WRITING & REALITY?: Breaking Out

I’ve mentioned this before; learning from watching some of the reality shows–the ones that do have some measure of reality still left.

I’ve been watching Grease – You’re the One That I Want for the past few weeks, and like American Idol, I’ve gotten tired of the often ridiculous and likely contrived initial auditions, so wait to see the final dozen or so top contenders. Most of these are damned good.  I remember watching Super Nova wherein Tommy Lee and a few others were looking for that special lead singer for a new band.  Here’s where the entertainment is well worth the watching, regardless of the battle going on.

My point here is that as a writer I’m learning much from the programs.  For example, last night’s rejected Sandy was a surprise–and yet it wasn’t.  I could see where she fell short.  Kate has a wonderfully strong and wide range voice and was the best in that area definitely.  But even with all what sounds like dopey "Sexy Sandy" or "Flirty Sandy" labels, what the judges are saying is that they’re looking for a well-rounded character.  Kate was definitely flat.  She tried hard to break out of that "Kate" persona, but just couldn’t do it.  The same lovely smile was pasted on her face regardless of the tone of the song she was singing.

Here’s where a writer can learn something.  First, he has to recognize his own personality within his characters and get rid of it.  Secondly, he has to dare to go beyond his own experience to try something new.

Kate didn’t.  Kate got the old heave-ho; the actor’s version of the rejection slip.