#100in2015: My 2015 Resolution

Compiling my year-in-review blog posts "The Numbers" is always a sobering experience. Flipping back through my yearly planner and reviewing how I spent my time can be both enlightening and depressing.

Total glass half empty / glass half full mind stuff. While some might look at my 2014 calendar and see the jobs I booked and the meetings I had, I inevitably focus on all the empty space - the weeks, days, and hours spent developing a pilot that went nowhere, the auditions for roles I really wanted but didn't get, things I had to miss because of writing deadlines - and my God, I only went on ONE date?!

I even looked at all the social gatherings I attended - happy hours and dinner parties - and thought, "I should have been getting work done instead of having fun!" Such is the life of a stressball overachiever...

But as I compiled last year's post, one area did present itself as an opportunity for change in 2015 - my number of auditions. Sometimes I think I audition a lot, other times I feel like I don't. The numbers don't lie --

• 2014 - 50 auditions
• 2013 - 37 auditions
• 2012 - 37 auditions
• 2011 - 14 auditions
• 2010 - 25 auditions

So I'm generally trending upward. Good - that's how it should be. But can I be doing better?

I've said it before - the job of an actor is looking for a job. And I believe all work is wonderful - paid or unpaid, TV or commercial, studio or indie, web series or industrial, etc. I'm an equal opportunity actor. I just want to work.

So I'm setting a radical, pie in the sky goal for myself in 2015 -- 100 auditions. That's right, twice the number from last year. Because increasing the odds can only work in my favor, right?

To reach this goal, I'm going to need to kick up my efforts - submit myself more, do better at the auditions I do get to impress the casting directors, and commit to going to every single audition, no matter what writing deadlines are hanging overhead. It will be an interesting experiment - likely stressful at times - but I'm up for the challenge. (I already wonder what percentage will be for nurse/doctor roles...)

So there's my 2015 resolution - 100 auditions! Follow my progress on Twitter or Instagram using hashtag #100in2015 as I update my total count throughout the year.

Why don't you join me? If not 100 auditions, then 100 of something else. How about 100 hours on a writing project? Or 100 trips to the gym? I know there's someone out there who's up for making 100 Pinterest recipes. Let's do this together!

Onward and upward in 2015!

The Best Gift You Can Give an Artist

I love looking at gift guides during the holiday season. You know, those curated lists of gadgets, gizmos, and goods for a particular recipient. Gifts for Her. Gifts Under $25. Gifts for the Techie.

I even found a few gift guides for actors and writers --

• Holiday Gift Guide for Actors
• 10 Great Holiday Gifts for Actors
• 7 Gifts to Give Your Young Actor This Holiday Season
• Holiday Gifts for the Writers in Your Life
• 10 Alternative Gifts for Writers
• Writer Wish List: 7 Practical Gifts for the Starving Artist

I considered curating my own gift guide specifically for actors or writers, but the more I pondered the task, the more I realized that there would only be one item on the list --

Faith.

Faith is the one thing every artist needs more of because we are constantly fighting not to lose it. Faith in our talent, faith in our work, faith that we are good enough, faith that chasing our dream is the right thing to do. We need faith to survive and we could always use more.

Because, as I've said many times, the most difficult challenge that all artists face is not losing faith in ourselves.

If you're an actor, writer, or any other type of artist, I'm sure you're nodding your head in agreement. You know it's true - losing faith is devastatingly easy. "My script is terrible. I haven't booked in months. No one will sign me. Why am I even doing this?!?" The self-talk and self-doubt spills into our mind freely and quickly, regardless of what our reality may be.

So if you have an artist in your life, give them the gift of faith. Believe in them. Tell them they're talented and mean it. Give them a compliment on the last role they performed. Congratulate them on just getting the audition. Read that story they wrote, watch that video they made - receive their art and tell them what you liked about it. Encourage them to keep going. Keep writing. Keep acting. Keep creating.

Now some of you might be saying, "What if I don't believe in my artist friends? What if I think they're honestly not that talented and should do something more worthy with their lives?"

If that is the case, give them the gift of shutting the hell up. Seriously. If you can't muster any kindness as compassion to supersede your judgment of what they're doing, then don't say a damn thing. Don't be the person who takes faith away from them.

Because that's what you're doing with all your well-meaning concern and "reality" talk - killing their faith. And like I said, artists need that faith to survive.

So spread the love, people! Support the artists in your life and receive the art they create with open minds and hearts. It's the best gift you can give them.

2014: The Numbers

# of blog posts written: 20 (This blog definitely took a back seat this year...)

# of followers on Twitter: 860 (Follow me!)

# of followers on Instagram: 199 (Follow me here too!)

# of acting auditions: 50

# of paid acting days: 15

# of acting days spent playing a doctor/nurse/medical professional: 13 (Yeah, it's my thing.)

# of unpaid acting days: 4 (And I loved every second!)

# of staged readings I participated in: 1 (My return to the stage)

# of books published: 1 (Huzzah! Buy HEARTBORN for just 99 cents!)

# of writers group meetings: 33 (Very grateful for these...)

# of showrunner meetings: 1 (Same as last year - optimistic about next staffing season!)

# of pilot ideas developed that went nowhere: DOZENS

# of scripts written: 1 (SO pathetic!!)

# of Break the Cycle presentations or events: 19 (Love this non-profit!)

# of shows/storytelling events attended: 34 (Thank goodness for Goldstar...)

# of weddings attended: 4 (Congratulations Sara, Adrien, Deidrie, and woman in Vegas!)

Happy New Year Everyone!

