Kelly Deeny

Day 79 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Award Worthy

Day 79: An Award-Worthy Performance

In honor of award show season, I thought it fitting to celebrate the performances that impressed me most this past year. Let’s get started with my favorite new TV drama series: ‘UnREAL’ (LIFETIME).

This brilliant new show features a range of work that’s worthy of continued praise and multitude of blog posts. However, one standout moment during the third episode of the season solidified my belief that Shiri Appleby’s performance as “Rachel” is award worthy!

(Since I REAL-ly don’t know whether I can include clips on here without infringing on any copyrights, you won’t find the video here. But, I can share it on social media. You can find me at @kellydwriter on Twitter.)

UnREAL (Lifetime) – S1E3

In the brief, yet revealing, scene between mother and daughter, Shiri masterfully unveils Rachel’s complexities without exposing too much too quickly. We see a young woman with a desire for independence yet unable to cut the ties that bind her, walls of self-protection to keep her heart safe, and a strength that’s not always recognized by the woman within or the ones that surround her. By the end of this particular scene, we root for Rachel to thrive and understand the obstacles, internal and external, that drive her forward.

Shiri Appleby’s work during season one of ‘UnREAL’ proved once again that acting talent rooted in subtle expressions and depth of range may not always yield awards, but are definitely worthy of them!

Visit mylifetime.com to catch on to one of the best TV dramas of the season – for real!

Days 76-78 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Award Show Season

DAYS 76, 77, & 78

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – award show season!

Award shows that honor achievement in film, television, and theatre? Of course I’d watch! My entertainment blog tagline is Celebrating film, TV, and theatre after all.

2015-12-09 22.36.48

I love this time of year – all the excitement, anticipation, and artistry from one award show to the next. Nominations in film and television have just started, with theatre taking center stage in June. Since I do not yet qualify for press credentials, I’ll be organizing local viewing parties for friends and family instead of interviewing red carpet arrivals.

So many intriguing films nominated that I now want to see, and plenty of TV shows that are on my must-catch-up list. Award show season has begun, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Days 74 & 75 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAYS 74 & 75: A Writing Career

I’m a Writer?

When people ask me what I do for a living, I have two answers:
• I am currently utilizing the temporary staffing format for expansion of my skill sets
• I am a writer

The latter answer yields a significant amount of questions and sincere interest in learning more. “What do you write? Do you write articles? What have you written? Are you published? Where can I read your work? Can I buy your book?”

“I write fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. I’ve written articles for a local publication. I’ve completed a two-act play and a YA novel, which have yet to be published. Check out my blog to read selections of my work. You can buy my book once it’s published!”

I’ve found that others relate to my writing when I’m forthright about my struggles (personally or professionally). I doubt that I am the only one who’s dealt with issues of self-esteem, belief in one’s talents, or battle between the comfort of dependence and an independent spirit. I share my work in the hope that doing so helps someone else who may be going through similar struggles.

Writer’s Time Out

If you’d asked me what I was “going to be” when I got older, writer would not have been high on that list. The desired role of singer left no room for any other possible career goals. When I finally realized that not only did I love to write but others loved what I wrote, I didn’t know how to turn that realization into a career.

I’ve floundered ever since, weaving in and out of careers while I kept writing on my “free” time. It was somehow safer not to pursue a profession in writing, because I didn’t know how to deal with the possibility that I wasn’t as talented as I thought. That I didn’t have the experience. That {insert dream-crushing comment here}. I journaled and blogged about my dreams, my goals, my hopes for a career in the arts but didn’t believe in myself enough to take action steps.

Having confidence and believing in myself is necessary to keep moving towards a writing career. I don’t know what lies ahead. I’ve spent plenty of time looking back and dreaming of the future. It’s time to live in the present. And right now, I’m focusing on writing – the gift that continues to give back tenfold!

Days 71-73 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

Days 71 through 73: Reflections

The words I choose matter. I seldom spout opinions in the midst of sadness, frustration, or incomprehensible tragedy. I, instead, turn to the creative arts as a healthy form of expression and reflection.

I am a writer. As such, I seek to share this treasured skill to help spread hope, resilience, and inspiration during a time when our world has been bruised once again.

I am finalizing details on a holiday idea to share with you, blog readers, and will have more information later this weekend.

In the meantime, enjoy this festive sight!

Days 66-70 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

What a hectic week it has been! The 111 DWJ encountered obstacles both internal and external this week, hence the lack of a new post since Thanksgiving. In the midst of struggles, I seek refuge in my love of writing; I turned those hurdles into stepping stones through a Motivational ~~Monday~~ Tuesday poem.

TRAVELING COMPANIONS

We walk through life, navigating our own way
Through changes of season, scenery, and unexpected road work
We’re determined to traverse the path independently
Convinced we’ll reach our destination
As a stronger, more independent being

Some of us walk in the footsteps of those who came before
While others search for paths that were cleared by previous travelers
We run towards a desired destination
Or from an obstacle that nearly stopped the journey

Companions take our hands
Or take the lead
Changing the course along the way
Though not its significance

We are not alone in this journey of life,
so why are we determined to walk it alone?

Day Sixty-Five of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Thankful

DAY 65: Happy Thanksgiving

I hope your day was filled with love, laughter, and wondrous food. Even more so, I hope you had an opportunity to reflect upon that for which you are thankful.

May the gratitude and thankfulness continue on long after the leftovers.

PETALS OF APPRECIATION

Days 63 & 64 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

WRITING PROMPT WEDNESDAY – Thanksgiving

Use the image above as creative inspiration for a short story, poem, or letter of appreciation.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who are celebrating this holiday!

Day Sixty-Two of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY 62: Motivational Monday Poem

2015-11-23 14.53.14 — #MotivationalMonday

Reach for the moon

Visible or hidden

Dreams only a short distance away

Don’t just make a wish,

Make a decision

Keep your feet planted,

Rooted in depth and perception

A journey traveled in linear time

A spirit unaccustomed to the restriction

Earth to sky

And the in between

Realms of possibilities.

Day Sixty-One of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Sunday SoulJourn Poem

Day 61: A Beautiful Sight

Staring at a blank screen, the cursor teasing me with its incessant blinking. “Come on. Write,” it implores. “As you wish,” I reply.

I stare at my not-so-smart phone, and wait eagerly for the light that notifies me of electronic interaction with friends and strangers.

I stare at the movie screen, enthralled with the story and impressed by a screenplay that inspires me to keep writing.

I stare at the words of fiction that implore me to continue typing, determined to tell a story that matters to me.

I stare at the evening sky, the setting sun painting nature’s canvas with vivid strokes of pinks and purples.

I stare at my reflection when the computer falls asleep, and see beauty that pales in comparison to that which my camera captures.

I turn my gaze away from sights unbecoming of the woman that I am. I cannot control the beauty of nature, but I can add to it when I view beauty within.

2015-11-22_17.11.09[1] — #SundaySoulJourn

Days 58-60 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

Even though I don’t post every day as of late, I am still writing. The quality and quantity may not meet my goals, but I’m learning a great deal in the process.