Recently I attended the Chicago regionals of Harmony Sweepstakes, an a cappella competition similar to regionals on Glee, but with more groups competing to attend nationals in San Francisco. Only the winning group in each of eight regions goes (and wins other prizes, at least in Chicago), but the second and third receive a few prizes. A lot was on the line in each 10 minute performance.

Though anyone who’s watched American Idol knows you don’t have to win to have a successful career (runner up Clay Aiken, for example, went on to perform in Spamalot on Broadway and sold out tours, has a bestselling book, etc.), competing in the national finals was the goal. 

As a guest of a judge, I decided to play judge, too, though I didn’t have the benefit of the score sheet. I’ve been a fan of a cappella for years, have sung a bit, and watched the sing-off, so I’m somewhat familiar with contemporary styles and critiques.

I couldn’t decide between Rooftop Rhythm or Breath of Soul. Barbershop quartet RR brought such infectious energy and a great sound, to my ears. But I wasn’t sure if traditional barbershop could prevail in today’s world of contemporary songs, mashups and beat boxing. It could.

In post-performance analysis, my friend and I agreed that a couple of the groups had pitch problems. Maybe they were right on in other performances or even 5 minutes before going on stage, but when it counted, they weren’t. We analyzed the importance of energy and presentation. What sounds amazing and what constitutes great presentation is in the ear and eye of the beholder…or in this case, those of the five judges. Given the amount of choreography on the sing-off, I expected to see some, but there wasn’t much.

Lessons learned: When the pressure’s on in any career, from an audition to job interview to presentation, you have to find a way to bring your best. Because some events in life are a competition, you are being judged. In some cases, the winner takes all. In others, consolation prizes may pay off in the future. If you did a great job but just didn’t have a high enough score to win/book the gig, someone may take note.  Tty to learn your audience’s expectations, and meet or exceed them.

When I’m crafting my novels, I write for myself and my characters.  Do I like the them, the conflict and plot?  Am I moved in some way by each scene?  Am I satisfied with the pacing, flow of chapters and word choices?  But when working on a revision letter, I’m also writing for the editor who asked for changes.  I’m keeping in mind what she wants and the expectations of the agents who are waiting for the updated version.  Because in the end, what I like won’t secure representation or a sale.  What matters is what they like and believe is marketable.  What makes them willing to put their names and reputations on the line, to invest their time and effort.

Usually when I write, my characters guide the story.  I see things through their eyes as if I’m watching a movie.  When I’m focused on what industry professionals have asked for, it’s more of a challenge to stay in my characters’ heads.  I’m often in mine, wondering if this or that is what she meant. 

Have I changed/cut/added enough?  “I really like this scene, does so much of it have to go?”  “Is this new scene as good as the others?”  In the end, it’s still my decision.  And on occasion, it’s exciting to come up with something I think is even better or is a fabulous addition. 

How much revision is too much, whether it’s for a novel, blog entry or letter?  I want to feel confident about my writing, not worry I’ve reworked a chapter so much that my voice gets lost.  A friend says I’m too picky about spelling, grammar and avoiding typos.  Another peruses then re-peruses each email before sending. 

How do we know when we’ve spent enough but not too much time, when we’re done, when to let go? 

WSJ:  Books That Are Never Done Being Written

Endless Revisions

Last Minute Revisions

There are three main casting agencies in Chicago: O’Connor Casting, Pascal Rudnicke Casting and Claire Simon Casting.  They book the vast majority of commercials, TV shows and feature films.  Actors want these casting directors to know who they are, relish the opportunity to be called in and hope they give a great performance at each audition. 

Most of the time, you can’t get called in to audition unless you have an agent.  On occasion, opportunities such as The Great Danish Adventure come along or the search for the new voice of the Afflac duck, and they’ll hold an open casting call.  Sometimes they’ll seek a specific kind of person, such as those who take a certain medication.