The Hump Day Update: Reverse Catch-Up Edition

So what have I been doing for months that's kept me from updating this blog? Let's go in reverse order --

• I finally released HEARTBORN, my first collection of short stories! Buy it for just 99 cents at http://bit.ly/heartborn OR join my mailing list to hear dates for my FREE book download promo plus other news from my life & career: http://eepurl.com/Ly8Qj
  
  Special shout out to Haley Keim who designed the awesome book cover for HEARTBORN. I'm so grateful for her genius!
  
  
  
  
  HEARTBORN is filled with early writing for me. My words feel raw & unpolished while reaching deep for the truth of one's heart. Like I mentioned at the beginning of the year when I set this goal for myself, my objective in releasing my stories it is not to make money or bolster my self-image - it's to gather feedback that will help me become a better writer. So pick up a copy at http://bit.ly/heartborn, read it, and tell me what you think!
  
  Also, 100% percent of my profits from the sale of this first collection will be donated to Break the Cycle, a national nonprofit working to provide comprehensive dating abuse prevention programs exclusively to young people. So if you decide to purchase the ebook instead of waiting for my free promotional period, know that your 99 cents is helping to support a great cause!
  
  
• I got into the CBS Writers Mentoring Program! A huge honor from the network that gave me my first big break when they bought a pitch from me & my executive producer in 2011. And sweet, sweet validation that saved me from the "I'm gonna quit" funk I was in all summer.
  
  
  
  
  The first part of the program is writing a new script with the guidance of my mentors. Over the summer, I spent weeks - WEEKS, I say! - working on a new pilot idea, only to toss it out completely after my first meeting with my CBS mentors. They were so right in their assessment that the current execution just doesn't work. Sigh - that one's going back into the oven for now...
  
  So instead I'm in the thick of rewriting the pilot I wrote last year. A page one rewrite. A monumental task, but worth it so far - I hate my pilot much, much less than I did before. Fingers crossed...
  
  
• Did a play reading for a new Boni Alvarez masterpiece. Someone put one of Boni's plays on a mainstage, dangit! He's a genius!
  
  
  
  
  
• Still volunteering for Break the Cycle. Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy relationship!
  
  
  
• Went to my first Lakers game. They lost. :(
  
  
• Discovered the Serial Podcast. Like everyone else, I AM OBSESSED!
  
  
• Started a new day job doing marketing for an MIT friend's tech startup, which led me to finally join LinkedIn!
  
  
• Shot new episodes of Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds and my second guest star on Richie Rich, which just got bought by Netflix!
  
  
• Helped out as Associate Producer of the East West Players' One Night Only fundraiser in August. Golden fundraising fun!
  
  
• And finally, I wrapped up my involvement with WriteGirl, to which I say:
  
  Long story.

Color yourself caught up on my life! More blog posts to come...

Tools of the Trade: Car Survival Kit for Actors

Your car is your mobile office as an actor. Make sure it's stocked with everything you need for your career!

Here are four things I always have in my car --

No, not mints. (Though those are a good idea too...)

#1 - Quarters!

For feeding meters heartily to avoid dreaded parking tickets.

#2 - Makeup!

I guess this is for the ladies. Especially handy for those same day audition notices you get when you're on your way to Trader Joe's.

Safety Alert: Do not do your makeup while driving! Also, be sure to check your makeup in the bathroom of the casting office before going into the room. What looks fine in natural light and might look garish under fluorescent lights.

#3 - Headshots!

I keep mine in this old padfolio. It looks professional and it keeps them nice and flat --

#4 - Thomas Guide

Color me old school. There's nothing quite like locating yourself on a map. And even though I mostly use my maps app to get directions, my trusty Thomas Guide is always there to back me up when my phone just won't connect.

That's my car survival kit! I polled a few actor friends for their car must haves - here's what they said --

"Navigation ability (map or GPS or phone navigation), 3 changes of clothing (casual, business, and fancy), and a hair brush. The fancy change is also good in case you drive by an event/premiere and want to crash!" - J

"Spray deodorant to freshen up." - M

"Hair product, voice recorder to memorize lines." - T

"I keep a mini stapler in the glove compartment so I can tack on headshots on the go." - H

"Extra clothes, especially for commercial auditions. I have a set of scrubs, polo shirts, etc. so I'm ready if they ask for a particular look." - R

"Hand lotion! You have no idea how many times I was surprised at a commercial audition when they wanted to see my hands!" - E

And one fabulously sentimental answer --

"A great support group or people around you who are very motivated so that it motivates you to do things for your own career. That's probably #1 for me. All the other stuff will be affected positively by the group of people you trust and respect in the business." - V

A great answer to any question!

