The Writer Is A Symphony Conductor
The Music of Life
A way of expressing our humanity! What a beautiful thought.
The conductor stands before his orchestra.
Directly before him are the strings, the violins, the violas, the cellos, harps and double basses. Behind them are the woodwinds, the flutes, oboes, clarinets, saxophones and bassoons. Then comes the brass family, the trumpets, trombones, French horns and tubas; and finally the percussion group, the bass drums, snare drums, and cymbals, small in number but loudest by nature.
All work in harmony. All are crucial to the movements of the symphony. All have specific tasks to perform, no task more important than the others, all tasks blended together to achieve the perfect expression, and the conductor understands this truth well. It is his job to find the perfect mix. It is his job to take a piece of music and to interpret it in such a way that the composer is not compromised and yet the music on this night has a distinct signature unlike any other.
And so it is with the writer.
The Writer’s Instruments
The writer sits before his keyboard.
Before him sits his orchestra. The verbs sit patiently, ready to take action where action is required. The nouns are close by, always in accompaniment with the verbs, always leading the way but going nowhere without them. The adjectives provided color, size and shape to the piece, and the adverbs, off to the side, are rarely used except in those rare moments when only their magic will suffice.
The pronouns, prepositions and conjunctions all play their part, for what would a sentence be without them, and holy cow, the interjections provide brashness and exclamation to it all.
On the podium before the conductor sits an idea. It certainly is not original in nature, for most ideas are simply a regurgitation of earlier thoughts, but in the mind and heart of the writer, that idea will take on a whole new persona, will spread its wings and fly higher than any before it.
The audience sits in quiet anticipation, awaiting the magical moment when another writer, sentenced to a life of solitude and inner-doubts, will finally tap his baton and bring to life that idea.
It is pure magic!
I always enjoy listening to King's thoughts on writing
An important book to own
Are You a Writer?
“I'm not interested in having an orchestra sound like itself. I want it to sound like the composer.”
If so then this is your quest. You have all that you need. 171,476 words currently available; add to that 47,156 obsolete words, tossed aside on the junk heap of the English language but still perfectly usable. The combinations are practically unlimited. The only limitations that exist are in your mind. Take a sentence, any sentence, and toss it in the air. Mix and match ; sprinkle in a metaphor here and a simile there, and add your own unique voice. Mary had a little lamb. The little lamb was Mary’s. There was a little lamb and it was Mary’s. Little like a lamb, merry like Mary, the little lamb was merry Mary’s. A lamb so small, like a tiny acorn in a forest of old-growth, waiting for sustenance that only Mary could provide.
And so it goes for the writer.
He seeks inspiration from near and far, a postcard here, a song there, a distant memory that fuels his thoughts and drives the pistons of his mind. He shuts out all thoughts other than the story at hand. He forgets to eat, barely notices the change of seasons; continues to plunge forward into the icy waters of rejection and hopes to emerge unscathed and enriched. He is single-minded in his journey. He seeks the Holy Grail of writing, a piece so vibrant, so magical, so memorable and so captivating as to become his legacy, his work of art, his Mona Lisa for all to enjoy long after his death.
He calls on his orchestra. He calls on his experience and the culmination of a life well-lived. He breathes life into it; his blood flows through it. He sheds tears and cries out in frustration, for perfection will always be one verb away, one noun in distance, one damn phrase he should have thought of but once again lost in translation.
What is the longest journey any writer will ever take? From his mind to the finished product, a journey that spans a lifetime of hopes and dreams but can never properly be captured by words.
But still he tries, for he is the conductor, and his orchestra awaits his interpretation.
More helpful thoughts from a pro
Are You Ready to Begin?
Your orchestra awaits you.
Yes, there will be doubts. Yes, there will be agonizing moments of writer’s block. Yes, there will be detractors who will tear you down, and naysayers who will say you cannot possibly make it.
Tell them all, in the words of my British friends, to bugger off, for you are the conductor and this is your stage. The instruments are finely tuned. The sound system has been wired to perfection. The audience is in dire need of entertainment, enlightenment and yes, escape. The acoustics are heavenly and your talent is limitless.
Pick up the baton, the same one used by Shakespeare, Blake, Hemingway and Lee. They won’t mind if you use theirs; in fact, they left it specifically for you to use, provided you use it with respect and care, for this is a sacred bequest. Within that baton are the words that launched revolutions. Within that baton are the words that created change, shook establishments and bridged gaps between nationalities. When comfort was needed that baton provided it. When encouragement, laughter and an ass-kicking was needed, that baton came through. It is yours now, so use it wisely and use it often.
