I have a theory: that great writers, make dismal dancers. And the reason? It’s down to rhythm. Writers store it within, simmering like a hearty ragu, before releasing it in sentences to their obedient readers, whose eyes and minds tap along to the beat.
If you want to be a great travel blogger, it’s less about being a great traveller, and more about learning to channel your rhythm.
Imagine yourself as the most driven, focused, and competent rhythmic gymnast, commanding your pale ribbon through the tense air like a wisp of coloured smoke. One false move, and it’s a tangle of disappointment.
Your readers will stumble awkwardly across the narrow beam of your sentence, and tumble helplessly into the blank surrounds, to the bitter echo of confusion.
There’s a balance, which all aspiring writers should learn to master.
Try too much, and risk entangling your readers in a stilted flow. Try too little, and risk releasing your readers’ attention via a flash of limp command.
Throughout our lives, our environment dictates our rhythm. Some writers crave pure silence, to be able to tune into themselves. While others — myself included — prefer to use music to neutralise a wayward rhythm.
For me, the music I choose is often without words, or in a foreign language. If I get to know the song too well, I start to sing along, and my rhythm melts into a thousand rivulets, poisoning my words and ways.
Next time you begin to write, take a moment to tune into your rhythm, and learn to give into it.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Terrific advice, Ant. I think that’s why the most rhythmic writing on travel blogs comes from writers who blog and care more about writing than travelling, that is, those who travel to write, rather than those who blog to travel.
So, so true! Thanks for your comment , Lara.
Thats for the post but I am not a good writer or dancer. I think its a matter of purpose for many. If writing is the passion but you travel than I think obviously the writing will be better because you are a write first. Many people seem to want to travel and writing is just a way to record it or make money from it. Great to see you back haven’t posted in awhile.
I love your metaphor! In some ways, I see writers as orchestra leaders and our readers as the orchestra. Our words act as the baton that directs the rhythm of the beat to hold their attention and keep them mesmerized. At least, I would hope that would be the outcome.
Nice comment, Renee… I was certainly pinned to my seat, responding to your baton for the entirety of your most-poetic comment
Ant,
Although I’m not a writer this is solid advice for any moment in your life.
Present with the rhythm of yourself at that moment.
Sound advice, Benjamin. I hadn’t looked at it like that, but can really understand your point. Thanks for your comment.
I think this is very well put…unfortunately, a lot of bloggers (me included) do an awful lot of writing late at night after their normal day and forget all about elegance
You’re right, Denise. It does take a certain balance, I see the need to churn out words without fully engaging with the task, but at the same time, there’s something to be said for spending an extra hour making your sentences shine.
A good piece of writing not only has rhythm, it moves with a larger rhythm of its parts. The parts of the piece fit together; it does not sound odd to describe good prose!
Well said, Harvey. When I read it, I expanded my thinking to see a piece of good writing as an orchestra, playing harmony. I think this could sound a bit pretentious to most people, but I’m happy with my conclusion
Thanks for unearthing that thought.
I am a brilliant dancer, thank you very much! Perhaps, that makes me a sh*t writer. Hmm…..
On the contrary, I think your brilliant dancing must compliment your writing, Mags? It’s the music to dance by, no?
My thoughts exactly. But I didn’t want to boast.
It so nice one.Thanks for sharing.
Great insight about infusing rhythm into writing. I’ve never thought about why, but I always listen to music when I write. I do, however, prefer editing in silence. Perhaps I’ve gotten started on the balance bit without realizing!
Beautifully articulated. There is such difference between reading the work of someone who has found their voice, or rhythm, and someone who is just hammering out the words. You’ve got me worried though – I’ve been thinking about learning salsa dancing…maybe I should just stick to the writing!