Tuesday, March 30, 2010

I can't believe I'm admitting this

But I've been watching Dancing With The Stars. There, I said it. My secret shame is secret no more. I probably won't watch more than another few shows, but for now it's kind of interesting to me. (Mostly because of the sparkly dresses.) And it occurred to me as I watched Kate Gosselin stutter across the floor last night that the contestants on this show are a lot like writers.

There are the Buzz Aldrin types who grew up with the old school romances and while they might try to write the more modern stuff, can't seem to loosen up enough to really get into it.

There are the Kate Gosselin types who overthink it and are so technical, the story never has any flow or fluidity, and while you admire them for trying, ultimately, you know they're not going to get very far until they learn to let go.

Then there are the Pamela Anderson writers - they're bigger than life and in your face and don't care what anyone thinks. They may not write the best story technically, but they still engage you and keep you interested.

Once in awhile, you have a few Evan Lysacek's - those who succeeded in other areas of life and have decided to try their hand at writing. Sometimes their success in writing is contingent on those around them (ghost writer) and sometimes they figure it out on their own through genuine hard work and talent.

Lastly, there are the Nicole Sherzinger types who seem born to write. They have the perfect storm of great technique and captivating story telling. Usually they have some background in the craft already be it an English degree or a past job as a journalist.

Which kind are you?

9 comments:

  1. Interesting analogy. Not sure which category I'd fit in.

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  2. Great post!!!!!!!!!! I am a huge DWTS fan- since season 1. I am a dancer so I love the show! I am not a big fan of reality TV, accept for this one, and I love seeing the transformations from week to week. I am usually not one to root for the contestants who succeed on the show right from the get go. (I liked Nicole till yesterday when two judges dolled out 10's. Week 2?? Seriously??? I didn't think it was THAT good!)

    I love the comparisons you give!! I think I'm an Evan Lysacek. I worked in the floral industry for many years (though I have always written, just not formal stories). I gave a novel a try and found I loved it. I've worked damn hard the past few years and I'm still learning, but I'm getting there!

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  3. Hmm...is there a dancer who likes to move and is fun and engaging but never really does any steps? That's the one I'd be. If steps = plot.

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  4. I'm a huge DWTS fan and always have been (although So You Think You Can Dance is really the dance show to watch if you want good dancing). This cast is so awful though! They keep saying it's our best cast ever like if they repeat it enough we'll believe it. It always amazes me how uncoordinated people are! I love your writing analogies and completely agree. Kate is just so awful. It's embarassing to watch her and I love Tony. But he always gets stuck with the prima dona with no rhythm- most painfully- Susan Lucci. Poor Tony.

    And I agree about Pamela. She's been a nice surprise!

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  5. Oh this is so good. I'd ever say afraid to be a Kate wanting to be a Nicole but it would be the most fun to be a Pam and not care at all.

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  6. Great post! I watched the debut episode of DWTS this season, but I don't think I'll watch more. I get why people like it, but I find it moderately painful to watch d-list celebs dance badly. I liked the first season because of the personalities of some of the contestants, but I felt uncomfortable watching it last week. And not in a good way.
    On the other hand, I loved your analogies. Great insights. Not sure which kind I am though... Or maybe I just don't want to admit it that I think I'm a cross between Gosslin (shivers) and Lysacek, but yearn to be Pam Anderson.

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  7. Oh, that's great! My mom is trying to get me to watch more. :)
    I think I'm somewhere in the middle of Kate and Evan. Would LOVE to be the Nicole type.

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  8. As if you couldn't tell, I'm Pammy A!!

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  9. I've never really watched the show, but great analogy. I guess, if I had to pick, I'd want to be someone along the lines of Evan Lysacek. I was pretty successful in my old life, and I'd like the same for my writing future. =o)

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