I’ve always wanted the job of creating movie soundtracks. I’ve watched plenty of fine cinematic works and thought, “Hey, I know the perfect song for this scene! Why in the world are they using Bette Midler for this? Pink Floyd would have been so much better! Fail.”

Since I think I have a talent for placing music with moments, I advise you to listen to “Hold Your Head Up” by Argent, circa 1972, while reading this post. It’s not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged.

You can find the song here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBnSWJHawQQ

(Insert keyboard and drums)

When I was informed that I was chosen for the Blogger Idol 2013 Top 13, I was standing in the Gap looking for the new hoodie and sweatpants that would serve as my go-to outfit on lazy days this winter- which is everyday that ends in a “y”. My phone vibrated in my purse, and lo and behold, I read the news. I cried. I literally cried while standing in the Gap. It may have been the whitest thing I’ve ever done.

I’ve been writing since I was a wee lass. For years I’ve kept my words in tattered Mead notebooks in a big blue Rubbermaid tote in my closet. In 2011, I decided to take my private passion and make it public by starting a blog and entering writing contests.

I was extremely surprised and elated when a blog following was born and strangers told me that I had a real talent for story telling. I was in shock when several of my short stories were published and my inbox was flooded with “congratulations”. I never thought my thoughts and words were worthy to be read by anyone. I thought they were destined to rest on college-ruled paper in a plastic storage box.

When I auditioned for this competition, those familiar feelings of inadequacy resurfaced, and I had no hopes in actually being considered for the Top 13. When I received the good news in the Gap, I was just as shocked as I am when I receive compliments on my blog posts or emails that I’ve won a short-story contest.

To actually place in the Top 13 was really enough for me. Sure, that’s the kind of things that losers say, but it’s absolutely true.

Last week’s post was a challenge. I’ve never written with anyone. I know collaboration is good. Have you heard The Black Crowes/Jimmy Page album? But, I’ve always found writing to be a sacred and solitary thing. I write best when I’m sitting in the dark after my kids go to bed with the perfect song playing on repeat. I’ve never had to share that experience with anyone, and I can honestly say that I don’t like it. My writing is mine. And mine alone.

I thought that my and Hank’s post last week was okay. There was nothing deep or philosophical about it. It wasn’t even “real” writing. It was merely a text between two people that somehow took a weird and embarrassing turn to the world of Pulp Fiction, Star Wars and Forest Whitaker. That’s one heck of a combination to create whilst sober. I’ve had some strange texts in my real life, including one that mentioned antique furniture, monkeys riding dogs and a carnie with nicotine-stained fingers that sneezed on my cotton candy, but I’d never consider it Blogger Idol worthy.

And I don’t think our text/post last week was Idol worthy, either. I know that Hank is an incredibly talented writer, and although feelings of inadequacy like to creep upon me when I think of my own passion, I know that I’m capable of writing better and more tasteful material. I know that if we had combined our real and raw talent last week, I wouldn’t be writing this farewell post.

Oh, and I wouldn’t be writing this if we’d gotten nine measly votes. Not ten. But nine. Nine freaking votes. My plea for help last night reached over two trillion people, and yet I lacked nine votes. Nine people could have taken literally 3.8 seconds to click a link, but I guess they were so busy trying to get on the Obamacare website that they couldn’t help a sister out. I get it. It’s cool.

Maybe I didn’t win the coveted title of “Blogger Idol”, but I think I deserved to be in the Top 13. And acknowledging my worth as a writer is winning.

Peace out, Blogger Idol.

Roll credits.

(See, “Hold Your Head Up” is a stellar song for end credits, isn’t it? I think I’ll use it when my novel is adapted for the big screen.)

Argent Blogger Idol Farewell Soundtrack Writing