So I went to the show, did some undercover work as a spy, and found out the show consisted of all stories. Not an essay in the bunch. And during the show, as I listened to the moving stories, I sobbed and snorted. And I got more determined...
I did my prep work. I found out what kind of writing they were looking for.
This year Listen to Your Mother opened for submissions in January, and after getting my story critiqued by the WWWPs, I sent it off a few days after the submission period began.
I prepped. I polished up my story and made it as shiny as possible.
I waited. And waited. And when they emailed me, telling me I had made it through the first hoop, that I was going to get to audition, I worked on paring my story down a little. I read it aloud. Lots. I took out the word "inexplicably" because I knew I'd trip all over it.
I continued to prepare...
On the evening of my audition, I brought along a big QT cup full of tea...because I knew I would get parched and nothing would be within immediate reach. I peed...because I'm fifty-something and never pass up a bathroom. I got there extra early, so I could sit and practice and relax.
I prepared by getting as much in place as I could.
Decisions would be made at the end of the week, we were told. They said we'd hear either way. I certainly hoped I would make it, but I was prepared to get the "Thanks but no thanks" email.
I hoped for the best but prepared for the worst.
This time (for me) being prepared paid off. I got an email yesterday congratulating me. On May 10, I'll be part of St. Louis' 2nd annual Listen to Your Mother show.
So, St. Louis friends--save that date. And get your tickets now. Last year they got snapped up fairly quickly...
What was the best (or the worst) advice your mother/grandmother/aunt ever gave you?
Congrats! I'm sure you'll have the crowd yelling, "Encore! Encore!" Break a leg! That's a proper show-biz well-wish, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe best advice my mom ever gave me? It was on the day before I got married: "Honey, they're all alike." Not quite sure exactly what she meant, but she was right.
Val--I think we BOTH know what she meant...(And thank you. But perhaps "Break a leg," is not something you should say to me because as gawky as I am, I might literally break something as I walk onto the stage.)
ReplyDeleteGood for you on the acceptance! You are a determined gal and it paid off for sure!
ReplyDeleteClaudia--Thanks. You are determined as well. Get to work on that novel you're working on...;)
DeleteCongratulations, Sioux! I just bought my tix for the 10am show! Can't wait to meet you! I recently did a post on advice from my mother...her words are with me always! Break a leg!!!
ReplyDeleteNoExcuses--Thanks, and thank you for buying tickets. I'm heading to your blog now...It's always interesting to hear advice that other people's mothers have given them.
DeleteHi Sioux,
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news! Congratulations and best wishes. Your post shows how persistence and preparation pay off--and how important it is to take potty breaks whenever you can!
Bravo!
Donna-Thanks. When you get to be a certain age, you know which gas station chains have the best bathrooms and you ALWAYS go before you leave the house.
DeleteCongratulations! I saw your name in the audition list, and hoped you'd get picked. I received the "thanks but no thanks" email - but it's all good. I can't wait to hear your story!
ReplyDeleteAnd my mom's sex advice? "Tell him to keep it in his pants." He didn't.
Kim--Thanks. You're an old pro. You were part of the "maiden voyage" of the St. Louis show.
DeleteYour mom's advice sounds like advice we gave our son when he was a teenager. Except with him, we let him know the "it" we were talking about.
Congratulations! Opportunity favors the prepared, and you've proven that to be true. You have to be so proud of yourself! You worked hard and earned that "yes!" The best advice was "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." She was right. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa--Thanks. And your mom was right. That is soooo true. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems there's a shortage of honey and an overabundance of vinegar...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It's nice to be reminded that hard work really does pay off, and you will of course be awesome. I recently realized my mother didn't give a lot of advice - and that's a pretty priceless gift on its own.
ReplyDeleteTammy--I agree. Unasked-for advice is quite a gift.
ReplyDeleteTerrific news! Persistence and determination paid off. You are a good example to the slackers amongst us (me). My husband's aunt told me on me wedding day, "You'll wake up some morning and think 'What have I done!' but don't worry, we all do that, it's normal." I have, and I don't worry, instead I think of her and smile.
ReplyDeleteMarcia--Nobody would ever call you a slacker. You win more contests than anyone in St. Louis. Many of us (me) don't even enter...
DeleteJim's aunt was right. ALL women say that at some point...;)
Congrats, Sioux! I first read the news on the Saturday Writers website. I didn't know you'd entered, so it was a really fun surprise! (And don't worry, I won't tell you to "break a leg"...those are not good-luck words to me, either!)
ReplyDeleteBecky--Thanks.
DeleteAnd oh, I might break a (real) leg.
YAY!!! I just blogged about your and Listen To Your Mother show and just bought my ticket! Congratulations. I can't wait to see you LIVE!
ReplyDeleteLynn--You see me "live" a couple of times a month. Isn't that scary enough?
DeleteCongratulations, Sioux! I'm sure you'll perform like a shining star.
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat--Can I get a little Earth, Wind and Fire to accompany that comment?
Delete