Author Haruki Murakami explores the similarities between music and fiction

In today's New York Times Book Review, a brief essay by Japanese author Haruki Murakami sets down in his typical crisp language how his early career running a jazz club set the stage for his move into writing world-class fiction.

Murakami, who's been the subject of an earlier post in this space, finds analogues for rhythm, melody, harmony, improvisation and performance in the creation of novels and short stories. In short, he was able to transfer the songs he heard in his head into words on the page.

It's a fascinating essay for anyone who likes to write (or read) fiction.

(Those wanting a good introduction to Murakami's fiction should check out Norwegian Wood.)

creativity fiction storytelling narrative music jazz New York Times