Good to Great

I recently interviewed two screen writers for an assignment that I was covering on their first feature film that had been screened in the Seattle Film Festival. Well, something stuck with me. I remember one of the writers’s mentioned that we (writers) can sometimes find it difficult to accept constructive criticism and advice about our work. We need to learn how to emotionally detach ourselves from our material. Unfortunately, some of us (writers) are extremely stubborn and that type of stubbornness can cause us to miss opportunities and even loose money in the process. Her writing partner totally agreed as he confessed to witnessing some of his friends’ loose large sums of money from a project due to obstinacy.

I guess the moral to this drawn out story is a Marketing Executive that I work for sent me an email saying “Joi, you’re a good writer, but I’m going to make you even better. Let’s talk the next time you come in.” The email was responding to a short post that I’d written for the company’s fashion, style and entertainment blog. Apparently, she read the piece, but I’m still puzzled if she had actually decided let it go public for the readers to enjoy. Honestly, I took that comment as a “no” she wasn't going to post it, that I had potential but just wasn't quit there yet. I couldn't respond as I was running out of the office to work a Happy Hour event where I was….yes, you guessed it, the bartender. I never like to assume anything. As my 6th grade teacher said it best, “when you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME”, and I’ll never forget that tid bit of wise knowledge that she taught me.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a fan of anyone telling me to change my work. However, I’m open to suggestions whether I like it or not. I know that I’m not the best editor of my own material. Therefore, I can always use an extra pair of eyes to correct what I can’t see as an error. That’s the nature of this business. That’s how you grow as a human and as an artist. It pays off in the future. Trust me; pride will get you no where. I've learned that lesson the hard way. Mostly with men, but it can be applied to any part of life.

I will be heart-broken if my piece is not published. But I’m pleased that it’s been confirmed (by person with a vast amount of experience in this business) that I have what it takes to evolve into a solid writer. I’m up for a challenge!

Hey, I may not be the best writer, but I’m great in other areas (wink, wink). Get your mind out of the gutter; I was referring to my cleaning skills (smile). Yeah, you know what I mean.

‘Til Next Time,

Miss Joi

Did she really call me, Joey?

The Email Proposition
Some of you may know and some of you may not know, so I’m telling you now. I was asked by my lovely, fabulous cousin-in-law to appear as a model on the Today Show for the Winter Sale segment this past Wednesday, January 28th to be exact. Yes, I know. I do have family in high places. My, cousin-in-law, well we’ll call her Mrs. Fabulous is the Vice President of Corporate Communications at Bauer Publishing Group. Yes, I know. I definitely should be begging her for a job right now. But that is beside the point, I felt obliged to accept the opportunity since she was in dyer need. Hell, I wasn’t doing much of anything when she sent the “I really need your help” email on Monday afternoon. So, I rushed down to the meat packing district for a quick fitting with the stylist/editor who was running the show as far as the fashion was concerned.

The “Totally Hot” Green Room
By Wednesday morning, I was all set. Ready for my five minutes of fame! I arrived promptly at NBC studios by 7:15am, where I was directed to a green room on the ground level. It was awesome! There was food, food and more food. As well as loads of bottled water, hot water for coffee and tea with any condiment your heart desired. Look, I know how to conduct myself in these situations. I’ve assisted on a few photo shoots in my day with the same kind of spread. But something about this particular green room seemed so exciting. Maybe it was due to the fact that I got a glimpse of the behind the scenes stuff as if I were the “star”. I peeked in on Martha Stewart getting her hair done; witnessed Julianne Moore’s fitting for her segment, and even met eyes with Kevin Connolly (Eric) of HBO’s show, Entourage. Entourage it’s one of my favorite cable shows, so I definitely felt the urge to hug him when he entered the room. Yes, hugging him would have been bizarre. I just smiled and said “hi” instead.

