Without promotion, something terrible happens… nothing!
American politician, showman, and businessman, Phineas Taylor “P.T.” Barnum was born on this day in 1810 (died 1891).
I never wanted to run away and join the circus. For one thing, I don’t do heights.
For another, I didn’t grow up going to the circus at the Coliseum. The circuses I remember from my childhood were in tents, and we sat on wooden bleachers. Maybe that’s why one of my favorite movies is still The Greatest Show on Earth.
It’s Tuesday, July 5, and as I write this the clouds are clearing and the sun is peaking through. It was a rainy Independence Day weekend. Most fireworks celebrations were able to go on. But the wife and I opted to forego those and stay home to watch a Capitol Fourth on television. We used to live in the DC area and always loved that event. True, seeing it on television isn’t quite the same, especially last night since there was a considerable amount of fog.
It turned out to be the best choice for the dogs who would have been stressed in the kennel as the neighbors set off their illegal (I’m just sayin’) fireworks. One dog hid, the other remained close by shivering until the noises were over.
And, I’d never thought about it much this year, but recent experiences and awareness have also given me reason to be concered for those of our veterans who suffer from PTSD. For many it’s a difficult time.
I’d like to think that we, as a society, could learn to be considerate.
I’d like to think that, but I know I can’t.
Sure there are lots of kind and caring individuals out there, I try to be one. But those who care are often overshadowed by those who think they are entitled to whatever they want, whenever they want it.
I can’t fix people, and it usually makes things worse when I try.
I went off on a tangent here. That’s what happens when I don’t pre-plan the post.
Back to the quote…people often tell me I’m on social media a lot. People are often correct. But, the way I figure it,
I’m trying to make my way both in writing and, to a certain extent, in acting. I don’t have an agent and, while my wife is my biggest fan, our social media reach is still somewhat limited.
Still I know at this point that if I’m not promoting my work no one else will be. I remember that every time I get a rejection from a writing project or a show is cast (for which I auditioned) that doesn’t have me in it. Casting directors, you know who you are.
I’d love to be able to have the time just to write (or audition), but if I write about that tree falling in a forest and no one is around to read it will I still win the Pulitzer?
Probably not.
I probably say this a lot, but I’m re-working the plan. Taking a fresh look at both writing and acting opportunities. Doing some social media revisions, some website revisions, and more.
I have a plan, and part of that plan involves promotion.
I need to get on it.
The Pulitzer committee is waiting.