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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Abundance (06/08/06)
I stare at the ceiling with heavy unblinking eyes. Watching the decades old popcorn ceiling has become a surprisingly effective way to pass sleepless hours night after night. The lights from the street give just enough illumination for the puffs of plaster to transform into fascinating shapes much like watching clouds on a windy day.

A warm breeze rustles the white linen curtains at the foot of my bed. Enjoying the rush of air waft over me, I sit at the edge of my bed and stare into downtown Seattle. The thousands of fluorescent lights give the city a vaguely orange glow. I can see the headlights of well spaced out cars coming in from west Seattle across the bridge.

My eyes begin to water and burn from lack of sleep, causing my vision to blur and the lights to grow in intensity. Suddenly, all those lights remind me of the set, of cameras, dozens of people milling around, writers hovering over their scripts discussing last minute changes, extras and stand-ins loitering over the catering table, all the in and outs of the business that I miss and crave so desperately.

Apparently, I have a great deal of talent. At least that’s what I’ve been told. The actors, executives, my friends who I write scripts with, and of course my family and closest friends think I’m destined for stardom. In college and in the years thereafter, I’ve won award after award for my direction of play after play. I’ve received rave reviews and appreciation for the times I’ve directed television sitcoms. Actors appreciate my forthrightness in getting my point across and getting their best to come out on camera. The Powers that Be appreciate my consistent ability to come in under budget and with an effective show in the can. Yes, I’m quite the talented guy. The talented guy who can’t seem to land a freaking job.

I have plenty of support from those closest to me. There’s been offers of money, advice, and I have several standing offers to stay with various family members. There’s nothing quite like knowing that those I care the most about continue to believe in me, and there’s nothing quite like feeling that I’m letting them down.

Yes, I can direct plays, which I truly love to do. There are aspects of the stage and a natural high that comes from a live performance that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. There’s only one problem; there’s no money there.

Hollywood is a funny business. It’s been said that, “It’s all in who you know”. No, it’s not. I know people, bankable television and movie stars. These are people who you have seen on the big screen, people who know me, have seen my work, who would like to work with me again, and they do nothing to help. Why is it the people who want to help you the most are the ones who often can’t, and those can choose not to?

I’ve been asked if I’m angry with God for allowing me stay in this station of unemployment. Not at all. In fact, in some ways I feel closer to Him than ever. I’m thankful for the abundance of gifts He has bestowed upon me. I do have talent. I know exactly what I want to do with my life. I know what makes me happy, my work and family. There are many others in this world who have less. I’m thankful for what I have.

That doesn’t mean I’m sitting on my laurels. As I sit on my grandparents’ front porch listening to the night sounds of the city, I make my decision.

“You really going to make your own short film?”

Firmly, without doubt, “Yes, I am. And I need you and your extensive lighting skills to help me do it. For free.”

“Come on, you know I can’t do that.”

Smirking, “Can’t or won’t?”

“Both. Look, I’ve got bills to pay too.”

I just look at him with raised eyes. Finally he runs his hand through his hair, laughs, shakes his head.

“Okay, okay. I can do it for cost.”

Repeat similar talks with my actors, producer, cameraman, and so on. Before I know it, I have a staff, location, and a cast for the bargain price of twelve grand. Much of that money comes from family members who give what they can.

With an abundance of joy and praise, I call for quiet, check the camera and yell, “ACTION!”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
06/19/06
What a unique approach to the topic! I really appreciated this. The present tense stream-of-consciousness worked, too, but may need a bit of tightening up. Your narrator was in bed, then on grandfather's porch, and his attitude chandged drastically from the beginning to the end, but your readers never saw the "scene" change.

Very visual and dramatic--I liked this.
Steve Uppendahl
07/20/06
Very late author's note, I know. I kept meaning to do this.

Anyway, this is my one story that was written for someone else, my brother. This is his story. May the right person see his vast talent and act on it. Soon. Believe me, we are all missing out in the meantime.

Mike, I am waiting impatiently for your break. No one is more deserving.

God bless you and your work.

Steve