And when your days are done; when the last verb and noun have been used by you; when you no longer feel you can provide the gifts within you, then pass the baton on to the next generation of symphony orchestra conductors. Show them how to use it. Teach them its special powers. Impress upon them the sanctity of this journey, and tell them that you are entrusting them with a blessed legacy very few will experience.
This, then, is your orchestra.
You, then, are the conductor.
Are you ready?
Then play, maestro, play!
2013 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Comments
AUTHORAnd the music flows, Deb, and many listen and still more will in the future. Carry on Maestro!
Every time I sit at the computer and ready myself, I roll up my sleeves, rub my thumbs against my forefingers, then I break the silence. I allow the music to begin...
this is such an interesting analogy..YOu know Bill you become more creative each day. What will be next?
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Michele, I'm glad you found this helpful. Thank you for stopping by and have a very Merry Christmas.
I think the thing I liked best about this hub is the videos. They gave me so many ideas for inspiration. I now have a tons of places to go to in order to find ideas to write about - art museums, conversations, the news, my values, my struggles, family secrets, etc. Great ideas! Michele
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and thank you once again PS. :)
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Thank you PS and I know you can, I know you can. :)
Merry Christmas to you my friend, and blessings and hugs coming your way.
bill
bill
the symphony you have played herein now resonates within me...
Each word a part of the whole composition...and one to remember.
Having the courage to try ...that is the beginning of each piece I attempt.
I kind of feel like the little train " I think, I can, I think I can..." after reading this....
Angels are arriving again today ps
bill
the symphony you have played herein now resonates within me...
Each word a part of the whole composition...and one to remember.
Having the courage to try ...that is the beginning of each piece I attempt.
I kind of feel like the little train " I think, I can, I think I can..." after reading this....
Angels are arriving again today ps
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drbj, you are music to my ears. :) Thank you and enjoy the heck out of your Monday.
Well, Bill, I have been called a number of things to date but a symphony conductor? This is a first, my friend. Does make sense though.
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DrBill, thank you very much and welcome to HubPages.
What fun! Thanks for sharing... such useful and meaningful thoughts! ;-)
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Thank you again Nadine! Once a teacher always a teacher. :) It's nice to know that my "students" and "peers" do not find me boring.
You are again such an inspiring teacher when it comes to writing. Wonderful article. I loved the sentence playing a symphony with words.
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retired, you are very welcome. I'm so happy you enjoyed this. Have a great time at the symphony...let those sounds flow through you.
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Thanks vkwok...have a great weekend.
Wow! I just loved reading this! It's magnificent! And..very timely. I am planning to attend the Symphony tonight and I am excited because I haven't been able to attend for a long time. So excited in fact, that I looked up the dictionary meaning for symphony today and wrote a poem (Etheree) on one of it's meanings! Then I come to visit Hubpages and am blessed to read your wonderful article! Thank you for adding joy to my day. Blessings to you.
Very creative, Bill!
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Why thank you, Anna! Greatly appreciated!
Great use of metaphor Bill and very clever. Your words were in perfect symphony. :)
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Good morning Michael my friend!
You brought a smile to my face with that comment and I thank you for it. I hope you are enjoying your day, although December in Michigan is not exactly warm and cozy. :)
Thank you as always. Blessings to you and yours.
bill
Hello Bill , form wintery cold Michigan.
Excellently orchestrated article , not short of miracle. All " notes " harmonious in tone , orchestra and a " Symphony Conductor " on the stage, yet for 'him' a bitter pill named " limitations that exists are in your mind", ought to be swallowed . . . ( Many previously " prescribed medication " by Dr. Holland made effective currying, this seems to be a larger in size... )
Thank you my friend. . .
Voted up, awesome and very interesting.
Be blessed , happy and healthy.
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Jamie, I take the weekends off and it is very hard for me to do. :) I guess I'm a writer.
I have heard that you know your a writer when you just can't stop writing. Nice Hub. Thank you. Jamie
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Mary, I will conduct this symphony until the day comes when I simply cannot pick up the baton. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.
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John, I appreciate it. Thank you Sir!
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Thank you Alicia! So do I. :)
You are one of those people Bill. Just when I think I've got you and your writing style nailed down, you play me like an old guitar and make beautiful music. An orchestra of words guided by the writer into a beautiful piece of musical thought....you really, really are a great writer Bill. Please keep conducting so we can keep playing!!!
Voted up, useful, awesome, interesting and shared.
Perfect comparison Bill...a writer and a conductor of an orchestra. Another insightful and inspirational hub.
