I took my daughter to see Kung Fu Panda yesterday. It's cute, and like so many kids movies these days there was a moral to take away. One was you must believe. The other was that there's no secret ingredient to success, no one thing that will make you better, stronger, or more capable. There is only belief and acceptance of who you are.
Po the panda can't do kung fu when he tries to do it, but get between him and food and he becomes a master. He doesn't believe he's the dragon warrior so of course, he can't be. He's not classically trained like the other 5 kung fu masters, but he makes up for his lack of training with creativity and learning to use his assets (in his case, his big belly and his willingness to throw his weight around.)
I think it's a good lesson for all of us. No matter how much we learn, no matter how many classes we take and how perfect our sentences are, what really stands out in our writing is our passion and our voice. I read a lot of contest entries where the writing is great, but the story is flat. And I read entries where the writing could use some work, but the author's voice shines. Guess which ones I prefer?
My voice comes through most clear in wry dialog and sexual tension. Have you found your voice? If so, how would you describe it?
Today's goal: Polishing Meddling for the Desire pitch
Yesterday's accomplishment: Took Em to a movie
What I'm grateful for: Friends who give great advice
Quote: "That's the thing about needs. Sometimes, when you get them met, you don't need them anymore." -Michael Patrick King, Sex and the City, The Good Fight, 2002
