Now, Plan B does have some really wonderful qualities. For one thing, it's always there to back you up while you're pursuing Plan A. As long as you're still on Plan A, you live with the comfort that if it ever doesn't work out, you can always just move right on to Plan B. That's a nice feeling...to know you have options. However, the trouble comes when you reach that point where you have to actually rely on Plan B and you haven't quite come up with Plans C, D, and E.
That's the point I'm nearing right now. Unfortunately, the combination of the recession and the everyday shortage of jobs within the entertainment industry has left me struggling in the career department...not to mention the financial one. Though I do still have a few more irons in the fire than a number of people, none of them are at the point where they can provide for my day-to-day existence. Because of this, I am seriously considering falling back on my Plan B, which is to head home to Alabama, take a few months to focus solely on writing, then look for a job to bring in some money until I sell a script or pen that next great American novel (or the next Harry Potter, which would probably be even better).
Now, as you probably deduced from my first post, the idea of Plan B is not something I'm necessarily opposed to. I miss my family, I miss my dog, and I miss the real stars (there are no street lights at home, so the stars are absolutely magnificent). Plus, I've always said that if I'm going to make it at this whole writing bit, I'm going to do it my way...and my way is rooted back home amongst the people and places from which my inspiration springs. However, I can't seem to quiet that little voice, which is echoed by everyone who assumes leaving means giving up the dream, that tells me to cling tight to California and Los Angeles. Is there a way to be in both places at once? Even I know the answer to this one, but it doesn't stop me from asking the question.
To me, Plan B isn't giving up...it's taking another approach, which - in all honesty - feels a little bit more like me. But taking that plunge into Plan B is like removing the safety net and stepping out in complete faith...faith that the right things will come along...faith that I will find my purpose in life...faith that by taking what appears - at first - to be a step backwards, I will, in the whole big grand scheme of things, actually be taking a giant leap forward. Faith like that is scary, but it's a necessary part of life. One of my favorite philosophers, the late, great Alabama football coach Bear Bryant, once said, "If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high - but so are the rewards." I think even Auburn fans can find value in that. I just have to trust that, as long as I continue to have faith in myself, I'll end up where I need to be, whether it's here or there or somewhere in between.
By the way, I have a rough outline of the first sequence of my new project. So far there's a murder, a secret, a little sex, and a movie premiere. Are you interested yet? I thought so! Stay tuned...it only gets better from here!
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