The business is fairly fast paced.  Yesterday just after noon, I was driving to a indie film audition when one of my agents called to say I had a TV commercial audition at one of the big three the next day at 10:50am.  Yay!  (You can ask for something later or earlier if  you have a conflict with your assigned 5 or 10 minute time slot, but usually you don’t get to choose.)  If you’re not available for the callback or the shoot date(s), you probably won’t get to audition. 

I’d be doing two short spots.  The scripts didn’t arrive until 5:15pm.  I had a class until 9:45, so I couldn’t prepare before then. 

Deciding what to wear can be a challenge, whatever “nice casual” or “business casual,” etc., means to you.  Basic rules of solids over busy patterns, simple jewelry that doesn’t distract, apply.  On occasion, people will truly dress the part.  When I had an audition to be a nun, I wore a black sweater over a white blouse, as did many auditionees.  But a few showed up in full nun’s habits.  I bought a lab coat because I was going on so many pharmacist/doctor auditions, and the coats provided at auditions were far too big and baggy.  I haven’t had a single opportunity to wear it…yet.

In the waiting area, you fill out an information form.  Headshots/resumes used to be mandatory, but with online casting services they aren’t always requested.  Sometimes more than one audition is taking place, so it can be crowded and hectic.  I almost always run into someone I know, and enjoy catching up.

In the casting room, you often have the opportunity to do a rehearsal with the session director.  There may be others watching, from interns to clients.  And those who watch don’t look at you, they look at you on the monitor.  Then you get two takes, usually with some guidance in between.  Nerves can set in because a lot is on the line.

Afterward, I try to let go of how I think I did and when the callback is.  Because you never know why you didn’t get chosen. You might have done a fabulous job, but you’re blond and they want a brunette.  They chose a tall husband, and you’re too short to be his wife.  Instead of worrying and wondering, I look forward to the next opportunity.  

When it comes to learning lines, songs, choreography or talking points for a presentation, I’m a fairly quick study. But when it comes to learning new software, I often get stuck and/or frustrated, especially when I know what task I want to complete but can’t find the answer.

While many help options are available, the information I need may not be there or is a challenge to locate. User guides aren’t always thorough, and online Wikis, forums or video tutorials can take time to wade through and still not yield the solution.

I’m sure many programs have features I’d love if only I knew what they were. Many of us never had formal computer training. I picked up Word on the job. And from the descriptions of some classes I’ve read it seems the topics covered are too basic. I don’t want to pay for, go to and sit through an hour of class for one or two useful nuggets.

There’s always the trial and error method. Sometimes that works, other times, I get frustrated trying to figure out a workaround.

Just when we think we know a program or a site like Facebook, it’ll probably change again. Sometimes the changes are improvements, other times commands we liked are harder to find or buttons are moved.  Not only that, many of us customize and with a new version have to set up our personalization all over again.

I’m working on changing audio editing software, from Audacity (which is free) to Sound Forge (which is $64.95).  A friend helped me figure out a few things, but performing the tasks I’m accustomed to means different shortcuts and terminology. 

What are you waiting for…the cable guy to show up, to hear if you got the job, the release of the next iPhone, a friend who’s late to lunch?

Because feelancers have so many irons in the fire, we’re often waiting for news about many things–whether our manuscripts or articles will be requested or bought, if we’ll get that new client or assignment, when our agents (literary or talent) will call.  Everyone’s waiting for something, but some handle it better than others.

Why is waiting often so difficult, so frustrating?  You’re not actually doing anything.
One reason is sometimes you can’t make plans until you find out, say, if you’re booked on a given day.  Another reason could be that we want good things to come our way, our efforts to pay off.  Maybe we don’t like the sense of power or control others seem to have over us as they make decisions that impact our incomes and future.  Sometimes closure, even if the result isn’t what we’d hoped, is preferable to not knowing.

