| fiction non-fiction memoir poetry |
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ISBN 978-1-934894-08-8 anthology 296 pages |
| This collection inaugurates the MOTIF series of anthologies, each of which is focused on a theme. The motif for Volume 1 is "music." |
MOTIF [mo-TEEF]
... a decorative design or pattern
... a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition
... a short succession of musical notes producing a single impression: a brief
melodic or rhythmic formula out of which longer passages are developed
... an ornament of lace, braid, etc., sewn separately on a garment
... a distinctive sequence on a protein or DNA, having a three-dimensional
structure that allows binding interactions to occur
(definitions from Oxford American College Dictionary)
... a decorative design or pattern
... a distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition
... a short succession of musical notes producing a single impression: a brief
melodic or rhythmic formula out of which longer passages are developed
... an ornament of lace, braid, etc., sewn separately on a garment
... a distinctive sequence on a protein or DNA, having a three-dimensional
structure that allows binding interactions to occur
(definitions from Oxford American College Dictionary)
| Each submission in this collection takes music as a motif, either prominently or in artfully subtle ways. The anthology includes fiction, nonfiction and poetry, as well as song lyrics by the likes of Patty Griffin and Buddy & Julie Miller. Other contributors include Silas House, Barbara Crooker, Pamela Duncan, George Ella Lyon and Maurice Manning. |
| From reviewer & songwriter Sue Massek of Reel World String Band: Writing By Ear reminds us of music’s power to form and transform, to ascend to the heavens and descend into despair, to create bridges and carry us across them, to bring together and strengthen those who struggle for social justice, and to comfort those who are alone. Motif editor Marianne Worthington has woven these stories, songs and poems with music’s silken threads, creating a symphony that rocks, sways and syncopates in rhythm to the heartbeats of humankind and follows the melodies and harmonies flowing through our veins. The writers’ voices reflect the rich forms and styles of their deliciously diverse home places. From lullabies to rants, lonesome fiddle tunes to sassy saxophone improvisation, past the blues through jazz and hip-hop, Writing By Ear takes us on a journey on the wings of words sure to connect us with the songs of our souls. |
| From reviewer & music journalist Peter Cooper of The Tennessean: It makes no sense, this music, and that is as it should be. There are people who seem to have mastered it, who have willed their voices and hands to gift us the precious things held in hearts and hips. Even then, there's no answer. Within this beautiful book are thousands of words that offer poetry and laughter, peace and respite, Piano Red and Patty Loveless. There are burgundy shoes here, and feet that tattoo the earth. There is Roy, the wino who worked for Bud Whedbee doing maintenance jobs. There is bourbon and ginger, and melody and harmony in between the lines. All adorn the mystery, with no notion to unravel. |
| also available from your local bookstore or on Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com |
| Introducing our MOTIF series ... Volume 1: Writing By Ear - an anthology of writings about music |
Want this book? Click the pencil for a printable order form or to pay by credit card. |
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