Working With a Shovel and a Rake

The formula for being prolific is simple:

Small times
long equals big.

Rodney Crowell mastered this formula. He’s a singer and
songwriter whose chart topping country tunes have earned him multiple awards,
nominations and collaborations with a variety of famous musicians. His theory
is, inspiration is earned. You’ve got to develop a work ethic. And that if inspiration
isn’t there, you go back working with
a shovel and a rake, trying to make yourself worthy. 

In his interview with American Songwriter, he said:

“The
blessing of being an artist is working at it every day, and going to work every
day. And if you’re lucky enough to spend a lifetime as a working artist, he
says, the work, the day in and day out rhythm of the work, becomes the most
important thing about it. And it just leads to clarity and a deeper focus.”

Small times
long equals big.