Music Feeds the Muse: Creating in Layers

A novel may begin inside a writer’s mind as a story line without a cast of characters. It might also begin in an opposite fashion, as a character without a story. However it first appears, it’s always in need of something.

Working in Layers

It’s the writer’s job to go out, gather the things the novel needs, and add them to it. One way to do this is to work in layers.

The writer might begin by adding a layer called Character, deciding who the story’s about and what makes them tick. How old are they? What are their strengths, their weaknesses, their quirks? What do they want? Why do they want it?

Then the writer might add a second layer called setting, deciding where the story will take place and imagining the characters living out their lives inside that world.

Other layers are added. Obstacles are placed in the hero’s path. A villain may appear. Responses and reactions are determined. Dialogue, dilemmas, and descriptions develop. If a layer isn’t working, it’s peeled away. If another one seems more suitable, it’s added and examined.

This, I believe, is how most things are created – in layers.

Creating a Universe of Sound – One Layer at a Time

That’s why I love this video of Juana Molina performing a live version of her song, Un Dia. Molina uses computer equipment to record in real time tracks of herself singing, playing the keyboard, and even doing a little beat boxing.

On an episode of Radio Lab, Molina said something about her music that has become one of my favorite quotes of all times. “Bit by bit,” she said, “my ridiculously small universe becomes huge.” I love this image of creating a world one layer at a time. Watch and listen as she invites you into her beautiful universe.