Casting Call

Today I went to the casting call far Star Wars Episode VII. I stood in a line about 1/2 a mile long with two of my friends for five hours. No joke, guys. Actually five ours. Did I think something would come of it?Maybe just a little bit, but not really. Why did I do it? Because I had to. I wasn't forced to, but the child and the nerd and the actor in me told me I couldn't live with myself if I didn't. I mean, it's Star Wars. How could you pass up an opportunity like that?

So we stood in line in the 40 degree weather in the middle of Lincoln Park with hundreds of other twenty somethings. And that was it. Then we went in the building, shook some hads, and left. Day done. 

Why? Why would I do that? Why wouldn't I do that? It was for the experience. To say that I did. Because a little part of me, no matter how many times I walk away from acting and my childhood fantasy of being in the movies, will never really let it go away. So I stood in line all day to shake the casting lady's hand and tell her my name. I can say that I did. 

And now I'm in the car on the way to dinner blogging about it, and isn't that what blogs are all about? (I'm not the one driving. Calm down.)

This is me "walking like a movie star" (they're just like us!).

Flash Fiction

It's National Novel Writing Month. The following is not a novel, although I'm working on it. Instead, I have some flash fiction for you. Let me know what you think. Maybe some day I'll use it for something bigger.

She was running. She had been running for some time. Her vibrant red hair had turned a darker shade with the dirt and sweat and grease. They had probably lost track of her, or at least fallen behind, some time ago, but she was not willing to let up. Adrenaline and fear kept her going.
She was deep in the woods now. Branches scraped her arms and caught in her hair. She stumbled over roots and nearly crashed to the ground more than once. She heard no other noise but her own footsteps, and the trees as she came crashing through the branches.
There was a light up ahead. Looking over her shoulder she saw nothing but darkness behind her. Running towards the light she thought, just keep going.
The light continued to brighten. Soon it was apparent there were two lights: headlights.
The car horn pierced the silence, sending a flock of birds soaring into the midnight sky. She broke through the tree line as the car pulled up to meet her.
"Get in," someone inside the car called.
She didn't hesitate. Wrenching open the door, she jumped in the passenger seat and slammed the door. The car took off before the door was closed.
"What were you thinking?" asked the driver.
She didn't answer. She stared straight ahead and let the heater warm her.
What was she thinking?