You can Accept or Reject Rejection

A friend of mine asked why I’m so driven. “What drives you?” he asked. I said “Losing, being told I can’t do something, and having an incredible family.”

I get rejected more than you know. As an actor and a writer, I’ve managed to find two ways I can either be told no thanks, or just downright ignored. Both fucking suck. I’m so used to being rejected, when it actually goes my way, I’m in shock. Is that depressing or what? Well today, I was rejected by The Writers Lab, a program run by Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman calling out for Female Screenwriters over the age of 40 who write stories that empower women.

Rejected. Do you hear me?!

I guess that means I suck, right:? I should quit what I’m doing and realize I’m crap at writing (and probably acting for that matter - just throw it all in the trash) and get serious. Do something else, something stable, sensible, reliable.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Nah, I’ll just get perfect. Or better anyway. Two things. 1) I’m already in the process of producing a trailer/proof of concept for my first novel, Seahorse. so that we can get financiers to invest and make our movie. It doesn’t get more empowered than my protagonist, Caroline Shaughnessy. Check out my book here: 2) Steven Spielberg was rejected from the University of Southern California. That school told him he wasn’t good enough to get in. So - he went to Cal Sate Long Beach, went on to be one of the most influential directors of all-time, and oh yeah, give back millions to - guess who - USC, to their film program. Talk about class and ZERO resentment. (I’m not nearly as cool as Spielberg, what a gent!) All that to say, don’t give up. Go on, and do it your way.

Look for Seahorse, the motion picture at a theater near you - or your streaming service - Summer 2023. (Ok, it’s not confirmed, but work in progress)

*Oh and my script for Seahorse was NOT rejected by The California Women’s Film Festival. Thank you for recognizing me, CWFF.