Every Tuesday night at eight o’clock, I’m glued to the TV watching American Idol. Five contestants remain. Although I admire them all and think all of them have great voices—both my husband and I find we anticipate the performance of one. Adam Lambert.
It’s not that I’m particularly fond of his black painted nails or his sometimes unique style of hair.
Each week, I wait for the show he puts on. He was accused of being abit theatrical last night but it is that type of act that draws his band of large followers.
I want to be entertained. The audience wants to be entertained.
I wonder what he'll do next with his creativity.
I feel that same way about some of my favorite authors. When I hear Jodi Pecoult has a new book out, I can’t wait to see what she’s done with her newest plot. What turn or twist will she take me on as the story develops?
And so it is with my writing. My reader demands a worthy performance. They want to anticipate another book from us when they finish this one.
I’m not sure I’ve done that with my first writing attempts. And now I’m worried if this one is doing enough of that too.
Do I want to succeed badly enough to dig deep and give the performance of my life?
You bet.
Do you?
18 comments:
Actually, that's a really great analogy. My husband and I were talking about the Adam Lambert phenomenon last night, too, and when you think about it in terms of your writing, you're right. It doesn't serve you in any way to go only half way. If you're going to put out the enormous effort of writing a book, it had better be the very best you can do or else it's a complete waste of energy. Every time I sit down to write now, I'm going to be subconsciously chanting a mantra of "in it to win it." Great motivational post, thanks!
I think God demands nothing less of us than to give it our all to shine His light through our work in such a way that invites our readers to WANT to know Him more. And it's through unique scenes, surprise twists that we'll likely have His work shine brightest.
I'll pray for some wonderful creativity to send your fingers tapping full speed ahead today, Terri.
Oh what things must conspire to ensure a memorable performance! Things like giftedness, passion, practice, patience, blessing, imagination, courage, tenacity, and time. Lots of time.
Even so ... sometimes a truly impacting "show" comes with little show at all. The beauty resides in the simplicity. I'm never quite sure which I prefer.
God bless your rehearsals today!
Kathleen
You're like the third person I've read mentioning Adam. I'm guessing he'll win. LOL
Yes, I completely agree. We need to amp everything up in our stories. Make it credible, of course, but at the same time, Fantastic!
I'm all about being creative! I think it's one of my gifts, so I try to use it well.
I think I want to be authentic or inspired-what can I say or write that will influence others for good.
Very important questions to think about in regards to one's writing. Thanks for your clear thoughts, which help us all so much!
Last night I felt like they built up the whole show for Adam's performance. When he came on, the lights, his wardrobe - it was all as if HE was the reason they were there. Plus, how many times has he "closed" the show? Is it sneaky manipulation? Or just coincidence?
I am just happy when I get a chance to write these days. :)
I get off on a tangent and always end up in the same place so I know there is something there that I need to explore/express. I just don't know the best avenue to use.
Yes! We have to constantly challenge ourselves to entertain. I write two genre books, taking turns with each one, to keep my brain fresh. It works for me!
We do hear of writers publishing a first book and then they fizzle out. Their book doesn't get the sales to justify another book. Wouldn't you just hate to be in that predicament? If our first book doesn't generate enough interest or sales, then will our career be over before it even takes off? Will editors want to take another chance on us with a second book?
It's His creative power working through us. Wonderful, isn't it?
I think one of the best compliments a writer can receive is when a reader not only likes their book, but wants more. I want to be the kind of writer where readers are waiting in anticipation of my next book. I want to be the kind of writer that makes a reader stay up way too late because they just can't put my book down.
It's definitely a challenge writing a book that totally engulfs a reader. We have to be consistent and original and creative--but I think the biggest thing is that we have to reach hearts. So, that's my goal and I am so thankful that I have God on my journey. Reaching hearts in his name is going to be so rewarding!
Although I'm more of a non-fiction reader, there's nothing I love more than a good novel once or twice a year that embraces me and won't let me go. You're so right...you have to grab them and hold them firmly.
As for Adam...great analogy. I noticed he's been on last a lot too, and it's him we really watch for. You never know what he's going to do, but it's always great!
You're sure an inspiration to us!
I was just thinking about digging deeper over the past few days with my own novel. It would be so easy to just take the "oh, this will work" route, even though it's tired and cliche. But I want more than that from myself. :-)
I agree with you that Adam will probably walk away with the title of American Idol, simply because he has that "Elton John" star quality if you will. That doesn't make the others any less talented in my opinion. Honestly last night I thought they were all really good. Very impressive in their performances.
Each has his/her own style that I think now has been established and they are finally beginning to find their niche. Whether we are writers, musicians, artists, preachers or teachers, I think we have to find our own sense of style, develop it, and go with it!
Yes I do. Yes I can and Yes I will by God's grace.
I linked here from another site and have enjoyed your posts about the progress of your writing project. I have a book close to being finished, but I'm not on a gallop. But, I finished a major project today, so I've freed up time to see this thing through. Thanks for your positive perspective!
YES! The crazy thing is I'm amazed at how many different book ideas come to me. different books that allow me to show another creative side. I don't think it ends until you want it to (The ideas coming) I used to think one book was it... LOL! now I've learned that i'm here for the long haul whether I want to be or not! Jenni
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