Popping in after a long break. I saw this inspirational quote from country music artist Tim McGraw and felt it could also speak to the heart of any creative person.
“Most of the time, at the end of the day, you go in and make a record that pleases you. You can’t think about, what does radio want to hear? You can’t think about what your fans want to hear. You just can’t. I think [if] you go in and start doing that, it might work for a little while, but eventually, that strategy isn’t going to work,” he says. “If you don’t go in and try to please yourself as an artist and try to create something that you feel like you’re beating yourself the last time you were in — if you don’t go in with that sort of attitude, I think, sooner or later, your strategy is flawed.” (source)
It felt right to post it for this month's
INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP, hosted by Ninja Captain
Alex J Cavanaugh, and this month's helpers
21 comments:
And he's right, because if you don't love what you're writing and it comes from the heart, it will fall flat.
Welcome back, Donna!
I'm getting ready for a break, I'm leaving for a while to find the 'write' attitude! Mine needs adjustment, seriously so!
But really, welcome back, you've been missed!
Yes, Donna, great quote very applicable to all artists. If we get too caught up in what everyone else wants we can lose the heart of our stories. This has definitely happened to me. Need to take a clearer look and ask ourselves what we want.
Hope all is well with you!!
Denise :-)
That's why I always say be aware of the market but don't write to it. Write for yourself.
Great quote! It won't convince anyone if it's not from the heart and second guessing what might be popular is impossible anyway.
Very true, you have to enjoy it or it will all go kaput
I think it's difficult to predict what will really click with the public. I'd much rather do something that I enjoy doing rather than to try to second guess the marketplace.
Good to see you back.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hi Donna - doing what you want is the essential with a creative process - it then gels into place ... cheers Hilary
Tim nails it, huh! Thanks for sharing his quote - I agree.
Good to hear from you, Donna!
He's so right. You have to create what pleases you and not for a market you think is out there.
OH DONNA! ~
You found your way back.
How'd you do it? Bread crumbs?
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
True, so true.
Love that Tim McGraw quote, Dolorah! I am writing what is important to me. If I can't be true to myself and write what speaks to me when I create, then why would I do it?
Great quote, Donna.
I think it's an easier process if your heart is in it.
Writer In Transit
So very true. Great quote. How can our readers love our stories if we don't?
Alex: yep, the heart knows what is true
Yolanda: and I miss you too. I popped by a couple of your A-Z but did not comment so you wouldn't feel obligated to return a visit :) Hope the attitude adjustment works for you.
Dx: what we want to accomplish with the writing. There is always a message, even if it is just for the writer.
Diane: yes, you also taught me that lesson.
Nick; by the time the book gets published trends have changed, or become so cliche nobody notices.
Pat: aw, kaput! Yes, many editors have rewritten my stories into brokenness. Some of my crit partners too. Gotta be wary of the overall story plot and message.
Lee: your attitude is probably why I stop by your blog so often - even though I don't participate in A-Z. Authenticity is the new buzz word.
Hilary: it seems to work well for you. I love your posts :)
Polka Dot: I'll be by soon :)
cLee: I think it is how impressionist artists became so popular :) Probably Einstein too, lol.
St Mac: pfft; no bread crumbs. Ice, wine, maybe a bit of the Captain and some SoCom. Maybe I followed a melody you and Willie left just for me to invoke :)
Hello Olga; I have missed your magical humor during my break.
Fundy: thanks for co-hosting this month. Pretty swell, huh? I
've had a couple turns at it myself. The thing about creativity is, you have to love it to be good at it - consistently.
Michelle: it spoke to my heart - and begged me to complete some WIP projects. *sighs*
DianeB: right?!?
That is beautifully put! Fortunately I don't really have "fans." So I write for myself and hope my editor will like it!
Oh, yeah. I totally agree with that. If you don't feel it, no one else will, either. Happy May!
Yes! Great quote, and so true. I've often sat and thought I'll write a best-selling novel, one people want to read...after I finish my series. This series is going to be what I want first. Here's to a day of writing to our inner artist!
That's such great advice. You have to write to please yourself first, especially with all the time writing a manuscript takes.
he's a fine hunk, he is that McGraw
Post a Comment