Who is Hal David?
I remember hearing the lyricist Hal David, of Bacharach and David, speak some years ago. If you’ve not heard some of the Dionne Warwick classics, take time to discover some of those timeless songs and lyrics, penned by Hal David. (1921-2012)
Songs like One Less Bell to Answer, Promises Promises, What the World Needs Now is love Sweet Love. Hit after hit seemed to flow so easily from his pen.
However, he said something that has forever been branded in my memory that night. Hal David communicated: To come up with one lyric, he reads at least 2,000 words. All that for one word? That seemed like an overkill!
Influx of Ideas
But for Hal David, the influx of ideas he received from reading inspired many of the varied lyrics that he wrote. Of course, he didn’t say WHAT words he read, but the fact that he continued to read constantly, as he created hit lyric after hit lyric, is quite inspirational.
Most of us will never be a Hal David, either in songwriting, books or other creative areas. But filling up the bucket of inspirational energyshould be an objective of most. When that bucket is dry and empty, burnout, exhaustion and discouragement pour in.
One thing I do, which helps me tremendously when I write: I take notes on every book I read on interesting facts and opinions. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fiction or non-fiction book. If something strikes my interest, I write it down.
This sounds old-fashioned as I use a Word document. However, as I also include page numbers, I can’t tell you how handy that simple habit has been when writing books and documenting my sources. Even if you’re not a writer, you may be surprised at what you learn by going back through your notes! I was reminded by a reader last week that recorded books count! I’d love to know some of your favorites
A Few of the books I’ve read this past Year
- 25 Days by Drew Logan
- What Color is Your Parachute? (2018 version) by Richard N. Bolles
- The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine, M.D.
- Walt Disney by Charles River Editors
- A Higher Call by Adam Makos
Gods Music
The God’s Music live show video is now done! God’s Music is a Theatrical Show with stories and contemporary arrangements of hymns, spirituals, gospel songs and new hymns! This show is available for live performance and will be available for licensing in 2018!
DEBORAH JOHNSON: Provides tools for Women at Halftime who want to gain momentum, focus and success. Speaking, Concerts, In-Depth Workshops. Most recent book Bad Code: Overcoming Bad Mental Code That Sabotages Your Life! You can reach Deborah the following ways:Twitter:@DebJohnsonWorks • YouTube ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.johnson; Websites: https://GoalsForYourLife.com; https://DJWorksMusic.com
