Writing

If I Wasn’t a Writer…

I’d be acting on stage

Photo by Jordhan Madec on Unsplash

This is in response to Sherry McGuinn’s prompt from her story “If I Wasn’t a Writer…”

If I wasn’t a writer, I’d be acting. On stage, most likely, since I was never the kind of pretty that makes its way onto the big screen. (At least I never had to worry about Harvey Weinstein.) I might have even made it to Broadway by now. Yeah, I’m that good. Leads in school plays, local awards, glowing reviews, a paid gig, I had ’em all.

Denise Shelton (center, uppermost position ) in rehearsal for a high school production of “Who Are We This Time?” (photo by Steve Raleigh)

But, because I can write, I had a creative outlet that allowed me to forego the lean years waitressing in NYC, taking dance classes and singing lessons, going on the road with second-string productions, and doing the obligatory stint on a cruise ship.

If I all I could be was an actor, it’s all I would have wanted to do, but because I can write, I didn’t have to. That proved to be an advantage. I may have missed out on fame and fortune, but I get to sleep in my own bed.

Actors have to go where the work is, but by choosing to write, I could work anywhere. I have a stable relationship and was able to be home for my kid. That’s not always possible…