Friday, June 29, 2012

Winner! and what happens when you don't shower


Thanks to everyone who commented on my post about the things I learned at WIFYR and for sharing your own writing advice. According to the handy online random number generator, the winner of a signed copy of Ann Dee Ellis' novel, EVERYTHING IS FINE, is...

Nick Wilford!!!

Hey Nick, I noticed you live in Scotland. Super cool, but now I'm totally intimidated about mailing something overseas. Be on the lookout for an email from me so you can send me your address and any idiot-proofing instructions on how to get this to you.

Speaking of intimidation and feeling like an idiot, I don't know who (Carol Lynch Williams) at WIFYR thought it a good idea to get every class of introverted writers to plan, practice, and perform a song and dance in front of everyone at the conference, but it happened. Today I'll leave you with the lyrics our class came up with (special props to Andrew, Celesta, and Rebecca) to sing and dance to the tune of Kelly Clarkson's 'Stronger'. As you listen and read, imagine our glorious nerdy writer selves posing, fist pumping, and finger shaking...in front of the editors and agents, no less. 

Have a great weekend, all!



You know the plot gets deeper
Typing here alone.
You know I write in color,
Characters do what I want.

Now I’m on draft twenty-three.
Last one made my mom laugh.
But it feels like everything good is gone.
I can just write through this.
Get my book back on track.
I don’t need to eat or sleep--it’s game on!

When I don’t shower I get stronger!
Write a little longer!
No one else can smell me when I’m alone.
It’s how it is when you’re a writer!
Pull an over-nighter,
Never look at Facebook, ignore the phone.

With every word my book gets longer, longer!
My friends and family sigh.
My sentence structure’s gettin’ stronger,
Push that deadline longer,
Doesn’t matter how much the book has grown.

With every word my book gets longer, longer!
(I let my houseplants die.)
With every twist my book gets stronger,
Make them suffer longer!
Gotta get my editor on the phone.

On the phone…

9 comments:

Jenny S. Morris said...

HA!!! That sound SOOO scary. Hehe. And fun. This song plays a HUGE part in Already There and I love it.

Glad you had fun.

Kate Coursey said...

Just wait, imma post the real video of you guys dancing on my blog....;)

Kathryn Purdie said...

The stage and spotlights got to me at WIFYR, I must admit. Pretty soon I was leading a bunny hop or spontaneously embracing unassuming crit partners. Afterwards I wanted to slap myself in the face. :-) I think your group should've won for best lyrics!

Nick Wilford said...

Thanks very much! And that was funny. The lyrics are great. :D

Martin Willoughby said...

The good thing about performing in front of an accepting audience (one that knows they'll have to do it soon themselves) is that you get used to being in public doing something that isn't natural to you. Get's you ready for book signings, radio interviews etc.

And well done Nick.

PK HREZO said...

How fun! Yeah, I can see how that would feel intimidating but what an icebreaker!!
btw your query on Daisy's blog was great! :)

Laura Clipson said...

Those lyrics are hilarious, and they fit the song great! Just had a giggle singing it to myself :)

ilima said...

Jenny-I can see how this song would be a good theme for characters.

Kate-That's got to be illegal...somehow...right?

Kathryn-You are such a ham and you know you love it. :)

Nick-Congrats again. I think your stepdaughter will love it.

Martin-That's a good way to look at it. Prep for all those interviews. :)

Pk Hrezo-I saw yours there too. Thanks and good luck!

Laura-I've been singing it to my kids...they just roll their eyes at me.

Leslie said...

Ha ha, that sounds so funny! Not that I"d think it was funny if I had to do it though. I was relieved when I was at girls camp that I didn't have to participate in a skit this time. :)