Why? Because I finally identify with them! Every query is an audition and every rejection letter a crushing blow to my ego. Am I like the girl on the audition show who howls her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" only to be told she sings like a hound dog? And even worse, am I that same contestant that says into the camera, "I can sing! My family says I sound just like Whitney Houston!"
I actually touched on this one night when I turned to my husband and said, "I feel like an American Idol contestant." He gave me a really strange look and without a word turned back to the TV. Okay, maybe he couldn't relate, but I'm sure that all of my comrades in arms (or pens as it were) can.
As the season moved past the audition rounds and further on into the actual competition my spirits boosted as I made another connection. I've had a few requests for submissions, so isn't that the equivalent of making it to 'The Big Stage'? In my mind, it kind of does. My query letter is my audition and if an agent wants to see more, it means I've advanced to the next round of the competition. Granted, I don't have the yellow piece of paper to show for it, but I do have a to-the-point e-mail asking for more. And when I receive a rejection stating that 'the narrative just didn't speak to me', isn't it like Paula saying 'the song choice just wasn't great this week.'?
So, I pick a new song (query) polish up my vocals (manuscript) and set out for the next week and my next opportunity to blow the judges away. American Idol will never be 'just a talent show' to me EVER again.
1 comment:
Oh, I totally hear you, I feel so sympathetic towards the Idol contestants. For me the worst thing for me would be receiving that rejection in front of millions of people and trying to smile the whole time.
Post a Comment