As much as I like to try and convince myself that inspiration is a fluffy, ethereal pillow that looks for ways to cradle your head with thoughts of genius when you least expect it, I don’t think even I’m buying it anymore. Sitting at your desk for 15 minutes, staring at a blank screen, checking your Facebook page for predictably frustrating status updates from people you don’t even like, watching YouTube clips you’ve watched before, reorganizing the piles of books and papers at your feet, and contemplating whether or not you need another bowl of cereal – all of that – is usually, most often always, unproductive. It will inevitably lead to you convincing yourself that today is not the day to write. You haven’t felt it yet. The spark hasn’t been lit. You’re just not ready to pen that masterpiece. I’ve done it before. I’ll do it again. Whether or not I ever write a bestseller, let alone a book, will depend on how much I can fight this terrible circle of writer’s block.

 

But you know what helps get rid of it real quick? Deadlines. Real, tangible, fast-approaching deadlines imposed by others. And that’s what March was for me…and February…and kind of January, too. I’ve been on a writing tear. So far I’ve wrapped up articles on cardiovascular disease, adrenal fatigue, weight loss, and healthy Mediterranean dishes. I also just finished a feature story on supermodel Carol Alt, whom I interviewed a few weeks ago in her NYC office, and her affinity for raw food. In terms of copywriting, I’ve been working on several different company websites and recently had several new freelance proposals that have left me smiling but slightly unnerved about the pile of work that I could potentially accumulate. I also attended a thesis workshop earlier this month at my school, The Graduate Center, to discuss what I need to do to get my thesis wrapped up and my master’s degree with it.

 

Of course, The Vigilant Monkey waits to rise again. Soon, for those who have been asking me. Very, very soon. I have also been talking with an editor and colleague of mine about starting a new health and wellness publication on Long Island. Not to mention, I’m in constant edit mode – reading, highlighting, correcting, cringing, commenting.

 

Too much? No, no. It’s always too much, but never enough; so really, it’s not too much at all, but just about right.

 

The idea now is just to keep from straying. Writing takes work. Inspiration comes from perspiration. Success takes time. And I’m ready to make it all happen.

 

Stay tuned in April for links to my recent articles, as well as my new writing portfolio.

It’s my birthday!! I spent the first half of today writing (what’s new) and the second half with my family and boyfriend. Dinner was amazing, the cheesecake was divine, and my gifts were perfection.

 

And, of course, I couldn’t help but look back on the last year, what I’ve accomplished, who I’ve met, how I’ve changed, and where I’m going. August brings my consecutive string of filming months to a grand total of 12 now. I shot a short film in Brooklyn a few weekends ago, and we’re set to shoot some pick up scenes in September. I’ll have footage from some of my recent films to add to my reel soon, so stay tuned for updates.

 

I also met with another casting director, Candice Alustiza, at the Actor’s Green Room and am going to be signing up for additional classes, workshops, and voice over intensives in September at a few different schools.

 

But right, back to the last year -

 

After my birthday last year, I told myself that I would devote the next year to films, and I did just that. It has been an incredible (and exhausting) experience. For this year? I want to continue that intense dedication, together with my agent, who I also met and signed with this past year.

 

In regards to writing, I did a lot more copywriting and ghostwriting than I had first intended, and while I am extremely pleased with the body of work that I have put out, I know that my true passion lies in my creative writing, my thesis (which will complete my master’s degree), and my magazine, The Vigilant Monkey, that had to take a hiatus because of some of the craziness that the past year also brought. So now that I’ve focused on every form of writing but the writing that really drives me, it’s time to change direction. As the summer comes to a close, I know exactly where my priorities are and what goals I have to reach. That’s something to smile about.

 

So the last year? Was a great year. And now? To an even better one.

It has been an amazingly busy few weeks!!

 

I was just cast in my third film, this time in a supporting role. It's a short being shot in January in NYC.

 

I also went back out to Boston for more shooting on a two-part film we're doing out there. And I even got to check out a rough cut of the trailer last week. After some more pick-up shots in January, the final product should be finished by February.

 

As for writing, we have been busy working on The Vigilant Monkey. I'm looking forward to creating new advertising relationships in the new year.

 

And finally, I am thrilled to announce that I am now signed with Michael Rodriguez of The Roster Agency. I first met Michael last year when he came in to speak to my on-camera acting class at the Penny Templeton Studio. By total chance, we ran into each other again at a headshot workshop at TVI Studios last month and once more at an Actors Connection seminar. Words cannot adequately describe just how happy I am to be working with him =)

 

2009 has been an amazing year, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make it such an experience. Have a Merry Christmas, enjoy the festivities these next two weeks, and I'll see you in 2010!!

 

- Melissa