Actors! What do you keep in your car? Post your answer in the comments below...

The Hump Day Update: Birthday Month Edition

Where has the time gone? Spring is springing by way too fast for me. I finished my pilot script mid-April and then quickly dove into other adventures. First up, WonderCon!

Another weekend spent in nerd heaven. Devoted post about that coming later, because there's just too much to say...

Then, two delicious acting jobs. First, Nurse Ruth stopped by the season finale of Grey's Anatomy opposite the oh so phenomenal Sandra Oh--

So thrilled to work with Sandra before she leaves the show after 10 incredible seasons as Dr. Cristina Yang. I wept like a baby watching her shoot her last scene with Ellen Pompeo. Powerful stuff - tune in tomorrow night for the season finale!

Then shot a small role on the upcoming new FX comedy Married starring Nat Faxon and Judy Greer. Gushed to Nat about how much I adored The Way, Way Back, after which I sat awkwardly staring at the wall because I didn't know what else to say.

I played the wife of a recognizable TV/film star who I can't show you just yet. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram to get the full picture when the show airs!

And then, the event I've been busting my ass planning and promoting for months - Lights, Camera, WriteGirl! - a benefit evening to support the innovative creative writing, mentoring, and college guidance programs of WriteGirl. This was me all night - a blur of activity --

The event was a resounding success - brilliant writing by teen girls brought to life by celebrity actors, epic silent auction, food by my friends at Castle's Catering, and a photo booth by my friends at Lucky Laughter Photo Booth.

And then, the very next week, I was promptly laid off by WriteGirl. Sigh. Teresa has left the building...

Onward and upward! Next up, the annual East West Players Visionary Awards Dinner! I've volunteered for this event eleven times. I don't get starstruck at all anymore - now it's just a chance to catch up with friends. I didn't even snap any pics - this one's from my fellow volunteer Ruffy --

(Yeah, I wore the same dress to both events...)

The start of May brought the start of staffing season for my TV writing career. I signed with new literary managers, had a few general meetings, and had one showrunner meeting that has my fingers permanently crossed. I also started (late) writing a spec for the fellowship programs --

In between writing, I spent three days shooting a USC grad student film with a talented director I've worked with before. Proof that if you're a kind, joyful, creative, and acknowledging leader, you'll inspire dozens of actors and crew to work overnight in Long Beach and leave with smiles on their faces --

Just enough energy after the first day to stop by Free Comic Book Day at my local shop Dreamworld Comics --

And then...the birthday activities began! My brother, the Junk Food Guy, arrived for a long weekend of eating, dining, and noshing.

In three days, we visited Roy Choi's new restaurant POT in Koreatown, Take a Bao in Studio City, Bay Cities in Santa Monica, and Furaibo on Sawtelle. And of course, every east coaster's dream, In-n-Out Burger. Seoul Sausage would have also been on the list had they not closed early. I also introduced him to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - how can they not have this on the east coast?

In true Teresa fashion, I started my birthday weekend by giving back - donated a sack of groceries for the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive --

Then I threw a party! I received the best birthday gift imaginable - a home filled with friends, laughter, and cake --

Next up, another storytelling event tomorrow night --

And hopefully a return to semi-regular blogging along with more writing, writing, writing...

The Hump Day Update: Spring Awakening Edition

I have emerged from the ashes...with a pilot script!

Yes, dear readers, that's where I've been these past months. Writing, writing, writing - head down so I couldn't see all the good television and fun I was missing, focused on completing a new original pilot script in time for staffing season.

And I did it! It's done. Which means it's time to share all the things I did manage to squeeze in between my writing sprints these past two months...

In the midst of writing, I shot a vanity video for my agents at The Writers Junction - can't wait to see how it turned out!

Produced a friend's short film, with serious performances from these guys --

That may or may not have involved jumping into a pool fully clothed --

In the middle of the day, I had perhaps the most exciting celebrity sighting of my entire life - KITT!

I shot a few more episodes of Grey's Anatomy, helping to save fake patients like this sweet guy --

Had a handful of auditions at which I ran into lovely ladies like this one --

I attended writing group meetings --

Reading events --

And volunteered, of course. Presentations and events for Break the Cycle --

And WriteGirl --

Including a workshop at the Japanese American National Museum, where I found a profile on Mitsuye Endo, who I portrayed for years in Theatre Espresso shows. Me and Mitsuye --

Finally, nerdiness! Attended two PaleyFest panels, filled with ethnic talent --

And saw Eric Kripke, creator of Supernatural, speak at the Nerdist studio at Meltdown Comics--

The store was filled with comic goodies galore --

Finally, I threw a Pi Day dinner on 3/14, because I'm a nerd who loves pie. I made this banner of pi to over 3,000 digits to decorate my place --

Wow, I've been busy!

Back to writing...