Jul
19
2013
I don’t even need to explain how this relates to writing…
I think I’m in love with this line…
“Never conform–define yourself–the world worships the original.”
Mia Michaels
What scares you the most about being you in front of everyone else?
* * *
Just a reminder: I’ll be on vacation from blogging until August 6th, which is when I’ll be implementing a new Tuesday/Thursday blogging schedule. If you miss me, I’ll still be tweeting and tumbling and hanging on FB.
See you on the flip side.
Jul
12
2013
Lots going on this week on SYTYCD. First off, I LOVE that the producers of the show responded to the fans who did not like the contestants kicked off at the beginning of the show. Often people stick to their guns and do things just because they can. SYTYCD showed a lot of class by listening. I think listening and responding is a great skill and it takes a really good show and moves it up into the excellent category for me. I was also happy to see Paula Abdul on the show after ten years. I’d love to see more of her in the future.
I do have a favorite performance of the week. Aaron and Jasmine captured my attention again. No surprise that I’m partial to dead girls. PS My favorite part is when it looks like Jasmine puts her hand right through Aaron’s chest. Brilliant!
http://youtu.be/M3LmU31f97I
There was something else I noticed about this show. I’m consistently seeing strong performances from some of the same dancers over and over again. But that hasn’t guaranteed success. During voting, some are in the bottom three and some appear untouchable. This can not attributed to just their dance ability alone. There are some fabulous technical dancers that don’t have the same fan base as some of the other, less experienced or well rounded dancers. The difference appears to be in how they connect with the audience. They bring a magic ingredient–some secret mixture of presence, emotion, connection and possibly luck. I think.
I’ve witnessed a similar phenomena in writing. I’ve read many books in my life that were amazing, but they never go viral. It isn’t because they aren’t something special. It’s because they are missing that magic ingredient. And before you ask–no–I don’t know what it is. I wish I did. Here is what I do know…I’ve listened to authors speak that I’ve never hear of before and because of the experience, I became a life-long fan of them and their work. Making a personal connection seems to be important. It’s also easier said than done. I also ponder what comes first…the chicken or the egg? Do certain dancers and authors get more air time, face time, marketing time because they have that special, magical quality? Or do contestants and authors that are well marketed have an advantage? Then there’s timing, luck and plain old hard work thrown into the mix. I do not know what the secret recipe is.
I suspect that you don’t have the answers either, but I sure would like to hear what your suspicions are. What do you think that magical element is for any artist to go viral? What’s your favorite book that didn’t get the attention you think it deserves? Which dancer on SYTYCD is going to be the worst casualty because they are a great dancer, but just don’t seem to have the magic ingredient?
Jul
5
2013
Last week I officially started the Art Stimulates Art Series, inspired by watching season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance. Last week’s post is HERE, if you’d like to catch up. But the short version is that different kinds of art are capable of providing me with growth and inspiration in my writing. And because I’m a dancer and love the show, it really gives me lots of interesting ideas about the writing process.
This week the Top 20 became the Top 18. Nothing unusual here, but this was the first season where the elimination came at the top of the show instead of at the end. I have mixed feelings about the format, but that isn’t what struck me the most this week. What captured my attention was that the bottom three girls and boys weren’t necessarily the people who had the weakest performances. It reminded me that success isn’t always just about talent. There are other things involved like personality, luck and even air time/marketing. My favorite performance this week came from Aaron and his partner Jasmine. Aaron (an awesome tapper) tried out for SYTYCD on a previous season and got cut right before the top 20. This year he was cut in the same spot again. It was devastating, but by chance, one of the guys who made the top 20 had to drop out and Aaron was guy #11 and was asked to take the empty place in the Top 20. Every time I see him perform I think what a huge mistake it would have been have let him go. He’s a huge favorite of mine and he is resonating with the audience. Yet he wasn’t supposed to happen…
I can’t help but recognize the same weeding-out process in publishing that I’m witnessing in dance. Just like the SYTYCD judges who had a plethora of amazing tappers this year and had to cut one, editors have specific lists and needs that dictate their acquisitions. There are also authors who’s charisma takes their book to places most people only hope to go. They have stage presence and audience connection. There are great books written by great writers that never see the light of day because they don’t fit into the traditional categories the way a dancer on the show needs to fit into contemporary, jazz, ballroom etc… But then again, there is always that one “Bollywood manuscript with African Jazz leanings and a side of crump that happens while balancing in point shoes,” and it becomes the next best seller because it was the right manuscript, in the right place, at the right time. No one could have predicted it. They never do.
