We’ve all got a calling: something we feel compelled to do: sing, act, paint, write.
I’m compelled to write, act, dance, sew, draw, play instruments, and save the world.
Of all those things, I’d say my strongest callings have always been to write and act. I started writing before I could read (if that makes sense) and I started acting in High school, taking every theatre class offered at my school and auditioning for every play. Of course, I played elaborate games of pretend with my sister long before that.
After school I thought I’d become a writer and eventually get back into acting, starting with college/community theatre.
I got busy and hit a major writing wall, so I didn’t do much acting or writing for five years.
That was a bad time. I was depressed and lost … I wasn’t me. I was restless. Restlessness is what you feel when you aren’t answering your calling.
Recently I saw a video where Peter Dinklage offers some great advice to his fans: “Don’t wait.”
I am a true believer in learning from others: their advice and their mistakes and successes. This might be some of the best advice I’ve heard from someone who obtained their dream. There is no right time. You just have to go out there and make it happen.
One of my greatest lessons came from my mom. Sadly, she was not encouraging of big dreams. She didn’t take many risk or chances. My mother’s illness and her death inspired me to go after my dreams before it is too late. While I like to think that my mom was 100% satisfied with her life, I know she had unfulfilled dreams like seeing the ocean. How hard would that have been to make happen?
My goals might be a little more of a challenge: publish and act–not in theatre–on the small or big screen.
At 30, I feared it was too late for either, but in his speech, Peter says that he left a job at 29 to pursue acting. So it’s never too late.
While I can’t just quit my job and take off, my first break is just around the corner. A friend of mine told me about auditions for a film. I auditioned with my sister and we both landed rolls.
I can’t give away too much yet. It’s very early in the works, but I can say we are starting filming very soon. It’s a sci-fi/fantasy film. There are several B listed actors in it–one of which my son is a huge fan. It will be playing in roughly 150 theaters.
First picture of some of the cast. Sorry no costume pics until we start promoting
Now before I get too excited, I’m not saying this film is going to make me red-carpet famous, but it is helping me answer my inner calling. Community theater just didn’t do it for me. But this is the whole experience: green screen, costume, hair and makeup, the whole thing.
I’m one of those people who can’t watch the behind the scenes special features without getting jealous. I’d love to be a part of the film-making process, and this will give me a chance.
The part I’m most excited about is my character. I’m going to be a General. After watching Star Wars and Wonder Woman and seeing my childhood princesses become Generals, I feel honored that this is my first role. I’ve always wanted to be a woman warrior like Lagertha, Antiope, or Xena. Here’s my chance.
This film could lead to a lot of important networking opportunities as well as future rolls.
As far as writing, I’m still working on book one, but I feel like it finally has direction.
I really feel like this is the defining year of my life. If you haven’t seen it already, go watch Peter Dinklage’s speech.
Write of Passage 