IWSG February 2013

Quote of the Day:  And then it was like, wait, you can go to college and study theater? This is almost a racket, you know. And then when the opportunity came along to do it professionally, I thought I'd won the lottery.  Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks might have won the lottery as an actor, but I did not win it as a playwright/producer for the Minnesota Fringe Fest. My number, 116, was drawn as #109 on the wait list. I have about as much chance of getting in as an ice sculpture's chance of lasting an afternoon outside in August. Not in the cards for me this year. I'll have to admit, since this is the montly posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, that I am both disappointed and relieved. It would have been a huge undertaking. I was already stressing about the script: Should I revise my old one, or write a new one? Would any of the cast members even be interested in doing it again? How could I ask people to commit to five performances in the metro (over two hours away) during the first week of August? Where would we stay? What about my kids? What if the show sucked? What if no one wanted to be in it? What if I couldn't get it together? What if no one came to watch it? What if I...

So, The Committee had already called a meeting inside my head. On the other hand, I told them to meet some other place last month when I threw my name in the lottery. I told them to "pound salt" (one of the Biker Chef's expressions) when they tried to tell me I didn't have what it takes to write a play, cast a play, produce a play, and attract an audience. Seven sold-out performances was their swift kick in the pants.

They crowded in at tables, pulled in extra chairs, and lined the walls to see and hear

Coffee Shop Confessions

What I'm saying is, you might be scared. You may have a few self-doubts. Your chances are slim. Do it anyway! Say to yourself, "I can do brave things." Then, go out and do them.

I decided the morning of the lottery pick that if I didn't get chosen, I would write a new play and produce it right here in my backyard (i.e. the coffee shops). So, who's in? Want to come play with me? I already have the title for a second cup of confessions Double Shot!

Read more IWSG posts by visiting the host Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  When have you done brave things?

IWSG January 2013 and the Word for the Year

Quote of the Day:  Now is no time to think of what you do not have, think of what you can do with what there is. Ernest Hemingway

It is the first Wednesday of the month, and the first Wednesday of the year. I participate in the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Go to his site for more details and a link to others who participate. It's a great way to build community in our writer world.

Interesting shaped package

 

K.C. had the most interesting shaped package "under" the tree this year. Everyone who looked at it had a guess. A "For Sale" sign, a picket sign, a sign that announces your business, directions, a huge shovel, an extra large pancake flipper? The only way to discover the answer is to OPEN the gift.

 

Once you've opened the gift, you have a certain expectation of how to use it. You get a little nervous and think, but who am I to use such a fine gift? Aren't there others out there with more advanced gifts that mine? Am I really worthy of it?

 

This year, I've decided to throw my name in the lotto for the Minnesota Fringe Fest. It's a week long festival of theater productions for anyone who dares to participate, about 165 different types of performances. They have everything from kids writing their own shows to very adult themed and professional troups, dance performances, and one person stand-up. Anything goes. The only way to get into the festival is to register your name, get a number, and be chosen. I went to the informational meeting on it at our local community college. Two of the organizers came up to promote it and answer our questions. I got excited. I told myself I'd go right home and sign up. Then, I looked at the website, and got scared. Look at all those fabulous photos, amazing productions, talented actors and crew, creative thinkers. The negative committee sat down in my head and ordered pizza. They almost talked me out of applying. But, I have to do it.

 

My word for the year is OPEN. The message I'm hearing from it is, you are open. Your gifts have been opened, now go out and use them to...

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

I'll be applying for Fringe Fest today. Wish me luck!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What's your word for the year? What fabulous gifts have you opened that are beckoning you to use?

 

It's a spear used for ice fishing, hand made by my nephew.