Hey folks, Jackiem Joyner here. As a saxophonist turned author, I’ve lived in the rhythmic world of music and the imaginative realm of writing. Today, I want to share how these two passions harmonize in my life.
Music, with its rhythm, melody, and emotion, is a lot like storytelling. When I write, I think of my words as notes, each sentence a melody forming a larger symphony. This approach has been crucial in my transition from creating music to penning crime thrillers and sci-fi novels.
The process of writing a book isn’t unlike composing a song. There’s a structure, a crescendo of events, and a resolution, much like a musical piece. In my crime thrillers, I strive to keep the tempo varied – some moments are slow, allowing readers to soak in the atmosphere, while others race with quick beats of suspense.
My Inspiration
I often draw inspiration from my musical background. The discipline and creativity needed to play jazz, where improvisation is key, have been invaluable in plotting intricate twists in my novels. The spontaneity in jazz, where no two performances are the same, mirrors how characters in my books sometimes take on lives of their own, leading me down unexpected narrative paths.
To my musician friends aspiring to write, remember that your musical skills are an asset. Your understanding of rhythm can guide your pacing, your sense of harmony can aid in balancing story elements, and your emotional connection to music can deepen your narrative’s impact.
For those curious about my writing, check out my blog post “Top 10 Crime Thrillers of the Decade” on Joyner Book Club. It’s a blend of my love for gripping stories and an ode to the art of storytelling, whether through music or words.
Stay creative, and remember, the harmony between music and writing is just a note away.