Murmeration - A Symphony of Birds

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Inspired by Nature

My friend Caleb, who is a biology teacher here in Tennessee, pointed me to this video as a follow up to the recent "Who Made This Cabbage?" post. It's amazing to realize that, as advanced as technology is, the best designs are often found in nature.

Keep writing (and noticing),

Ben

Who Made This Cabbage?

We were making dinner a couple nights ago, and I couldn't help but see a pattern in front of me.

Keep writing (and noticing),

Ben

 

 

Photo by fdecomite (on flickr). Used with permission.

Photo by NASA Goddard Photo and Video. Used with permission.

Photo by Ethan Hein. Used with permission.

Writing Tools - a Writer's Friend

There are two sides of the writing process - the actual art being created, and the way we capture and portray that art. Both sides of this coin are necessary. For example, the most beautifully written concerto suffers greatly if it isn't given a proper performance and recording. And what good is a great recording if the song is only mediocre?

Though tools are important in the writing process, it is essential to remember where new art actually comes from: inspiration. I am confident this inspiration is not found in digital 1s and 0s as much as it is found in nature's leaves and raindrops. As wonderful as the newest and shiniest recording program or studio compressor is, it will never provide the fuel for a fresh new song in the same way that organic life does.

Photo by Ton Rulkens. Used with permission.

I believe our tendency is to look to these tools for salvation when we create, rather than to be on the lookout for true inspiration. The result can often (but not always) be heard on the radio - a sonic masterpiece that wouldn't stand up on its own when performed solo on guitar or piano. Our challenge when it comes to writing songs is to always remember that the inspiration and the tools with which we capture this inspiration are separate, yet connected. The metaphor that comes to mind is this:

Songwriter = conductor
Song = train
Writing tools = tracks
Inspiration = coal/fuel

In the coming weeks and months I am going to talk in more detail about the specific tools that I have found helpful in my own writing process. And please feel free to clue me in on the tools you find useful!

Keep writing,

Ben