Quote of the Day: In the time of your life – live! That time is short and it doesn’t return again. It is slipping away while I write this and while you read it, and the monosyllable of the clock is Loss, Loss, Loss, unless you devote your heart to its opposition. Tennessee Williams, in an essay that originally appeared in The New York Times Drama Section, November 30, 1947 – four days before the New York opening of A Street Car Named Desire, which I read in the introduction to a 1947 copy of the play that I picked up at a used book store. (I read the play yesterday, and I thought about it all night. The characters are powerful, and wounded, and the ending is tough.)

Insecure Writers Support Group BadgeToday is the first Wednesday of the month, a time when the Insecure Writers Support Group does its monthly posting. Alex J. Cavanaugh started this group as a place for writers to let go of their insecurities and offer support and encouragement to other writers, and creative types. Please, visit either of the above blogs to read more, or join. (I just read Chrys Fey’s post on the IWSG site. It’s very good, for anyone who has ever suffered insecurities.)

Alright, here’s my insecurity. Later in this month those of us who are part of the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers are invited to attend a semi-private reading of a new play by Lee Blessing. Afterwards, we’re invited to a private reception where we can meet the playwright in person. I am excited and nervous at the same time. As the Biker Chef put it, “It’s the Holy Grail of play writing.” gulp. ya. We’ll be going to the Playwrights’ Center where he’s been workshopping his latest work. (this is something that I’d like to do with one of my plays) 

So, I’m going to a place where I’d like to see myself working with actors, directors, and developers on my play. I’ll be meeting a successful playwright from Minnesota. We’ll be literally rubbing elbows with the people who make it happen. I’m going to be a little (lot) star struck. How do I keep my cool? How do I take it all in? How do I make the most out of this opportunity and not faint?

Breath.

Any advice would be appreciated. I did order a couple of his plays to read. I’ve read Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music, a while ago when I was looking for cuttings to use when I coached H.S. Speech. A friend recommended Eleemosynary.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: If you were going to meet a successful author in your genre, what would you ask him, or her? What should I wear?