How to Write One Song vs. South of the Border, West of the Sun

How to Write One Song

There are few creative acts more mysterious and magical than writing a song. But what if the goal wasn't so mysterious and was actually achievable for anyone who wants to experience more magic and creativity in their life? That's something that anyone will be inspired to do after reading Jeff Tweedy's How to Write One Song. Why one song? Because the difference between one song and many songs isn't a cute semantic trick—it's an important distinction that can simplify a notoriously confusing art form. The idea of becoming a capital-S songwriter can seem daunting, but approached as a focused, self-contained event, the mystery and fear subsides, and songwriting becomes an exciting pursuit. And then there is the energizing, nourishing creativity that can open up. How to Write One Song brings readers into the intimate process of writing one song—lyrics, music, and putting it all together—and accesses the deep sense of wonder that remains at the heart of this curious, yet incredibly...

South of the Border, West of the Sun

Hajime has arrived at middle age with a loving family and an enviable career, yet he feels incomplete. When a childhood friend, now a beautiful woman, shows up with a secret from which she is unable to escape, the fault lines of doubt in Hajime’s quotidian existence begin to give way. Rich, mysterious, and quietly dazzling, in South of the Border, West of the Sun the simple arc of one man’s life becomes the exquisite literary terrain of Murakami’s remarkable genius.

Reviews

Reviews

Pros
ItemVotesUpvote
Insightful and practical songwriting tips1
Encourages creativity and self-expression1
Accessible for beginners and experienced musicians1
Engaging and conversational writing style1
Cons
ItemVotesUpvote
May be too basic for some1
Pros
ItemVotesUpvote
Thoughtful exploration of memory and desire1
Engaging, well-developed characters1
Cons
ItemVotesUpvote
Slow-paced narrative1
Ambiguous ending1
Limited action, heavy on introspection1

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