What does this mean for the dancers on SYTYCD and us writers? It means that there are no guarantees. Whether you’re going to dance or write–you damn well better be doing it for the love of the art itself. At the end of the day you don’t know, and you’ll never know, where it is going to take you. But just because you’re moving forward with only the light of your headlights to guide your way, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still work hard, strive for success, be knowledgable, have a plan and shoot for your dream. Just remember that the only thing you can predict–is whether you will show up to do the thing you love, even if no one else is watching.
Any thoughts on the new way their doing the eliminations? How do you feel about the lack of control and predictability in publishing? Who would you have sent home last night?
Jun
28
2013
You know I’m a SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance) nut. Season 10 is shaping up to be amazing. I seriously look forward to this show all week long and over the seasons, I’ve begun to notice something interesting happening when I watch hour after hour of amazing dance and choreography…
I can’t help but think about writing.
Maybe it’s because I dance AND write–so the line between the two is blurry for me. But I also think there is another reason. Art stimulates art.
I’ve decided that on Fridays, over the course of the SYTYCD season, I’m going to try to share some of the dancing/writing connections that jump into my head as I watch and savor. This week you get a double whammy because 1) I just thought of this idea tonight and 2) I still can’t stop thinking about THIS dance. It’s from the pre-competition-Top 20 performances the week before.
http://youtu.be/hIq8gD9BMmM
When I watch an outside-the-box piece like this, I’m very aware that this is what agents and editors are asking for when they say to bring something new to the table. Use the unique to enhance the tried and true. There are only so many stories in the world–it’s all about how we tell our story. I highly suggest watching the amazing choreographers on this show to see how they take something that has been done before and twist it. Think about how you can come at your writing in in a way that will make your reader see what they know in a brand new way.
For this week (The Top 20), there were a lot of really good dances. There was also one that blew the judges away. But while I had a great appreciation for the dancers and the performance, it didn’t speak to me the way some of the others did. Particularly this one…
http://youtu.be/-S_NhDCkxV4
Writing is about blind trust–in yourself. If you are pursuing publication, there is an audience out there. Agents, editors, and readers who are sometimes cheering and sometimes booing. I know it’s expected that we have our finger on the pulse of the massive, social-marketing, publishing juggernaut, but we also need to block some of that out and remember…the heart and soul of writing often requires we close our eyes to the outside world and trust fall into our own story. When that happens–it is beautiful. It is amazing what will catch you if you let yourself fall. Sometimes we have to write blind in order to truly see where we are going.
Of course, my fellow SYTYCD fans, just like with books–everyone has different tastes. I’d love to hear what your favorite dances were and if they made you think about your writing or any other artistic adventure in your life.
Aug
6
2012
***THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!!!***
Had an absolute BLAST at SCBWI LA 2012!!! Duh! I can’t imagine having a bad time with my crazy, wonderful tribe. I’ll start blogging on Wednesday but I thought, since I have a couple minutes in the airport and a blog post due for today that I’d give you my conference “bloopers” first LOL!
Every year the tribe gets together on Saturday night for a themed dance party. This year was a 60’s Hippie Hop. And while I’m not one for dressing up–I am one for dancing like a fool. Mission accomplished….
Ummmm…moving on. So after staying up late dancing and talking to my friends until the late hours of the morning, I found getting up at 7:30 the next day a bit on the tragic side. But I did it it because I hate to miss any speaker or a single minute with my best buddy, Jodi. So, I dragged myself down to the overly long Starbucks line only to find out I’d left my SCBWI name tag in my room. Crap! Of course I run back up to the room to get it….Gahhhhhh….only to find out that I my key was in my name tag holder from last night’s Hippie Hop. *Pulls out Hair* So back down I go to get Jodi’s key and they I’m back up to retrieve my stuff. It’s a testament to how long that coffee line was that I still had to wait in it when I got back. *growls at barista* And just for the record…the coffee didn’t even help. Luckily for me I get a massive adrenaline rush from hearing fabulous speakers and the day was full of them.
I guess as far as bloopers go–dancing like a spaz (my girls at Workshop would be so embarrassed proud) and taking a few extra elevator rides with caffeine withdrawl really aren’t that bad. My recap posts will be full of awesomeness!