Those of us whose lives often revolve around waiting need to find ways to enjoy and appreciate or at least tolerate the journey.  Logically we know sitting by the phone or checking our e-mail every five minutes won’t make responses come any faster, yet the urge is there. 

What seems to help is keeping busy, focusing my energies and time on other projects instead of dwelling on when news will arrive.  Some may choose to sit back and think that fantastic job, book deal or national TV commercial is just around the corner, so there’s no point working all that hard now.  Others move forward with what is and keep creating additional opportunities.  They don’t rely on supposition–what if X or Y happens.  If they get some sort of windfall, great, but they know they can’t count on it.

About a year ago I wrote a related post on Anticipation. 

They say patience is a virtue.  What can you do to make waiting easier?

It seems that as soon as I learn and feel comfortable with one social media venue or kind of software, there’s an update or a different version. Or there’s some new or increasingly popular site I keep hearing about either via a post, article or actual recommendation.

From Facebook to Twitter to Tumblr to Pinterest, from LinkedIn to Plaxo to Google+ to Friend Stream, to content sites such as The Huffington Post and Mashable, how can we be everywhere, keep up with everything…from all the messages/articles/posts to changes in how to use the sites? How do we distill the information we really want to know from the vast sea? How often are new features/layouts that valuable or better than what came before?

Case in point: Facebook’s relatively new Timeline. I haven’t heard a single good thing about it. I have heard many complaints, especially that it’s confusing to look at and makes it more difficult to find the bits of info you’re interested in. I’ve checked out a few friends that have, and agree. I hear virtual groans when friends are asked to switch over. Yet I fear I’ll have to succumb in the near future, because I don’t think we can opt out. It’s an encroaching tidal wave, hanging over our heads. Is it really an unimprovement (my word), or will I and others like or even prefer it once we suffer through and complete the learning curve?

Then there’s Pinterest, which I’ve only heard good things about, but after an admittedly brief visit seemed too busy and a probable time suck. I keep hearing more about the importance of making sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and recently more about being sure not to accept every request to Link (but only those of people you truly want to network with). I was surprised to see that one of my clients sends my LinkedIn profile link–instead of a link to my website–when recommending or introducing me to their clients.

On the other hand, if I don’t stay up to date on new technologies, I feel like a left out Luddite, old fashioned and unhip (my word). Like the world is passing me by. Just glancing at Wikipedia’s list of social networking sites is mind boggling. How many have you heard of?

There’s a scene in Gone with the Wind where Scarlett is at an upscale restaurant with Rhett.  She’s stuffing her face with one of the many delicious-looking desserts spread on the table before her.  A waiter passes by carrying a tray heaped with more amazing desserts.  She points eagerly and says something like, “Oooh, I want that one.” 

Many of us have so much.  Yet we still desire or must buy the next shiny thing right now, whether it be a new cell phone or other updated electronic or technology item, trendy clothes, or the latest thing in home decor.  We want to be the cool kid on the block by being the first to have the iPad3 or the latest popular app.  The media and advertisers play on this urge via intriguing articles, stellar reviews and tempting ads.  Advances in technology have made purchasing easier than ever…such as Amazon.com’s one click. 

Some of us seem to be incapable of saying no to ourselves, of denying or even postponing a purchase until they’ve saved up or at least can get that item on sale.  Some may not even compare prices to see if there’s a better deal.  The immediate gratification of ownership and playing with a new toy prevails over common sense and the size of our bank accounts. Self-control and caution are thrown to the wind. 

Retail therapy may soothe us, make us feel better in the short term.  We may enjoy our new toy(s).  But how many have buyer’s remorse, or feel guilty when the bill arrives?  Go deeper into credit card debt or put off home repair or a medical expense?   

So much advice is offered about shopping with care…don’t go to the grocery when you’re hungry, make a list of what you need, etc.  But in the moment, many don’t heed it. 

