RC Alum, Laura Duffy
There’s been a detour or two in our journey to Cinderella’s Castle, however, we are getting there. Apparently, the publishing route has many a delay that’s pretty much out of our control. Since signing contract with Bear Manor Media in February 2022, rallying the other 25 Cinderella memoir writers, bringing in a few late comers, losing others, creating a “Working Women Gallery” to showcase all the other stellar careers our women have had, the Cinderella Rehearsal Club manuscript finally left my desk the end of October 2022.
Two months and six drafts later, our writers were starting to get worried. Maybe the Prince would never find the fit for the glass slipper! Maybe this Cinderella tale would not end in “happily ever after.” Like every other broken agent/actor relationship, building relationships between writer/publisher takes trust and perseverance. After 50 years of marriage (marker hits February 24, 2023), I’ve learned to rock and roll with the ups and downs — great training ground for lasting career advice I would think.
Test the boundaries. Where do you draw the line?
An actor’s investment in training deserves pay-back. Knowledge is power, yes? Not always. Our Shakespeare Alive! “Company” of actors are trained professionals continuing to challenge themselves using the bard’s text to wrap themselves around a character. Some teach, some work here and there building a resume of worth; and others (like me), stopped “working” because the jobs just didn’t seem worth the time! Is that possible? I LOVE working! I LOVE feeling like I’m producing “something” of value.
This book? No remuneration. No prospect of remuneration. And yet, I feel like I’m contributing my skills to producing something of lasting value . . . and . . . Bear Manor Media is supporting us by investing in better typesetting talent.
It’s good
Isn’t it grand?
Isn’t it great?
Isn’t it swell?
Isn’t it fun?
Isn’t it? Nowadays
And that’s good. Isn’t it great . . . isn’t it?
Time will tell . . .
Meanwhile, Carol Burnett did an AMAZING NY Times interview in January 2023 for everything Rehearsal Club! Our book was NOT mentioned however, we expect The NY Times to be watching us. Watching the stories of the working actors who helped bring success to theater/film/TV — in their own way. No “stars.” Well . . . maybe a few — for a time. What’s in a “star?” By any other name (Romeo & Juliet)the performance is just as great. And that’s good. Isn’t it?
What’s really unique about this book? Our community. We are “competitive,” yes, however we supported each other’s success and were there with a shoulder to cry on when rejected.
Most of these women have been all that to me. Those who read this blog probably know me and know I had my day in the sun as a “star.” Quite a heady time in my life — babies birthing and many a fair-weather “friend” coming into my world — many of whom I no longer see. Those who were my friends before I became a daytime “star,” remained my friend after that spotlight went dark. And, as my “Cinderella” story ends with my motorcycle man: “. . . star or no star—I am and will forever be his star.”
Lessons in human nature. Makes you wary of “new” friends and more trusting of old friends. Hence, my embracing all these Rehearsal Club “sisters.” Many “stars.” Many, like Carol Burnett, in support of what this book means to the history of The Rehearsal Club. To be continued . . .