“…for most young writers, maybe for most writers, “theme” is a word they should just strike out of their vocabulary. Because if you think about it beforehand, what you’re really saying is, “I’m gonna control this bastard. This book is gonna be about the impression of the masses [held] by the elite.” Well, the book just died. Because you know too well.”
– George Saunders, interview
This story is giving me big problems. I’ve tried to strangle it into submission. And that never works. So, I’ve had to kill a lot of darlings. This is one of the victims. Maybe she’ll pop up again. You never know…
Whenever I get about as far along as I can for the day, I pick up the ukulele and try to vent my frustration by writing songs. Little soundtrack ditties for the book. This is one of them:
[audio:http://www.austinkleon.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/tiptoe.mp3] [MP3]
I recorded it using a crappy computer lapel microphone, a ukulele, and an egg shaker. That thumping sound you hear is my fist against the desk.
Tonight, we’re going to see the Ditty Bops.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting – compiling all those mp3s was a lot of work, so the appreciation helps make it worthwhile.
I liked the song – it was the best impromptu ukulele/egg shaker/fist thumping composition I’ve ever heard.
thanks, josh!