I read an article the other day about ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. In it the author debated whether McCartney should be considered among the greatest of solo artists since the Beatles disbanded.
The debate went something like this: on the one hand, there can be no denying the body of work McCartney has produced since 1970, nor can there be any debate about records sold. For forty-eight years now he has been one of the most productive writers/performers on the planet. The other side of the argument, though, had to do with the quality of his work, its pop status, and the relatively weak lyrics.
Now I actually have no horse in this race, and I really don’t have a strong opinion one way or another, but I did find the whole discussion to be interesting. I know I’m always picking on James Patterson, but I’m going to return to him as an example of this debate. There can be no doubt that Patterson has been wildly successful and prolific, making him one of the most successful authors in the last thirty years, but is he a good author based on the quality of his writing, or a successful writer based on his sales?
Just something to think about! I really am just tossing it out for something to think about and talk about.
TURNING THE PAGE (does anyone remember the song by that name by Bob Seger?)
And then I was watching a YouTube video of a “release party” by Jason Mraz, who happens to be one of my favorite performers. He’s releasing a new album, and he was talking about the process of writing songs, and he mentioned his muse usually takes him in directions he never planned during the writing process, and I’m sure most of you can relate to that.
AND TURNING ANOTHER PAGE
And then I was thinking of a musical group out of McMinnville, Oregon, called “We Three.” They are currently competing on America’s Got Talent, a sibling band, two brothers and a sister, and their music has touched me in a way I am not often touched. It’s a bit odd because I’m not sure why. Is it the arrangement of the music, or their voices, or the lyrics? Is it their charming personalities and their obvious humility? Or is it a combination of all those factors. Give them a listen if you get a chance. I’d be interested in what you think.
Relating that to writing, I often wonder what it is that attracts a reader to a particular book, or why one book is considered a classic while another will never be . . . there are so many factors which play into success . . . and the conclusion I came to is that it is random and it is particular, it is ethereal and it is visceral . . . toss in random luck and a kiss from fickle gods, and you just might find success.
Have a great week!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 