The Actor’s Book of Quotes is a compilation of knowledge, wisdom, and a bit of humor covering a wide variety of topics surrounding a career in the performing arts. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Performing artists (and artists in general) tend to be a little more sensitive and emotional than most people you’ll meet out there in the world. The qualities that make us good actors also make us more vulnerable than those working in more traditional careers. The uncertainty that actors must deal with daily can become an emotional roller coaster ride without a strong support system and effective coping skills. I wanted to create a book that would help actors at all levels in their careers––beginner, intermediate, and advanced––find encouragement and inspiration to help them keep moving forward when challenges arise.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The main idea I wanted to share is that we are never alone. Though show biz is a solitary––and often unforgiving––profession, we can take comfort in the knowledge that thousands of actors before us have faced and overcome similar challenges to those we face today. I always encourage actors to research the lives and careers of star-name actors from a by-gone era who are of a similar physical type. We can also research actors who share a similar background, hometown, or alma mater. The idea is to find capable, competent actors we can relate to––and who will help us find a sense of perspective when navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. I hope this book will help actors find words of wisdom to help them keep going––from notable people in the arts (and many other fields) who have already been where we’re trying to go.

How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?

I’ve been collecting inspirational quotes for over twenty years and started working on this book for actors about seven years ago. When I was a young actor in New York, I used to type up quotes I found that would be helpful in keeping me encouraged and on track. I would carry several pages of these quotes in a folder along with my headshots and resumes. I liked to run through them in the waiting room at auditions right before the casting directors would call me in to read. This was a nice trick that always gave me a little energy boost and helped me think bigger when I was auditioning for roles I wanted to book. After a while, I realized that many other actors could benefit from these inspirational messages too––if they were available in book or ebook form.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Actor’s Book of Quotes?

I hope this book will be a useful tool that actors will rely upon to help overcome challenges and work their way through to the next level of their careers. I’ve known so many talented actors through the years, unfortunately, who quit the business because they couldn’t handle the daily grind and constant rejection. I hope this book will help actors find the inspiration to keep going when they feel like giving up. I want this book to be an effective toolbox and a thought-provoking resource guide. We’re remembered in life for the problems we solve or the problems we create. I hope this book will solve problems for working actors and talented newcomers whenever they need it most.

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