Are We What We Write?

As you have probably guessed from the excerpt of The Sweetest Hallelujah, music plays a huge role in the novel. Both gospel and blues thread throughout the story. Of all the music I hear – or play – I love blues best. I composed the blues lyrics that are attributed to Li’l Rosie.

Gospel and spirituals run a close second on my favorite music list.  I tapped into my own experience as first soprano in the choir at First United Methodist Church in my hometown to bring alive the old spirituals sung by Miss Queen and the haunting gospels belted out by the choir at Mt. Zion.

I am also a pianist. For me, there is very little difference between music on the piano and the music of words in a book. As I write, I hear the rhythms and the grace notes. I know when the story needs long arpeggio passages and when it cries out for short staccato sentences. This is a writer’s instinct, not something I can explain or teach. It’s a truth I know in my bones. I can read a story I’ve written months after I finish, and if one word has been changed, one meandering sentence broken in two, I know. And I cringe. It’s like hearing a wrong note during a symphony. It jars my senses. I say, “Oh no,” and then race to the original manuscript to see what has been changed.

I believe that who we are can never be separated from what we write. This is not to say that those wonderful writers of thrillers and suspense have tapped into a river of darkness within themselves. I find those writers in the ultimate hope of the characters.

And you will always find me in the music and the gardens, the sweet tea and front porch swings, the funny, lovable dogs and the always hopeful characters in the stories I tell.

After you finish a novel, do you feel as if you know the author?  What makes you feel that way? Voice? Characters? Details in the story?

Now, about the April 15^th contest. One of my Beloved Faithfuls (Lee) emailed right away and is now enjoying her $25 bookstore gift card. If the other winner (Cat) has emailed me, alas, I didn’t receive it. Please try again. Just click the contact link on this page. Let me know your email address, and I’ll send your $25 gift card.  This is the only place I give these prizes and make these announcements, so please do check back often.  In June I’ll draw names from everyone who leaves a comment, and the winner(s) will receive something wonderful! A surprise.  Even I don’t know what it is!