I took a walk on a warm afternoon a few weeks ago, listening to an audiobook by musician Jeff Tweedy titled How to Write One Song. I was drawn to it not only because I've been listening to his music for more than 25 years, but because during that time, he's allowed us to witness his growth as an artist, from early beginnings to flashes of brilliance to commercial challenges.
The book is part memoir and part how-to, as he gives us insight into the mystery of songwriting, of taking personal insights scribbled in a notebook and musical ideas, and then alchemizing them into a transcendental shared experience. But aside from the songwriting process, he talks a lot about how he structured his life to support this thing he loved to do.
It has also led to deep conversations with my writing friends on what it means to live a creative life. We agree that it’s not just for artists. It's about life engagement. It’s daily choices and actions that uniquely shape a life. It's following what intrigues you, whether it makes logical sense or not. It's being open to unique problem-solving opportunities, and a willingness to be in full contact with your life.
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