Thank you for another very inspirational hub, Bill. I love the idea of the writer as a symphony conductor!
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I would say you are right, Heidi! Thank you!
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Well, Ruby, it's never too late to learn how to play the violin. :) Thank you my dear; your words mean a great deal to me.
bill
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Thank you Faith! I can always count on you being here and for that I am very appreciative.
blessings always my friend
bill
I would say that a writer is both composer and conductor at the same time. :)
What an inspiration your writing is! Comparing a writer to a mucical composition is brilliant. I felt like i could play the violin until i remembered that i know nothing about the violin. ha..One more of your very best...
How does that song go ... "All the world's indeed a stage ..." Great metaphor and simile! Enjoyed your symphony this day and you were an excellent Conductor as always.
Up and more and sharing
Blessings, Faith Reaper
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Lifegate, I am flowing over with inspiration. I want writers to succeed in this tough business. I wish the same for you my friend, and thank you for the kind words.
Hi Bill,
You're just full of inspiration. Thank you for all the encouragement, instruction, and "coaching" you put into this. Much appreciated my friend.
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Wow, Brandi, I wish I had written your words. Brilliant reflections my friend and I concur completely. Writers....real writers...have a gift. When we discover how to use that gift then the melody will be released and it will be beautiful.
Thank you for sharing that...I love it!
This article reminds me of something. Over the years, I've tried out different churches in the area. The last one I tried had the same musicians playing over and over, whether it was the piano or guitar. The same woman would sing. No one new. No children ever performed musically except on the rare holiday occasion.
This past Sunday I tried a new church. My grandfather had picked a pastor to perform his funeral service. The pastor was from a church we had never been before. So we tried it out. The first thing I noticed was a child about 8 years old playing the piano. Actually, I didn't notice him at first, I noticed his music. I looked around to find the pianist certain that it was an older person who could perform such incredible pieces. But to my surprise, I saw that it was a young child. Brilliant in ability. He finished playing. The next piece began. A little girl went up to the piano. She was probably 8. Once again the performance was amazing.
I was so surprised and delighted to see different children playing the piano. Because most often it's the same adult. Not questions asked. It becomes expected.
The message was clear at church as it is in this article. All of us have abilities and talents. We are all conductors. Harmony comes together when the music of our words is synchronized.
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Hooray, Denise! That brought a smile to my face. Way to go and good luck to you.
Awesome! Truly inspirational!
I did it! I purchased the Writer's Market for 2014. I can do this!
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Brian, those are the magical moments. I get mine right after waking up in the morning and I can't wait to write them down and see how they grow into an article. Thanks for your thoughts.
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lambservant, thank you very much and I hope you are having a blessed day.
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Thank you DDE....I hope you don't escape the learning lesson. :) You have great thoughts to share with all of us...keep writing my friend.
While reading this I drifted back to the days when I carried a tape recorder for my thoughts and would leap out of bed at 2 a.m. to scribble down ideas that came to me like magic. I was fascinated by the challenge of creating something just as I had seen it in my imagination.
A very poetic reflection. I loved the interviews.
Awesome writing and always an informative hub from you with such great thoughts it is difficult to escape the learning lesson.
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Theresa my friend, how lovely to have you visit. Thank you of course and I completely agree with you. Words are so powerful, so moving, so motivating....it is a wonderful thing we writers do my friend. :)
blessings always
bill
Bill -
What a wonderful metaphor for writing and what writers do, perhaps analogy is better. We are both composers and conductors of language.
Words have been so central to my life....I cannot imagine a world without them. Beautifully done, my friend. Blessings. :) Theresa
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You are very welcome, Donna!
Thanks, Bill!
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Donna, you are gifted in your own way. No comparisons are necessary...blaze your own path in the literary world and the world will be better for it.
Thank you!
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Connie, Happy Wednesday to you my friend. A different note? Very clever! :) Thank you as always....now go write something.
I have been working on organizing my dad's poetry and memoirs and have been learning about how similar and yet how different our writing styles are. He wrote poetry, or what he preferred to call verse. I can certainly see the connect his writing was a symphony of words. I should be so gifted. Thanks Bill for another great hub!
Billy, my wordsmith friend, I love your orchestra analogy. It certainly puts an entirely different note on the way I think about writing. Thank you for that, Maestro ;) Pearl
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Graham, it's always good to see you. Thanks for the confirmation on that bugger off phrase. I love it....so dignified and yet so effective. LOL Thank you my friend.
