Wednesday, April 01, 2009

What I've Learned from American Idol

Ok—I admit it. I’m hooked to the show where ordinary people can have a shot at stardom. I’ve watched it for at least six seasons—each time telling myself I won’t let myself get so absorbed.
But I’ve learned some value lessons from this show and the singers’ experiences that I thought I’d pass on to you.

Write From the Heart Danny G. selected a song last night that he could reach the audience with. He sang from his heart and touched them successfully. If we do that with our writing—it will always be a hit.

Be creative and artistic The contestants are being advised to be artistic—to not imitate the person who sang the song originally. I think we can apply those same theories to our writing. I’ve been so busy trying to write the books the way I think they should be written that I’ve lost my own voice. I need to write it and make it the best it can be with my own spin on it—not a copycat of other writers.

Take Advice from those who are experienced. How many times has a contestant disregarded the advice of the judges? And than was kicked off? Why wouldn’t we as writers want to listen to those more experienced writers? We can always learn something new to improve our craft.

Don’t miss an opportunity It took a lot of guts for the contestants to stand in line for hours and put themselves out there for America to critique. As a writer, I should be submitting and submitting and submitting. It’s the ONLY way to move forward. If I don’t take a chance and an opportunity, I will never know if I have what it takes.

24 comments:

Jody Hedlund said...

Great take-aways! Thank you! I always like to think that ordinary people can work hard, take risks, be creative, and use their talent, and eventually they will have a chance to succeed.

Jessica Nelson said...

You're right about the submitting. Rejections aren't so tough because I know I'm moving forward and that I'm DOING something with my writing, etc.
It is amazing what people can accomplish when they follow their dreams. :-)

Jan Cline said...

Wow...good stuff!

Eileen Astels Watson said...

This is great. I needed to here it. You are very right, we need to stretch ourselves and utilize what is given to us. I do struggle with the submitting part, though.

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Oops, that submitted early.

I wanted to ask: Do you believe writers should submit before they feel they are ready? I worry that by submitting too early you might burn your bridges sort of speak. But then for those of us suffering from lack of confidence, will we ever feel we are truly ready? That's a concern, too.

Beth in NC said...

Ha, that was great. My hubby and I enjoy watching AI too!

Jinksy said...

But aren't they all chasing rainbows?If they are really good singers, they'll find their way in the world anyway - why is all the glitz and hoo-ha so important? You can tell, I'm not too enamoured of such competions. I think they can give false hope to so many untalented people, who simply crave fame and fortune.

Great Grandma Lin said...

good ideas-I just submitted another article today.

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Excellent advice! These are exactly the things people need to approach writing with and remember when they feel like their writing is going nowhere.

Renee Collins said...

ha! I LOVE Idol. :) And, every time I watch it, and hear the judges comments, I think about writing. Great post!

Ginger said...

I watch American Idol too, just haven't been able to watch as much this season. Great ideas from the show! I find myself talking to the t.v. saying some of the same things...be yourself!!! Make it your own.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Excellent correlations!

Alleluiabelle said...

This post was great. I always believe in writing from the heart. Actually, it's the only way that I can. I couldn't write any other way, but that's just me. All of your points are well taken and are very good advice. Thanks.

Blessings,
Alleluiabelle

Jenni James said...

Ooh! This was awesome! thanks for sharing! I loved all of the examples! Jenni

Kathryn Magendie said...

Yes! all true....I also learned how sometimes good singers slip between the cracks - that sometimes it happens and that's how the world goes....and I'd hope that gifted singer who slipped through the cracks finds another way!

Kathleen said...

I'm a huge AO fan myself. One thing I scratch my head about, though, is how the judges so often give the contestants mixed signals. They'll tell them to get out of the box, pick something risky in the way of a song, and then criticize them for not picking something better (as if these kids can read minds).

Sometimes, even when we give our best, there's bound to be a critic or two to steal one's thunder.

Rumble anyway!

Kathleen

Skoots1moM said...

wonderfully said, bravo!!
I have begun to write more and more now that I'm blogging. I'm finding it to be very therapeutic at moments and especially love brainstorming and then building a writing.

Greg C said...

Ok I am ready to hear some of that advice from you. I have an idea that I am going to work on and then I will toss it your way and see what you think.

I don't watch it much but I do remember hearing the judges give advice and seeing the contestants arguing. That just doesn't make sense.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I agree. One question though...what did Ms. Zipper Lips have to teach us? Perhaps, know when to keep silent?

peace~elaine

Technonana said...

I agree that being able to constructive criticism is the Best thing that these Kids can take away from this show.
There is a lot of talent on the show, sadly though all of them don't have the "it" factor that it takes to be The Idol, but it is a learning experience and it should be viewed as such!!

Tana said...

Thank you I found your post immensely inspirational. Thank God we don't have a Simon, or was that what #queryfail was all about?

LisaShaw said...

Hey Sis,

I don't watch American Idol. I'm probably the only one. Well hubby doesn't watch it either so maybe there are two of us but we did watch it the year Fantasia was in it. Our teen daughter loves the program. Anyway, I said ALL OF THAT to say, I still learned so much from the post you shared. Thank you for sharing it. I love U.

Tea with Tiffany said...

Great wisdom from AI...

Thanks for spurring others on to be the star they really are!

Angie Ledbetter said...

And do it for the love of the "dance." :)