Project Heartwarming by Syndi Powell




Last Thursday, one of my favorite shows had its season premiere. I absolutely love "Project Runway" for several reasons; but mostly because it sends the message that to be the best artist, you need to express the vision of how you see the world. The designers who win the show come at fashion from a specific viewpoint, and their clothes are an expression of that. They have a vision, a voice, and their creations tell their story.

It's those who let the "rules" or the "judges" overpower their voice that get sent home. Those artists lose sight of who they are as a designer. They forget who the woman they are creating clothes for really is. And in a sense, they lose themselves.

I'm sure you've read books by authors that seem to have lost their voice. Maybe you loved their last book, but the current one doesn't seem to have the same energy. You notice that the things you loved about their stories is missing from the one you're reading.

And you've also read books that seems to change the author you thought you knew. She's writing something different than her last book, but it feels real. It sparkles and shines. It's got that "it" factor that you wanted. It has an emotional impact that lasts long after you've finished the story.

If I were to give advice to a novice writer or one of the designers on "Project Runway", I would tell them to find your voice. Figure out the unique way you see the world. And then find the right story for your voice. If your voice is sweet, a suspense story may not be the right fit. If you have an edgy voice, a sweet romance won't sound right. The combination of your authentic voice and the right story will open doors!

And like Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work!"


Comments

  1. I've never seen the show, but the advice sounds right for writing.
    Roz

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    1. I wish I had the talent these designers have. But then I think the same thing about the singers on "American Idol".

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  2. Sage advice, Syndi! I know so many people who love that show...but I've never seen it...yet.

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    1. It's a really good show. My husband's favorite part is when the judges critique the designs because it's meant to make the designers better. I told him that he'll have to remind me of that when the reviews start coming in for my book LOL.

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  3. Syndi - I love fashion, though I live where all we wear are jeans and sweatshirts. But it breaks my heart when the critics are mean to those designers who've put their hearts and souls into their projects. Still, the advice is certainly good. I write for Heartwarming because I do not have an edgy bone in my body!

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    1. Muriel, it's true that I don't like the mean critiques even if it's meant for to make the designer better. And I love fashion too, but my idea of dressing myself is all about comfort rather than style. LOL

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  4. What makes it interesting for us is the fact that David's voice and mine are so completely different. Yet we can blend them, and come up with a third voice - not mine, not his, but one that is both of us.

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    1. Oooohhh, Aimee, that is GOOD. Love it. And obviously the combination of your voices works!

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  5. Great post Syndi! Fashion is definitely not my expertise-I let my son wear two different running shoes to daycare everyday lol:) He wants to be unique-I encourage that...I wonder what the judges on Project Runway would think of that?? lol

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  6. They might question his choices but they would hopefully encourage his determination to stay true to himself! LOL

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