Can't compose past a motif?

Question

I'm a beginner to composing, and I don't know how to play any instruments. I asked my parents to put me in lessons for years but they never did. I just decided to start trying to compose. I've taken music theory classes and have a basic understanding. I've written a motif that is certainly pleasing to the ear. I don't know where to go from there though. I accidentally wrote a cadence, and I don't know how to transition well to something else... are there any accessible books I can read? I'm specifically inspired by the legend of Zelda soundtrack!

Answer 1

Hmm I don't have any books to recommend, but my tip is to start small. It can be a very daunting task to form something completely new from nothing, so try taking your motif and changing one or two notes around to see how it sounds. It may give you new ideas that you can use that you know will already match your starting motif since some of the new composition will use similar sounds. Hope this helps and good luck!