Word-Loving Wednesday: Acquiesce

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Every Wednesday, I’ll be showing some love to a relatively unknown, underused or under-appreciated word. This week’s word is:

Acquiesce

(Verb)

Definition: To accept something reluctantly, without protest.
Example: He asked her out on a date and she acquiesced.

This is one of those words that I see a lot in print (especially in older books), but hardly ever hear used in day-to-day conversation. It’s a beautiful sounding word, and I can’t think of any other words that (in isolation) reflect the same meaning.

Will you join me in attempting to use the word “acquiesce” (or a derivative) in conversation at least once this week? Be sure to report back in the comments section below regarding the context in which you used it!

 

Photo courtesy of Trevor on Flickr.

Why I Love Words

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I’ve always loved words. I love experimenting with the many ways in which I can arrange them in order to convey a certain meaning or message. I love the way words allow us to communicate, how they afford us the ability to express ourselves in ways in which we would not otherwise be able. I love learning new words. I love that I’ll probably still be learning new words till I die. I love that new words are being continually added to the English language. I love that even if I manage to learn every single word in the English dictionary (not likely), then I can still go on to learn new words in other languages. I’m a word person.

With that in mind, I am going to be starting a “Word of the Week” series on this blog. Each week, I will select a cool, underused word and discuss its meaning, the various contexts in which it can be used, etc. Then I’ll challenge myself (and you!) to use the word in a sentence, song or conversation at least once during the following week!

Stay tuned for the first post in my “Word of the Week” series!

Do you love words? What’s your favourite word? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

 

Photo courtesy of Meg on Flickr

The Gift of Creativity

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In Jon Foreman‘s blog post on “Making a Living”, he talks about the word “re-appropriate”. He says he stole this word from a friend, who stole it from someone else. Now I’m going to steal it from him!

According to Jon’s article, to re-appropriate means to seize and reassign. When used in relation to art and creativity (and even songwriting), this word is quite revelatory. We are all working with a finite number of notes, chords, words, colours, etc. These raw materials already exist. So when we mere mortals “create” something, we are in fact just re-appropriating (seizing and reassigning) things which have already been created.

I think on of the reasons why art is so compelling is that when we engage in this artistic act of re-appropriation, it is as though we have been invited to share in the experience of creation. It’s as if God is giving us a little glimpse into His own creative character, whilst simultaneously reminding us that He is the ultimate author.

When we realise that our desire to create is a result of our having been made in God’s image, we can also develop a deeper understanding of how God sees us. Most (if not all) artists I know love, cherish and value their creations. They view their art as precious and close to their heart. Is this not how God sees us? As precious and valuable?

God is creative, and when we try and create something new from the raw materials that He has already made, we experience another aspect of His character. I for one am thankful that He has invited us to partake in the gift of creativity!

 

Photo courtesy of DoremiGirl.

Why I Wrote a Book about Songwriting

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 Click here for more info on “A Practical Guide to Creative Songwriting”

In my many encounters with both aspiring and accomplished songwriters, it became apparent to me there’s one thing that nearly all writers wish they had more of: inspiration.

I am no exception. I know the frustration wanting desperately to write a song, but just not “feeling it”. I also know the joy of feeling like an entire song falls out of nowhere, and have longed for that to happen more frequently.

I figured that when I’m feeling uninspired, I must just not be looking hard enough. I wondered if there was a way to train the mind to see inspiration where it might previously have been overlooked. I started taking note of any techniques that helped me to get inspired and write more (and better) songs.

Then, when I started hosting songwriting workshops last year, I formulated specific exercises designed to help attendees overcome any obstacles they might face in their attempts at songwriting. I saw how well these techniques worked, and realised that there are probably lots of songwriters, of varying levels of experience, who could also benefit from them. Thus, I decided to put them into a book!

I didn’t write the book because I think I’m the best songwriter in the world, and you’re all just playing for second. I didn’t write it because I think you suck at songwriting and need my help. I didn’t write it to make thousands of dollars (although that would be nice). I wrote it because I found methods that work, and I wanted to share them. Also, I’ve always wanted to write (and finish) a book, so now I can cross that off my bucket list!

If you have any questions about the book, please feel free to ask them in the comments section below!

Buy Now!

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Comes with a free workbook:

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My New E-Book: A Practical Guide to Creative Songwriting

 

Attention, Songwriters!

 

WANT TO OVERCOME WRITER’S BLOCK?

Learn how with “A Practical Guide to Creative Songwriting”

 

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Dear fellow songwriter,

What if I told you that inspiration is within reach at all times?
Every songwriter has experienced those dreaded occasions when writing or finishing a song feels like pulling teeth. All writers wish that inspiration would be available to them whenever they require it. This book shows you how to proactively seek out inspiration, instead of just waiting around for it to fall into your lap.

Tried and tested tips and techniques!
This book covers a wide array of songwriting principles, ranging from the basic to the more advanced. These include:

  • How to write songs that you can be in love with
  • The power of imagery
  • How to strike a balance between obscure and obvious
  • Solo writing VS co-writing
  • Developing your pre-production skills
  • The importance of keeping a notebook
  • How to create a clear definition between sections

…and many more!

12 simple exercises designed to stimulate creativity!
These easy exercises were designed to help you get inspired and learn how to write songs that you can really love.

How do I know that these methods work?
Like any writer, I’ve experienced my fair share of writer’s block! The tips and exercises contained in this book are based on techniques that I developed in order to overcome my own creative dry-patches. One of the exercises even led to me winning first place in the 16th Annual Barleycorn Songwriters’ Competition. Since then, I’ve taught these principles in songwriting workshops, and have witnessed first-hand the amazing results they yield when properly implemented.

All the tools you need to overcome writer’s block for just $10.00!
The information contained in this book is worth much more than $10.00. But I don’t want anything to stand between you and your next great song, so I’ve chosen to make it available at an extremely affordable price.

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Printable workbook, absolutely FREE!
Keep all your exercises contained in one handy location with the free printable workbook. Each exercise is clearly laid out with a workspace below, to make completing the exercises even simpler!

30-day money-back guarantee.
I’m confident that you won’t be disappointment with this book. However, if it doesn’t live up to your expectations, contact me within 30 days of purchasing the book and I will give you all your money back. I’m taking a huge risk by doing this – I can’t get the book back from you. You could just buy the book and ask for your money back before ever even reading it. But I’m choosing to trust your integrity, and believe that you will do the honest thing.

Become a better songwriter today!
We all want to become more skilled at our craft. After all, who wants to be average? Purchase “A Practical Guide to Creative Songwriting” using the order form below and start learning how to write songs that are far from ordinary!

Buy Now!

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FREE Printable Workbook

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Tips, techniques and exercises to help you become a better songwriter