SINGERS AND WRITERS, MORE ALIKE THEN WE THINK

While listening to my AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 9 CD in my car, I realized something. A singer can be compared to A writer.

Season 9 of American Idol was my first experience watching the show I’d heard about yet had not seen. I think God had a part in me “just happening” to watch this particular season. After all, the winner was someone from the very town my husband works in. I was fortunate to see Lee at the concert he performed at Arlington Race Track, and not only see him but was able to get up close.

My favorite singers during the show were Lee, Alex, and Tim. Yeah, I know…Tim.

I felt a connection to the show and to those that participated, so when the CD came out, I purchased it. As I listed to the CD I began to realize that some of the people I liked the most, I was skipping over their songs, as well as some of the ones that didn’t really do anything for me, I couldn’t seem to get enough of.

I still like the ones I liked but what I didn’t like was the song they chose to sing. And on the flip side, there were those that I hadn’t cared for that much but loved the song they chose so I kept playing them over, and over.

That’s when I made the connection to writing. A good book is one that has a great storyline, AND written well. You can’t have one without the other…Well, actually you can. It just won’t be that good. And the same holds true for a singer. They can have a great voice and a great look but if they don’t pick the right song, it won’t make the charts.

But just like writing, it’s all subjective…on the most part. In the end, the ratings and sales will tell all.

ACFW CONFERENCE

What's with the picture...a glimpse into my novel!

In only a few short months I’ll be attending my very first writing conference. This year the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference is in Indianapolis, Indiana; Friday, September 17th - Monday, September 20th. Being only a few hours away, how could I pass up the opportunity?

I’m excited for many reasons:

-This is my very first writing conference.
-I’ll be rooming with my mentor.
-I’ll be driving with three other members.
-I’ll be attending some great workshops.
-I have an appointment with an agent!
-I have an appointment with an editor!
-I’ll have a chance to meet many authors…maybe even some of my favorites.
-I’m getting closer to my dream of one day being published…I can feel it.
-I’m getting my manuscript and one sheet ready to promote.

Though there are days, even weeks when I’ve questioned my desire to one day be published, God keeps nudging me forward. I truly believe in God’s whispers, which he often does, though it doesn’t always come in a whisper. Sometimes He shouts.

Just when I start to feel numb to the idea of writing, God places someone or something in my path that clearly tells me to continue, not to give up. So I keep writing, and what a wonderful journey it’s been. So much learning, good times, great people, and opportunities.

Who knows in the end where I’ll land in this wonderful world of pen to paper, filled with words? What I do know is that as long as God places the passion and desire in me, I’ll continue to follow His lead and write!

WHAT I'VE LEARNED ABOUT WRITING - ENTRY #10

BEGINNING, MIDDLE, AND ENDING

Not only do I learn about writing through books that I read, I also learn through the movies I’ve watch. After all they’re both telling a story, aren’t they?

There are several things that go into what would be considered a great novel or movie. One thing I’ve learned is a beginning or an ending can make or break a book or movie.

My daughter had waned to see the movie VALANTINE’S DAY, so when our library got it, I borrowed it. From what her friends said it would be confusing in the beginning but in the end would make sense. I made sure to pay close attention.

The movie started out good enough, and kept my interest throughout. Lots of great actors, and situations. You could anticipate a few ending but it was fun just the same. What I hadn’t anticipated was two of the characters outcomes. And because of that I was sorely disappointed.

Oh why, oh why do they have to go there! That alone pretty much killed the movie for me. I won’t get into it for I will not judge, nor do I want to be judged for saying so. I just don’t understand why society feels the need to… Oh yeah, it’s all about money, and power, and “freedom”…silly me.

Anyway, if the one situation hadn’t done it for me in killing the movie, the two main characters didn’t deliver in the end. You knew what would happen, and that would be great. But in my eyes it kind of drizzled out. They could have done something really special with it, yet chose not to. Instead it was just kind of awkward, and bluntly ended.

What I’ve learned about writing is that it’s imperative to start out with a bang/hook or you run the risk of never capturing your reader long enough to pull them in for the entire ride.

On the flipside, it’s equally important that you end your story just as strongly as you started it. Don’t just let it fizzle out. Don’t leave loose ends. Deliver what you promised…and with a bang!

I’ve read some books that started out with a bang, became stagnant in the middle, then later end with a bang. I was left with a feeling that it was a good book because it ended so well.

I’ve also had situations where a book was going along great, just to end horrible! I was then left with a memory of the book not being very good when in all actuality it was rather good...until the ending.

Now that we’ve covered the beginning and the ending, need I say the middle must be well written, too?

Lesson for today…make every word count!

JIMMY WAYNE IS AN AMAZING MAN

Project Meet Me Halfway

Okay, so I admit it, when I think of what Jimmy Wayne is doing I get all choked up. Not long ago I happened across one of his videos and fell in love with his music. I later joined twitter, and started following him. What I learned…is that he’s am amazing man. Selfless. One that in spite of his success is getting out of his comfort zone, and doing something for a greater purpose.

Jimmy is in the mist of a project he created, Meet Me Halfway. He realized one day how fortunate he was, how God has blessed him. So what does he do? He decides to walk halfway across the country (in the dead of winter) to raise awareness for the youth that age out of the foster care system and have nowhere to go. Basically finding themselves homeless.

Please take a few minutes to watch the video, and then visit his website MEET ME HALFWAY.

http://projectmmh.org/