Monday, July 21, 2014

Wilma Acts As If

Act As If: Stumbling Though Hollywood With Headshot in Hand is my book of essays about the life of a journeyman actor in Hollywood, a life I lived for twenty years. It's not easy work, but it's hilarious if you bring your attitude.

The book comes out in August. In celebration, Wilma shows us how to Act As If

Here's Wilma with John, acting as if she's dangerous.

Here's Wilma with her bunny, acting as if she's a big time squirrel hunter. (I'm sorry, Bunny.)

Here's Wilma, acting like she owns everything in the house. She doesn't.
(Photo by John Sandel. Raised bowls thanks to Bellis.)

Here's Wilma with John again, acting like—actually, she's not acting here. She's being herself.

I discuss these techniques and more in Act As If, and I give each topic all the gravitas or hilarity (or both) it deserves. Wilma is a very good actor.

27 comments:

Book Dragon said...

Cute pics of a happy dog, almost as good as a cute kitten. (well, I am a cat person)

Dina said...

This post helps us get to know Wilma.
The picture with the slippers is so funny.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

That look in her eyes (second pic) says it all!. :-) is it the look of dread that most have when pics are taken of us? or is it the slippers... she is gorgeous!

William Kendall said...

Boy, is she a sweetie!

-K- said...

Another book! Congratulations. You're prolific!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Cat people are welcome here, BD.

John took the one with the slippers, Dina.

KBF, I think it's the look of "Why are you sitting on the ground and what is that thing you're pointing at me?"

She is, William. We are fortunate.

-K-, thanks for noticing! Though I admit I'm slipping in my advertising under the Wilma radar.

Anonymous said...

WILMA, you're home!

Petrea Burchard said...

You bet she is, Hiker.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

'what big shoes you have grandma'…. that's my favorite photo.

Bellis said...

Congratulations on the new book! How does Wilma carry her headshot around? John's really bonded with her, and she's got him well trained already.

Petrea Burchard said...

PA, John tells the tale of sneaking past her to get the camera. She was suspicious.

Bellis, that's the truth. As for her headshot, I guess she can carry it in her knapsack.

Ann Erdman said...

Wilma is acting as if she has found a loving home forever with you and John.

Petrea Burchard said...

An, when you become an expert at Acting as If, as Wilma is, then how you act becomes true.

Eric Baker said...

Whenever the name Wilma is mentioned it always reminds me of the Flintstones. Looks like she has comfortably moved into the house. Congrats on completing your latest (don't you like the sound of 'your latest') book. I look forward to perusing its wealth.

Petrea Burchard said...

Eric, our super sleuth methods told us Wilma had had her name all or most of her life, so we decided to keep it for her sake. It wasn't our first choice for a name, but we're getting used to it and she answers to it.

I do like hearing "your latest book!"

TheChieftess said...

W-i-l---ma!!! Can't wait to meet Miss Wilma!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

By the time you meet her, Chieftess, she might be ready for a play date.

Margaret said...

She is a natural. I guess she's had lots of acting lessons.

Petrea Burchard said...

It's hard to tell with a rescue dog, Margaret, but I believe she studied at Pooilliard.

Unknown said...

It seems Wilma will have a brilliant career on acting! :-) Good luck with your book, Petrea, and thanks for the little library link.

LOLfromPasa said...

What a delight to see. Happy family! Wonderful!!

LOLfromPasa said...

What a delight to see. Happy family! Wonderful!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, José. I thought the link might interest you. It's people sharing, when governments no longer fund libraries properly. I loved your photo.

Lauren, you've got it right. Wilma makes us feel like a family.

Ms M said...

Such fun photos! Who knew Wilma was into wearing slippers?
And exciting about your new book!

Petrea Burchard said...

Wilma's needs are simple, Ms M, so we allow her the occasional indulgence.

Katie said...

Excellent about your upcoming book! Looking forward to hearing more about it soon. Love all the great photos of Wilma! She looks to have found her true home. She does seem a bit reluctant to be photographed in her house slippers though. Classic!

Petrea Burchard said...

That was a candid shot, Katie. You know, like Lady Gaga without makeup.