If I Only Had an iPod...

If I only had an iPod is one of our favorite features and we're thrilled that Taryari Jones has stopped by to play along. Hard at work on her third novel, The Bigamist's Daughters, it looks like DC's newest transplant will be sticking around a little bit longer —as the Jenny McKean Moore Writer in Residence at George Washington University. Very big news. If you're not yet familiar with this powerhouse novelist, here's your chance: The Untelling is now available in paperback.

iPod Playlist: Musical Selections by Tayari Jones

I've recently relocated to DC, and am teaching at George Washington University — next term, as the Jenny McKean Moore Writer in Residence, I'll be teaching a community workshop.  But for now, I am getting geared to spend the summer in Toronto, at the Gibraltar Point Artists Colony. They provide for everything a writer might need, except for a fool-proof, anti-writer's block iPod playlist. Luckily, I have my own:

I Wanna Be Where You Are by the Jackson 5
The anti-block playlist should start off with something by the Jackson 5.  I Wanna Be Where You Are is my favorite, but you can use whatever one gets your foot tapping.  Some thing about young Michael's falsetto fosters a sense of optimism.  They key is to keep yourself from thinking about the present day MJ.  Message:  STAY IN THE MOMENT.

After that, I like to play a song in another language. My pick is La Chanson Des Vieux Amants by Judy Collins.  I tend to over-think things, and become so analytical, that I lose track of my story. It’s easier to slip into a more limber frame of mind and enjoy a song when you have NO IDEA what it’s about. Message: DON’T FORGET THE VIBE.

Then there’s 3 Marlenas by The Wallflowers… this song is priceless because of the line, “This ain’t my first run, it ain’t my last try.” This song helped me beat the sophomore jinx. Message: YOU AIN’T NO ROOKIE AND IF YOU SCREW THIS ONE UP, THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER CHANCE.

After that, Redemption Song by Bob Marley. I play this to remind myself that writing is not merely an expression of my personal thoughts, feelings and impulses. To quote Ishmael Reed, “Writing is Fighting.” Try and channel Phyllis Wheatley  if you can. When Bob Marley sings, “These songs of freedom,” just tell yourself that your writing is your redemption song. Get out of your own belly button and write because everything worth fighting for is worth writing for your own song. Get out of your own belly button. Message: ANYTHING WORTH FIGHTING FOR IS WORTH WRITING FOR.

Wrap it up with something by Mary J. Blige. My current choice is Be Without You, if only to hear her say “Yes” in that magical way. Mary J. Blige has this terrific from-the-ashes quality about her that makes me feel like I am on the cusp of something huge. Just a few words more, I urge myself. And in response, Mary J. croons, “YES!”

Comments

[Brenda Coulter]

I was surprised by Tayari Jones' playlist, and not just because she's listening to The Jackson Five. ;-) She claims to have been inspired by a particular line from a Wallflowers song, but then she not only misquotes the line, but gets the song's title wrong!

The correct line is, "But this ain't my first ride; it ain't my last try." And it's not from "Three Marlenas," but the track that precedes that one on the "Bringing Down the Horse" CD--namely, "Bleeders."

I know this because I've written thousands and thousands of words with Jakob Dylan singing in my office. (Right now he's belting out "Days of Wonder" from the "Rebel, Sweetheart" album.)

[tayari]

Whoops, Brenda.. but hey, the point is that I was inspired, right? It's a great song...

[thb]

Right! I'm of the American Bandstand school of music, if "it has a good beat and I can dance to it," then I'm all in. Off to itunes. Thanks again, Tayari! Wendi

[Jackie]

(Lighten up Brenda, the sun still shines even if all you can see are the clouds.) I am going to dig out my old Micheal Jackson and see if I can still tap the old toes!