Jersey Boys

Ever wonder how your favorite group, author, actor got started? What drove them to pursue a career in the often frustrating, but frequently satisfying, field of arts and entertainment? I know my reasons, but what I want to talk about is...JERSEY BOYS.

Four boys from "Jersey," who met on a street corner and harmonized. Four boys, who suffered through hard times for their craft. Four boys, who stuck it out and gave us hits such as: Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like A Man, Dawn, My Eyes Adored You.

If you were a teenager during the time of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, this is a "must see" show. Remember Frankie trilling "Sherry, Sherry, ba-a-by?" Remember the choreography and precision? My lips formed the words. My feet danced along, although I sat demurely in my seat. Well, maybe not so demurely. I applauded 'til my palms stung. I cheered 'til my husband poked me in the ribs and said he couldn't hear the music.

Even if you didn't live through the release of their many hits, you can appreciate the play. Maybe it'll strike a note with you on where you are in your career. Spring, summer, fall or winter.

In spring we have an idea for a story. It's a baby, needing to be nurtured and cherished. We are in the throes of putting our flowery words on paper. We love each and every syllable.

In summer, we finish our book--if we are among the few who actually finish a book. We adore this treasure we've created out of our imagination. We submit it to agents and editors. It's going to sell immediaely, because was gthere ever before a book this good?

Ah, fall! We fall into depression as deep as the file of rejection letters. But, we pick ourselves up and pound out another story.

Winter, a time for celebration. We've sold a book. Maybe not that first pearl we wrote, but we are finally validated for our hard work. It's almost an indiscribable feeling. You want to jump up and down. Shout for joy. Call someone!

All seasons of a writing career have ups and downs just like The Jersey Boys. We can maybe learn from their mistakes and revel in their victories. After all, haven't we all been there in different ways?

Anyway--enough philosophizing. Go see Jersey Boys and enjoy a night out with your husband, significant other, or good friend. The next day--back to the job of writing and that next gem.