Do you:
–know how much you’ve spent in the last month on things you don’t really need?  (For example, how much did you spend on coffee, drinks and eating out?  What percent of your monthly income goes to entertainment, and how does that compare to what finacial advisors recommend?)
–hide purchases (or dissemble about the cost) from your significant other? 
–defensively justify spending money? 
–have an emergency account of three to six months of expenses? 

If you answer ‘no’ to all of the above, consider taking steps to curb your spending. 

5 Tricks to Avoid Impulse Buys

Be Vigilant to Avoid Impulse Purchases

12 Ways to Avoid Impulse Buying  

Purchases Spouses Hide From Each Other

Whether bosses/managers approve or not, some Gainfully Employed go to work when they’re sick.  Even if they have sick days.  Maybe they have an urgent deadline, or maybe they want to show their dedication.  Or maybe they want to save their sick days in case they’re so sick they can’t get out of bed.

The Gainfully Unemployed don’t have sick days, nor in most cases do we want to risk losing a booking.  If the project involves telecommuting, we can sneeze and sniffle without infecting others.  Or we might be able to work for a bit, then nap for a bit.  Unless there’s a video conference, no one will care if our noses are red or if we stay in our pajamas and/or bathrobe all day.  

But when a voiceover talent has laryngitis, no work can be done.  Nor is there any way to know how long it will last.  A VO friend said hers lasted two weeks.  So we miss out on auditions, and either lose booking(s), or hope the client is willing to and has time before they have to turn in the finished commercial or narration to reschedule. 
 
Last Sunday, I woke up with laryngitis.  Not the kind that leaves you sounding sort of sexy and husky, but completely without a voice.  Because I had two VO jobs on Wednesday, I did my best to speed up recovery by following much of the advice I found.  The best remedy is time.  Most importantly, don’t talk.  Whispering is worse.  Keep your vocal chords moist, drink a lot of water, partake of throat lozenges.  Tea with honey (though I think some of my tea was caffeinated, against recommendaitons).  I had a friend read what I typed into a Word document so I could participate in a conference call.  I even rested for a couple of days.  I didn’t, but probably should have, gargle with salt water.  A couple of sites listed herbal or homeopathic options, but I wasn’t too sure about those. 

Tuesday morning, I still didn’t have a voice and doubted enough would return in 24 hours.  So I contacted the necessary parties, fully expecting both to move on to another talent and get the job done.  I was quite pleasantly surprised and appreciative when both decided to reschedule for next week.  Now it’s Thursday afternoon.  My voice is low and gravelly, and my throat is still scratchy.  I’m sure by the weekend I’ll be fine and back to normal. 
Whew.    

Facebook is in the news even more than usual as it prepares for its IPO.  Hard to believe that a service launched only eight years ago now reportedly has more than eight million users and has become an integral part of many of our lives. 

Facebook is an amazing way to stay in touch with long distance friends, to reconnect with peeps from our past.  But more and more, many take the ease of use and 24/7 availablity of FB too far.  Are you one of the people who, whenever anything of note (or not of note) happens, immediately compose a status update in your head and have the urge to post ASAP?  How many times a day do you hop on? 

Can you go a single day without using FB–without catching up with friends and “friends,” sharing personal or newsy notes, or commenting or liking?  How about a day without talking about it?  I’d bet most regular users can’t go a day without thinking about it. 

Do you know how long you spend on FB?  Or do you get so caught up in watching videos, linking to articles that link to more articles, or commenting on comments you don’t even notice how much time has gone by?  Do you get disappointed if a post you think particularly clever or interesting fails to draw enough attention?  If you while away hours on FB, how do you get your work done and make room in your day for personal interaction?

Many people now carry on entire conversations via FB, email or texting.  They’d rather type their thoughts than pick up the phone.  Just planning to meet a friend for coffee results in an extended back and forth that could be resolved in a short call.

Despite the use of emoticons, the printed is unable to capture many elements of communication.  We may feel a surge of validation, gain satisfaction from FB friends’ responses.  But what are we losing in terms of personal connection?