Expert: Peter Messaline - 3/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: i wish to become famous i know it sound stupid but i can sing though i have no band mates i can act i write stories poems can i send you something or anything to help me or give me tips i'm a 18 year old male

ANSWER: You can't aim at becoming famous.
That's like aiming at being an Olympic athlete.

All you can do is to get as good as you can at the things that interest you, and test yourself against other people. Get involved at any level you can with organised versions of what you want to do.

Sing? introduce yourself to bandmembers, be a roadie, get known, sit in at the end of the set.
Write stories? Write some. Look at local newspapers and newsletters of all sorts, see what they are publishing and send your examples to them. Again, any exposure wil help establish you.

You won't find a market for poems, but perhaps you can write song lyrics?

Use the successes you have at the basement level as stepping stones to bigger challenges. People won't take a chance on your being able to jump from being 'Joe Turkey' to being 'Joe, Our Leader'. You have to lead them along step by step.

Use the Internet and your public library to find out all you can about the careers you are looking at. Look for down-and-dirty advice, not miracle success magic and not superstar biographies.

And ignore the destination for a bit, and concentrate on enjoying the journey.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok i understand what your saying can you at least tell me how to get started i'm thinking of joining a choir class just how to get started

Answer
The choir will help.
Follow the rest of my advice, and look for more ways to show yourself to people. This is not easy, and it doesn't get much easier, but no-one else can tell you what to do in your exact situation.

If the choir goes well, talk to the teacher and the other students about more singing that might be going on in your area.

And look for opportunities. Read the local paper, listen to conversations, ask your friends and relatives. Fortune favours the prepared.