My Five Minutes of Fame
The best part of my day was being on set observing the producers, camera men and anchors do their responsible duties. Al Roker even said “hello” to me and the other model in passing. The entire experience was fantastic. Now, it was my turn. The camera was slowly panning toward me on the set. My heart began to pound faster and faster; harder and harder. I was ready! This was my time to shine! I was determined to be the best writer turned TV model on the Today Show! I wanted to do it for my family and friends! I wanted to do it for the audience at home! I wanted to do it for all the normal people “like myself” who only had one chance to make an impression on television! Head up, hands in coat pockets and smile for the camera is what I told myself.

But all I can remember was the anchorwoman saying, “Let’s show our model Joey over here…” Everything else was a blur.

Your Thoughts
Please check out the segment for yourself and tell me your thoughts in the comment section. Let's keep it honest. I was only able to load a portion of it due to video file size requirements on blogger. However, if you want to see the full segment, click the link below.

The writer (and model) you know and love,

Miss Joi

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/28893176#28893176

Restless...

I was coming home from work at around 5am when one of my customers spotted me on the train. We exchanged “Hello” and took our seats on the train. I had a book in hand ready to delve into the pages; however, I did not want to seem rude. The conversation began with the highlights from the previous night. I informed him that my night was very slow as far as work. He told me that he went to a birthday party at club Mansion. He mentioned that he “hated the club” but his friend’s birthday was there and he wanted to come out and support. Next, the discussion switched to careers and past work experience.

So, here’s my dilemma: I mentally cringe inside when someone inquires about what I do as far as a career and what I’m currently working on as far as projects. Why? I’m sure you’re asking as you continue to read this post. Well, I am a writer. But no one and I mean no one is content with the response, “Oh, I’m a writer” showing a smile and changing the subject. No, that’s never enough. The follow up question to that answer is “Well, what do you write?” This is where its gets tricky. People define you by what you do. Hell, I’m sure they even unconsciously judge you by your choice of work. At this point, I get nervous and think to myself, “Shit. What do I write? What am I doing with myself? Where is my career going?” I’m still searching to categorize myself as a _______writer. Therefore, I really can not give the person inquiring a solid answer. It makes me uncomfortable. I’m still trying to find my own niche. The most painful part of it all is what if I never find it and I’m still Restless…Restless with my half-baked, half-full career. I feel as if my GRIND to entrepreneurship has made a complete stop. I’m not sure where to go next.

My customer, as usual, asked me the same notorious question. The question that has me tongue-tied about my career.

“What do you write?” he said.

“Well, I’m qualified in a few areas but my expertise was in public relations. But, I’m not sure if I want to do that anymore. I don’t know,” I said unhappily while shrugging my shoulders.

The conversation continued about my educational background, past jobs, editorial magazines, and a few more sentences that ended with me saying, “I don’t know.”

Then he said, “How long have you been out of school?”

“Long enough,” I quickly commented.

“And your still saying ‘I don’t know’,” he brought to my attention.

“Well, yeah because I don’t know. What else should I say? I’m still sorting it all out.” I said.

I was relieved that we finally stopped talking about me and focused on his career and life experiences. I learned that he is in finance, went to college in Chicago, finished his senior year in Greece to study internationally, worked for Lehman Brothers up until last week, and has now taken a new position as VP at some bank. In addition, he is supporting his 21 year-old sister who will be going to college in Chicago as well.

I had to admit that I was impressed. He definitely sounded like he had it all figured out. He was confident but not arrogant at all. His story was motivating.

The train stopped and the doors opened.

“Is this your stop?” he said.

“Yes, it is.” I got up said my “good-byes” and bolted for the steps to get ahead in the cab line. I knew that I could only blame myself if I truly fail as a writer. I guess feeling Restless got one good thing out of me. It got me to write this post for my blog and I am happy that I decided to do it.

Food For Thought: Have you ever felt restless about your career? What did you do about it? How did you overcome it?

I welcome your comments as I am sure that they will inspire me. So, please don’t forget to type your opinions in the comment section.