Now that I’ve got a full-time job, finding time to write music is not the easiest thing. I’m doing a lot of it on the weekends, when I can dedicate large chunks of time to it, but I’m surprised at how much I can get written on the train. When I’m working out harmonies and melodies I need quiet and an instrument, but working on Summer’s Twilight I have a lot of work that I can do with just a notebook. Writing this opera, I’m finding, involves a lot more thinking about plot points, characterization, structure, and similar issues than actual time writing pitches. I’m writing about how I want to do this piece in notebook after notebook, and then writing each scene one or two times only. It’s a little surprising as a way to work, but I’m liking the way it’s coming out, and I’m really liking that I can write on the train this way. I’ll be even happier when this piece is finally done, but I’m glad I’m taking the time to do it right.