked Gladys .
BTW, I get many more responses and subscribers to my rant comments than my songs.
Don't be shy.
Ha! Ok. Good to know.
Congrats on your first year Taz! Time flies when we’re having fun. Or so they say!! I’ve really enjoyed reading your work and getting to know you a little through your writing. I’m a big fan of “write what you want” so that’s what I picked although I could happily have answered all of the above.
Thank you Mark. I am very much looking forward to our collaboration making it's appearance. I feel the same way about you.
Long live the adverb and a very or three are fine and very dandy! And you are absolutely very fine and dandy, and your success here is well deserved. Stats schmatz I like to say, but since you shared yours, I must say they are impressive and speak to your true spirit which is contagious. And that Gladys Knight and the Pips clip is fantastic. A top-5 love song of all time for sure. One of the greatest voices ever. Happy anniversary!
Thank you Steve. I have loved seeing some of my favorite people here stauchly defending the lowly adverb. 😂
Enjoying what I’ve seeing and one year is a great milestone. If you know your why, the what becomes easy.
Thank you Robert.