Thursday, February 26, 2009

Everyone Needs A Simon

It's no secret that I'm a huge American Idol fan. And perhaps I've mentioned before that I have a slight crush on Simon. As I was watching last night, I realized that when Simon compliments a contestant, they are the most flattered. So why is this? Well, I think it's because even though Simon is heartless at times, they know that he's honest. And if they listen to him, they can improve.

Relating this to writing, I'm grateful for my Simons--the people who will honestly (hopefully not brutally however) tell me exactly what didn't work in my story. And when I listen, it really does make my story better. I think my Simons out there know who they are and that appreciate them. I also love my Paulas. Because even if my chapter stunk, I really do want to know that my MC's outfit was cute. In other words, I love to hear a few positive things mixed in. It helps me to know that I'm not a complete failure. Plus, I need the motivation so that I'll keep writing. So, what I'm trying to say is, a varied panel of judges on my books have really helped me. (Plus I wanted a good excuse to put a montage of Simon on my blog).

10 comments:

  1. How funny, Tricia and I have been discussing Simon in email this morning. I agree, I need the Simons to slap my writing into line. :-)

    BTW, you just stole my post topic!

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  2. Paula:
    "I just loved your book, but can you give me just a little more description of what they are wearing. Instead of purse, say Gucci clutch."

    Randy:
    "Dawg, I stayed up all night laughing, but I think maybe you got the lyrics wrong in Zip-a-dee-doo-da."

    What's her name:
    "Those people gave me the creeps. I'm glad they are not real people. How do you write stuff like that and still sleep at night?"

    Simon:
    "Something stinks. Did you drop your m.s in the toilet?
    And there's something about you ... hmmm ... you remind me of one of your characters ... Mouth! Yes, that's it! Okay, now that that is out of the way, I think I like you. Now if you would just eliminate that Patty character and focus more on your Mouth self and return next season then maybe I'll love it.

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  3. I have to say, I usually agree with Simon. I aspire to be more like Simon in my critiques as far as the honesty goes, but more like Paula in the way I deliver it.

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  4. Love the Idol, baby. And it's so true. Simon may be brutal, but he's just saying what everyone else really thinking. Thank goodness for our "honest" judges...though it would be way too hard to have a panel of Simons. I'd never get out of bed.

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  6. What a great analogy. I think we need our "Tabithas" too. (Stephen King's wife and first reader. He writes his books with her in mind.)

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  7. I love Simon too and although he's tough,he is usually right. We DO need someone like that as our writing coach. Hope we all find him!

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  8. Linda, oh brother, your writing is too perfect. I wish I could find something wrong with it.

    Tricia, lol don't get rid of Patty, she's my favorite.

    Candi, I think that you summed up your role very nicely. I love your critiques. You're always so sweetly honest.

    Nat, I agree, I couldn't handle a panel of Simons at all. Yikes.

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  9. sparkz, thanks for dropping by.

    Angie, my husband is a great first reader as well. And my wife LOL (my BFF) and my sisters. I've actually been blessed with loads of great readers.

    Terri, yes, tough but helpful. That's what I need.

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  10. Hi, I just came across your blog and had to comment because I love American Idol as well and also because I think your analogy of needing both Simon and Paula types of critters is dead on!

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