And can I tell you a secret? I may have also–in addition to looking like a spaz–looked so happy because of my book. I couldn’t stop thinking that the next time I come together with my tribe–I will be an author. And that, in and of itself, makes me want to dance and just not care what I look like. It just makes me feel good inside.
So, to celebrate my impending book and my earth shattering bravery at publicly posting a *clears throat* less than attractive, can’t be blamed on alcohol, picture of myself for your entertainment–I’m going to give you a chance to win a pre-order of TOUCHING THE SURFACE.
This contest will be open through all of my #LA12SCBWI recap posts and is open internationally. You must remember to put your contact information in your comment, because you can’t win if I can’t get in contact with you. What do you have to do to win? You can make a caption of my “lovely” picture. You can share one of your bloopers–picture or story. You can ask a question about the conference or conferences in general. You can even just tell me what you’re looking forward to about TOUCHING THE SURFACE.
Opps…my plane is getting ready to board and I don’t need that kind of blooper so time to go! See you on the east coast!
May
14
2012
http://youtu.be/KN2tw9Bs9uA
For Mother’s Day I watched the original Footloose movie with my husband and my three boys. This scene has always been one of my favorites from the movie. And here are the rest of the boys who get a shout out from me…
*My husband for encouraging my boys to dance. He tells my boys that it’s cool to be a good dancer and feel comfortable on the dance floor. I love him for that.
*My three boys for dancing with abandon and not caring what anyone else might think about them. They dance because it makes them feel good.
*Ren (Kevin Bacon) because he knows that there are things worth fighting for and he treats people, particularly women with respect, which is something I teach my boys all day, every day. And his hair. And for making dancing cool.
*Willard (Chris Penn) because all it takes is one person to reach out and be your friend–to make a difference. And because he is persistent about learning to dance. Hard things take time, but they are usually worth the effort. And because he’s got the moves.
*Reverend Shaw Moore (John Lithgow) because it’s never too late to admit that you might have made a mistake and then its never to late to make a change–especially for the people you love.
*Writer-Dean Pitchford for creating a screen play that shows the dangers of banning books and limiting minds. He illustrates how alike we are within our differences. He wrote with layers and nuance…
Ariel: [to her father, the town preacher] I just don’t know that I believe in everything you believe in. But I believe in you.
Reverend Shaw Moore: I’m standing up here before you today… with a very troubled heart. You see, my friends…I’ve always insisted on… taking responsibility for your lives. But, I’m really… like a first-time parent… who makes mistakes… and tries to learn from them. And like that parent… I find myself at that moment when I have to decide. Do I hold on… or do I trust you to yourselves? Let go and hope that you’ve understood… at least some of my lessons. If we don’t start trusting our children… how will they ever become trustworthy?
Ren: [addressing the town council, reading from his notes in the Bible] “From the oldest of times, people danced for a number of reasons. They danced in prayer… or so that their crops would be plentiful… or so their hunt would be good. And they danced to stay physically fit… and show their community spirit. And they danced to celebrate.” And that is the dancing we’re talking about. Aren’t we told in Psalm 149 “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song. Let them praise His name in the dance”? And it was King David – King David, who we read about in Samuel – and what did David do? What did David do?
[paging frantically through Bible]
Ren: What *did* David do?
[audience laughs]
Ren: “David danced before the Lord with all his might… leaping and dancing before the Lord.”
[smacks table in front of Reverend Moore]
Ren: *Leaping* and *dancing*.
[stands up straight]
Ren: Ecclesiastes assures us… that there is a time for every purpose under heaven. A time to laugh… and a time to weep. A time to mourn… and there is a time to dance. And there was a time for this law, but not anymore. See, this is our time to dance. It is our way of celebrating life. It’s the way it was in the beginning. It’s the way it’s always been. It’s the way it should be now.
*And to Kenny Loggins for writing some of the best songs on the soundtrack…I know all of them by heart. They make me want to dance. Let’s hear it for the boys!
Now we have to decide the next great movie to see with the kids. What family friendly, but extremely awesome movie do you recommend? What blast from the past has stuck with you over the years?
