You Gotta Be

Last week I was listening to the radio while doing my daily chauffeuring duties, when my ears perked up to a song I hadn’t heard in a mighty long time. It was Des’ree’s 1994 hit, You Gotta Be.

“Listen up, kids,” I said. “This is a song you need to know.”

So I cranked it up and belted it out.

If you are of a certain vintage, you can sing along with me now…

(You know you want to)

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know is love will save the day

Of course, I was extra loud on the Herald what your mother said part.

Oh yeah.

But honestly, I don’t think they really paid attention.

In fact, I think they spent the whole time praying that my next car would have tinted windows.

Fast-forward a few days later…

I hit the road for some writing information and inspiration at the Western Washington SCBWI Conference where Bruce Hale gave the keynote address. The amazing Mr. Hale is the author of the award-winning Chet Gecko Mysteries. And let me tell you, he gave such an enthusiastic and encouraging speech about persistence and the writing life  that I think everyone should buy multiple copies of all of his books (yes, he was that good).

And then right at the end of his standing ovation-worthy talk, Bruce said he wanted to close with a little something we needed to know.

He turned on a little backbeat and started to sing…

Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Publishers may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears

Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry
You gotta be…

I kid you not.

He belted out the whole dang song.

And of course, we all sang along…

You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know is love will save the day

What are the chances?

And yes, when I came home I told my kids about it. Go figure – they were all ears. Of course they were – it was wisdom from the almighty BRUCE HALE, after all.

PROMPT: Be bad, bold, and wise today! Start the project you’ve been meaning to start (you know the one I’m talking about)! Finish that draft! Send out that manuscript!  I guarantee LOVE will be right there with you… saving the day.