Hi Bill. First class as usual and yet another angle on the beauty of life. You certainly have it right with your reference to your British friends and 'Bugger off'.
Great stuff.
Graham.
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Ziyena, that's exactly what great writing feels like to me....sounds like to me....a constant flow of connecting tissues are working in....concert. :) Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Bill
I love the way you incorporate writing skill in comparison to symphonic music. I've had great pleasure while attending the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Symphony ... in accompaniment with great musicians such as solo pianist, Norman Krieger and virtuoso violinist, Mayuko Kamio. When sitting before such greatness, one can close their eyes and listen, the music telling its own story, the phrases flowing with such heartfelt passion. Great job and truly uplifting, expressing a love for both worlds, music and writing! UP
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Ann, your words are music to my ears my friend. Thank you! Grab hold of that dragon and fly my friend.
bill
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Thank you MG.....I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
What a great analogy! You certainly have your orchestra before you and you make them play so well, to lift the heart and inspire. The music stops and we want to keep going. I love the Tori Amos quote, the dragon and the dragon-tamer; to ride and not let go & we'll be fine, that's the key! Writing is like that, isn't it?
Great hub, one of your best I think. One that should encourage many to spread their wings and fly. Ann
Excellent hub.Billy you have given a wonderful simile
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Joelle, you have the imagination of a writer for sure....I loved what you wrote. Now my friend, start creating!
and thank you
bill
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Thank you Flourish. I'm always telling other writers to use metaphors; I figured I better follow my own advice. :)
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Sha, to answer your question....very awesome!
Now get out there and entertain with your words.
Thank you dear friend and love always.
bill
I never saw myself as a symphony conductor but when I think of it you are probably right:
- Woodwind section: paper plates, egg cartons, tubes, construction paper, etc.
- Percussion section : pencils, crayons and brushes.
- Brass section: paint, varnish, pearls, etc. ...everything shiny ;-)
- String section: my computer with Photoshop, Flash, Cool Edit, Publisher, etc.
I will keep this image in mind :-) Thank you!
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Kim, as always, thank you so much for the smile you give me daily. I knew the acronym...all us teachers should know it, right? :)
Have a great day my friend.
bill
Thank you for this piece of inspiration. I like your metaphor!
Bill, this piece is beautifully written. Music to my ears! :-) Likening the writer to the conductor of an orchestra makes one realize how powerful and necessary writers are in this world. In what other profession can you educate, entertain, incite anger, induce laughter, trigger tears of joy or sadness, ease pain, cause introspection and reflection? The writer literally has the world at his or her fingertips. How awesome is that?
Bill,
So glad to exist in a space orchestra, where there are conductors such as you who can take even a noun and make it sound, take the verbs and let them act up as they may, pull all together NAVICAPP and create not one but a symphony every day.
YOU ARE THE BEST!
Kim
PS--in case not everyone recognizes NAVICAPP--it's an acronym for the parts of speech--that dang 'ol teacher just can't seem to not teach--I think you bring it out in me.
Smiles.
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Maria, if they bring blessings then I have done my job as a writer. Blessings to you always dear lady.
Up, across and share this is really beautiful. All work in harmony! Your words bring blessings dear Bill.
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Janine, pick up that baton and write some beautiful music my friend. Thank you! :)
Seriously, you said this so beautifully and eloquently about all writers Bill and comparing them to a conductor. Quite frankly never thought of this way, but now I can't stop! Thanks Bill and have a great day now.
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Eric, I am very glad to hear it...that was the purpose. :) Thank you buddy.
And in such short order you conducted my thoughts upward with inspiration gained through truth.
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DJ, I am thrilled that you are working on that project, and if I had anything to do with encouraging you then I am grateful. Enjoy your time down South; your characters are not going anywhere and will wait for you.
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Jo, thank you for being a writer with passion and compassion. We need more like you my friend.
blessings always
bill
Beautifully written and inspiring.
You live up to your motto: "Helping writers spread their wings and fly."
Bill if it was not for your encouragement, I would have walked away many times from my project. Yet, when I return to my writing, it feels like home. My characters ask where I have been? Not really, but it seems that real. There are so many distraction. I cannot isolate myself
down here, as I can back home. So, my progress has slowed to a snail's pace.
Again, thank you for your encouragement. As I have said many times before, you address my concerns when you publish your article of the day. I appreciate you and all your efforts. And, I will find as much time as I possibly can to continue my writings.
Thank you,
DJ.
You have always had such presence with words, and once again a wonderful, interesting and beautiful read! Thank you for sharing this amazing article. :-) Up+++, Shared
Blessings & Shalom
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