Apr
6
2012
For information purposes, I’m going to copy a previous post right here to adequately explain why I’m going to do something really bizarre at the end of this post. So here–catch up…
They are a hand-picked group of young adults who have been given an ARC of Touching the Surface for their ARC Relay!!!! You can learn more about The Perfect Ten by clicking on the link above. They look extremely cool. Yup-that’s ten amazing reasons why I should risk public humiliation. It sounds worth it to me.
So here’s how it’s going down. You dear reader, get to post a question for me to answer truthfully AND a dare. I will pick one–and I’ll either answer your question or take on your dare. If I do the dare I will post proof!! If I chicken out, I have to post a chicken pic on my blog for a week…sigh
So hit me with your best shot–teamTEENauthor–here I come!!!!
I’m also going to give you the link to the original post so you can check out the truth or dare comments. Original Post
But the short version is that I answered all of my truth questions and I decided to do a dare anyway. Cause that’s how I roll. I was challenged to do the chicken dance in a public place. I had originally attempted to do this on the corner of Main Street in my town, near the Post Office. (high traffic area) My 11yo was mortified. I decided to wait for the younger kids to be on spring break and try again. They haven’t hit peak embarrassment levels yet. It just so happens that on Wednesday I ran into a friend that I used to teach with. She just happened to tell my kids that I was a champ at embarrassing my former students. The winner being the time I did the Hokey Pokey in the cafeteria lunch line. *grin*
I knew I had an accomplice for my dare! Here is the chicken dance a la Kim in my local Target…
I know it doesn’t look like it from the video, but there were quite a few folks in the store as I was doing this (spring break and all) it’s just that they were FLEEING THE AREA!!! I wish I had a camera on my kids and the people rounding the corner behind them LOL! Looney Tune in Aisle seventeen!!! My own kid’s faces were a mix of bemused acceptance and horror. I could see the wheels turning as they realized that it might never be safe to bring a date home to mom. Of course my friend who took the video for me said…”Wow! I’ve missed you.” *love* I think I may have to do this more often. I’m going to proudly go hang up my teamTEENauthor medal now.
Before you go…spill the beans. What is the worst dare you’ve ever done? What would you do to be a teamTEENauthor? What embarrassing trait actually makes you pretty proud?
BTW–that was my first official YouTube video…how scary is that???
Mar
9
2012
My work in progress is never far from my mind, even on the days when I don’t get to sit down and officially put the words to paper. *like yesterday…grrrrrr* But I try not to get frustrated because just like Stephen King–I have my “boys in the basement”– hard at work when I’m doing other things. I love those “boys” because they’re always working, listening, dreaming, imagining, wondering, deciding, cutting, searching and discovering what’s inside of me–even when Im sleeping. There is a price to keep them happy–they’re hungry little guys–and must be fed a diet of creative and stimulating things–like music and dance. This was the very first song on THE OPPOSITE OF GRAVITY playlist and I can remember loving the fact that it showed up on the SYTYCD show. I was blown away by the performance–the movement–the expressions. The dance story isn’t a perfect match for the story in my head, but there’s something about the heart and soul of it that resonates with me and what I’m writing…
Plus…I’m really missing So You Think You Can Dance right now. *sighs and taps foot*
What about you? Anxiously awaiting SYTYCD? I have a ton of “favorite” performances from the show, but I’m curious to know which ones you love best. Come on…spill.
Nov
21
2011
During this week of Thanksgiving, when we try to remember all that we are thankful for, I am reminded how lucky I am to have these beautiful women as my friends. I am grateful to be surrounded by people who know that love creates more love…
Sep
26
2011
For awhile now, I’ve wanted to start doing teen interviews. I’ve had the urge to do this for a couple reasons. The first is that I’m fortunate enough to know some very amazing teens and they always astound me. The more I learn about them–the more I want to learn. In fact, I’m usually so impressed, I want to share them with the rest of the world.
There is a second reason I decided to do this kind of an interview–I write for teens and I’m friends with a whole bunch of folks who do the same thing. *grin* I know for a fact that they’re always looking for ways to get into the heads of young adults. As YA writers, we always want to know teenagers as readers, but we also want to dissect them and use their parts in our writing. I mean this in a completely non-bloody, kinda nice way.
I hope you love what can happen when a teen can be seen…
Wow! I so want to be you when I grow up. I’ve always had this little bit of envy come over me when I watch you. You are so insanely comfortable being who you are. It’s taken me 41 years to get even a snatch of that. BTW-hats off to your parents for nurturing that in you.
The best role I played would be Smitty in Play On!
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