Friday, November 21, 2014

Act As If


Act As If: Stumbling Through Hollywood with Headshot in Hand is now a book! Based on my long-running column for NowCasting.com, which is itself based on my 30-year acting career, this is the book for the actor in your life, aspiring or pro. Some blurbs: 

"…all graduating MFA students who want to make a living in 'The Biz' should be handed this book with their diploma, to give them a realistic view of the business they want to pursue. It's an honest, practical and remarkably uncynical look at the job of being an actor."
            Rick Hall, actor—Good Luck Charlie, 24, Curb Your Enthusiasm

"This book is a must for anyone thinking of taking Hollywood by storm. Petrea can point out common pitfalls while throwing in a dash of empowerment. It's your life, your career. Keep your eyes open and be sure to have this book on your nightstand."
            Liz Hanley (aka “Blanche”), Theatrical Agent, Bicoastal Talent

"I felt like I had a friend after reading this, someone who knows and expresses so eloquently the ups and downs and striving that an actor goes through on their artistic and career journey. It’s a delight, it’s fun, it’s comforting, and it’s real. Give it as a gift to yourself, or a fellow actor."
            Fran Montano, Artistic Director, The Actors Workout Studio

Act As If is officially in "soft launch." Everyone's already busy with the holidays, so I'll do an official launch (hard launch?) in the new year, with a contest and everything.

However! There will be a pre-launch on November 29th at Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse, from 2-4 PM.

(This leaves room for a post-launch, a launch-launch, and a lunch-launch. Watch this space.)

Flintridge Bookstore is celebrating Small Business Saturday all day on the 29th, and you should come! It's a wonderful store with all the books you want, plus gorgeous gifts, AND coffee with treats. Easy to get to, at 1010 Foothill, and there's plenty of parking behind/under the store. Here's a chance to expand your literary horizons and check out Flintridge.

My Thanksgiving weekend is planned thusly:
Thanksgiving, which I will enjoy so quietly I'll be able to hear myself chew.
Black Friday, which I celebrate annually by hunkering down in the house with the curtains drawn.
Small Business Saturday, please see above.
(Apparently the western world still keeps Sundays open for church.)
Cyber Monday, when we're encouraged to shop online exactly like we do every other day, and when I will likely stay offline and write.
And Giving Tuesday—because after having spent the weekend acquiring, it's time to share what you have left, if anything, with the needy. I'll probably do that online.

Remember, books make great gifts!

15 comments:

dive said...

My copy arrived on the shores of Olde England a week ago and I'm loving every page.
Buy it for friends and family.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you, Dive. I'm glad you're enjoying it. Does it make you want to move to Hollywood?

dive said...

Too scary for me!

Ms M said...

Congratulations!
I will be going to Amazon soon to get mine.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Ms M.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

A book like this has been needed for a long time.

Bellis said...

Before this book, I didn't even know what a headshot was. The chapters are short, which makes it a great bedtime read (before I fall unconscious).

Petrea Burchard said...

I hope you're right, PA. One of the pro actors who wrote a blurb said all graduating MFA students should receive a copy with their diploma so they know what they're getting into.

Bellis, you read the way I do! That's why I write short chapters.

Anonymous said...

Great reviews, well done!

Shell Sherree said...

Yay! Congratulations, Petrea ~ how wonderful!! The soft launch sounds lovely {as I'm sure all the various launches will turn out to be!!} Happy Quiet Thanksgiving and enjoy your various hibernations.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you, Geoff!

Shell, thanks. I'll enjoy my launches and I will especially enjoy my hibernations. How did you know?

Anonymous said...

Here's to the ladies who launch -- Flintridge Bookstore sounds like a great idea for Saturday.

Petrea Burchard said...

You made me think of this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=virv-1o2KjE

LOLfromPasa said...

I am loving it, Petrea! Reading the Kindle version but I fully intend to buy a hard copy too!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Wonderful of you to say so! The paperback should be ready in a few days and you know me, I'll announce it.