On Writing Hymns Archives - Daniel J. Mount

On Writing Hymns: Stakes, continued: Martin Luther vs. Fake Martin Luther

ByDaniel J. Mount November 10, 2018May 1, 2019

‘Tis the season. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head The stars in the Heavens looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes I…

On Writing Hymns

On Writing Hymns: Stakes

ByDaniel J. Mount November 10, 2018May 1, 2019

Great hymns matter. This is true in several senses of the word. But great hymn lyrics demonstrate that they matter by defining stakes. Any good book on how to write a novel, or engaging nonfiction, will tell you that conflict is key. Every scene needs to resolve a conflict. In real life, plenty of conversations involve…