2018, That’s a Wrap!

I didn’t blog much in 2018. Other than my last post, published last January 1st, I didn’t blog at all. I could claim I took a break, set it aside for other pursuits. In truth, I simply didn’t enjoy it. Blogging felt like a burden that kept me from writing. The only entries I finished in 2017 were true passion posts: movies, Marvel, my RADA Hamlet review. If I didn’t love the topic, it didn’t make the cut.

• 

• 

• 

At 2018’s Las Vegas Writer’s Conference, I met Jane Friedman. This changed everything. She convinced me to break down and join Facebook, then showed me why I should resurrect my blog. I’ll skip the details on the lesson. Her blog can teach much better than I. My point is, as one of my New Year’s Resolutions, I’ve committed to blogging regularly on a topic I love: Love. Beginning January 7th, I will post weekly suggestions for how to show your partner affection.

Before I divulge the rest of my goals for 2019, I need to share a few accomplishments from this year. The peaks and valleys that accompany an artist’s journey inspire the need for reminder of those highs. Here are some of mine.

• 

• 

One of my 2018 goals was to land a principal movie role. I did it! By February, I’d been cast as a principal lead in an ensemble cast. Of course, the timing couldn’t have been much worse.  I was waist-deep in rehearsals for my first starring role in a full-length play, and I carried the bulk of dialogue for both projects. Thus, I coined the phrase “Stressed and Blessed,” which carried me through the year. But this experience revealed one of my greatest strengths as a performer: learning massive dialogue with minimal time. I developed just enough schizophrenia to keep the voices in my head straight. More importantly, I gained greater confidence in my skill.

• 

• 

• 

I used 2018 to step outside my social comfort zone by contributing more at meetings, tackling more responsibilities on the HWG board, attending two writing conferences, and indulging in a writing retreat. At first this allowed me to rub elbows with literary leaders. Now, and I’m not certain how it happened, but people ask to network with me. At least once a month, I make myself available for authors who need guidance, connections, or an empathetic ear. We’ve all been there. Why not make it less difficult for other striving artists?

Notice I didn’t say “easier.” Nothing about this is easy. I’ve been querying my manuscript over a year now, and although I’ve had some bites, I have not found my dream agent. I’m beginning to think I never will. But that won’t prevent me from writing or contributing to the literary community. Learning that truth is a success. And while I powered through envy, self-pity, and doubt, I managed to revamp my website, compile my acting reel, and land a talent agent. The first two required outside help, but I earned the last on my own.

During this year’s journey, I discovered the importance of networking. And momentum. I also learned to write a great query letter and how to build my resume in unexpected areas like becoming a contributor to NPR’s Desert Companion magazine. Without a published novel, I was invited to speak at a conference and interviewed on one podcast and three national radio programs. I’ve met lifelong friends, talented collaborators and, somehow, earned superfans along the way.

• 

• 

• 

• 

I may not be moving as fast as I’d like, but I am definitely moving. 2018 shattered my no-new-friends policy. I’m more vulnerable to injury, but there are more arms to catch me when I fall. Instead of fretting over whether I’m worthy of assistance, I will accept help from those who offer it. Even if have nothing to offer in return. There’s always a way to pay it forward. And, the most important lesson I’ve learned this year is that there are plenty of people willing to close doors for me; no need to close doors on myself.

To conclude my first post of the year, I’ll share my new goals.

In 2019, I commit myself to:

1) Read poetry daily

2) Finish revising my second novel

3) Finish writing my third

4) Lose two inches from my waistline

5) Blog regularly until it becomes habit

6) Create a local Literary calendar for my writing community

7) Land more principal film/TV credits

8) Network better with both careers

9) Promote myself better. (both careers)

10) Set aside the fear from new opportunities to keep those doors open.

These may not be that inventive or glamorous, but they’re what I need right now. And, if you see me slacking, especially with goals 8-10, you have my permission to chastise. I may even loan you my whip.

~ Meow ~