DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO WRITE NO. 1

"We writers are trained in reading, writing, and critical thinking. We are not told, however, to simply observe, listen, or experiment with other pursuits.''

The Conversation Starter:

Last Thursday, via Notes, I asked two questions: What has recently inspired you to write? And do you notice that your writing alters slightly or significantly when confronted with something emotionally staggering?

I also mentioned that, since I've been in a funk, I've been incorporating sea imagery into my poetry. Using the sea and her immensity as a central theme in my work has helped me swallow some of the difficult emotions I've been feeling. This is what piqued my curiosity about deconstructing my brain in order to better understand my creative writing process and my relationship with art in general.

For me, art is like a lighthouse, a safe haven when things go wrong or before they do—an assurance that help is on the way in the form of a book, a song, a film, etc.

In the sense that I don't have artistic friends or a sense of community, my relationship with art is quite personal. Although I have had and will continue to have incredibly special experiences with art on my own, I would also like to experience art face to face with other artists. Regardless, my love of art will live on in my heart and be transmitted through this social media abyss.

---

Hi there! I’m Somiah Nettles, a poet and classical pianist who is new to Substack. Welcome to my first essay! I hope I've made sense so far. For the past two years, I've been studying classical music with a small handful of instructors, and there are a myriad of compositions by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Sibelius, and other composers that allow me to feel emotions I never realized I was capable of feeling. On the other hand, I’ve been reading and writing my entire life.

Literature and music go hand in hand; the two complement each other very well, but dare I say that it is music (classical music specifically) that propels me to write far more than any piece of literature.

It's strange for me to say this, and I feel like I'm an imposter after being a die-hard ''Bookstagram Girlie" for a year, but as a writer, I’m far more connected to music these days than I am to literature (reading). It's pointless to argue that I'm contradicting myself with this notion, and here's why: Poetry speaks to me through melodies, making music a crucial component of my creative writing process. I can't compose, but I can write poetry, which is how I express myself as a novice through music. As much as I enjoy learning how to play my favorite compositions by deceased composers, I also enjoy creating my own sounds and rhythms, which I do through poetry. Classical music has helped me grow as a writer by exposing me to fresh ideas and emotions. If you’re reading this, I can guarantee you that you have a heart. If you’re a writer, whether you realize it or not, you most likely want to use it to its full potential.

Photo by camilo jimenez on Unsplash

We writers are trained in reading, writing, and critical thinking. We are not told, however, to simply observe, listen, or experiment with other pursuits. While I admit that I listen to and study music more than I read these days, I believe that both are essential in my life and career. I believe that if a writer reads widely, they will acquire the techniques of great writing, significantly improving their genius. However, writers also need experiences outside of literature, such as exploring new interests and engaging in niche hobbies. One’s genius is greatly influenced by one's experiences!

Dare I suggest that new experiences breed excellent writers?

Testimonies (I will add them as they come):

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine who resides in Australia and is a singer/songwriter asked her Instagram followers for artistic recommendations due to a lack of inspiration, and of course, I sent her a few classical pieces, one of which was Mel Bonis's ''Desdemona,'' and in response, she composed the loveliest, lyrically rich tune. She shared her new song on Instagram, and in the caption, she stated that while she enjoys listening to classical music, she had never considered using it as a means of self-expression. The following week, she personally messaged me, requesting the same thing. I sent her a few more pieces with the cheekiest smile on my face. I can't wait to see what she writes next! You can listen to her song here!

If you are someone who dislikes classical music, I truly believe it’s because you haven't found your favorite pieces yet.

Ballets, Operas, Concertos, Symphonies, Sonatas, and many other styles of classical music come from various eras, such as the Romantic, Baroque, and Medieval periods. In this manner, classical music is similar to reading: You never disliked reading; you just had to find which genres interested you. To help you get started on your classical music journey, I created a project known as Musical Mondays! On the first Monday of each month, your inbox will receive a thorough article detailing the life and music of a different classical composer. If you’re not already a free subscriber, you should consider becoming one. You don't want to miss out on all the fun!

In conclusion, the pulse of life is kept alive by new experiences! As I previously stated, classical music has improved my writing by exposing me to fresh ideas and emotions. You don't have to understand classical music to appreciate it. Music is art, and art in itself is beautiful! As my Substack friend Nicté

from the heart

says, the more we feel, the more we ''drift into clarity,'' and good music has given me more clarity in my life than anything else.

---

That’s all for now, Victorians. I hope you gained a little something from this. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. Thank you for reading, and remember to subscribe so you never miss a beat. See you next week!

DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO WRITE NO. 2