Getting Back Into Games, Self-Employed World & The Important Questions To Scene Writing!

Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. As we come to the end of April, and into the start of May, this week featured some shuffling on the admin side, a session to develop my writing skills, and a podcast which is quite possibly one of the most important aspect in my acting career. With the weather being much better as well (Well, except towards the end of the week when it started raining), as you can see below, it did make me feel more energised and productive after a workout (which I'll mention later on how I got on along with my other exercises for that week). So without further ado, here is what I got up to on the week commencing 28th April 2025.

Professional:

Actors Pro Expo:

This week I watched 2 actors pro Expo seminars this week. The first one was with Melissa Gethin Clarke from Nina Golds casting office. Good on her for doing it despite having a sore throat, and I’ve learnt a lot of things from this seminar, including what I put on social media and why I need to be careful with it. And I then listened to another one with Nathan Caselton from the actors studio with Rivals director Elliot Hegarty. This seminar talked about casting from a directors point of view, whichever as really eye opening, as well as how to approach them as well. So all in all two really good seminars to listen to. 

Acting Class:

This week I had more of a writing session. And you know what? I thoroughly enjoyed it. We learnt all about the 4 important questions when writing a scene, what traits the main character needs to have, and why a cliffhanger on every episode bar the end of the series is important. But it was a really good session, and I even managed to come up with 8 lines of dialogue in the process.

Shuffling Around:

This week I managed to do some shuffling on the admin side. These included splitting my table of casting directors I emailed, and made separate tables for the different areas they specialise in. This should hopefully make things less overwhelming, especially now that I’m due to email them for an update on what I’ve been up to. 

Audition Update:

After doing a casting workshop a few weeks ago, I got a notification about a recall. This was an achievement for me, as it's one step closer to being part of a company where it can open alot of doors for me. But whatever happens, being selected is a huge honour itself, so I need to also remind myself to treat the audition like its the job. 

Other Skills:

This week, whilst working at my day job, I started to practice abit of Ventriloquism to myself along with making a mental note of songs that suit my voice. I know its abit of a far stretch, but after hearing an Actors Pro Expo seminar last week about making changes to get where you want, I realised that expanding my skillset is one of those important things. But without overwhelming myself, I need to take it one step at a time and slowly but surely, I can get to a point where I can develop them further.

Act On This Podcast:

This week I caught up on two amazing Act On This podcasts. The first one is the time I delved into the world of commercials, which featured one member of the team a current Act On This member who shows that having a positive mindset can get you anywhere. And I’ve learnt so much on how a casting works, what not to say to a director and also how to email them (which I need to draft next week). So overall a really great session.

The second one delved into was the world of accounting with Ross Grant's accountant Glyn Jelley. Wow it was a lot to take in! Processing all this informs is not easy, and I can see why Ross says it’s a session where most actors think it’s the least sexy. But given the new tax year, I’ve managed to recap the benefits of being self employed even if I’m not earning money from my acting career, and I may take up his offer of getting set up as self employed for free and look at how to sign up with him. Yes I may have to pay him (but accountants need an income too), but by doing this not only will it be one less thing to do from my end, but I can also gain some money back in the process. It’s a win win really. So watch this space…

Coronation Street:

This week I watched the show from 16th April. During a menu tasting (where he reminded Debbie about her possible dementia diagnosis), Carl admitted what was going on with regards to the continuous phone calls, and then revealed about the true extent of his business. Whilst everyone was glad he’s staying, I know it’ll be more awkward for Abi for obvious reasons. Lou also seems to be getting into Gemma’s head, and the first encounter with Audrey didn’t go to plan when she bad mouthed Rita, and I now wonder what Audery has let herself in for when giving both Gemma and Lou a job. Dee Dee is also still on a mission to seek justice, and she made a good point to Asha when she tried to talk to her. It was good to know that Wes has learnt a shoulder to cry on, but after seeing spoilers, there’s a shocking link between him and Zoe, the nurse under Dee Dee’s care. And after reuniting in Sarah’s flat following Todd’s understanding of the knot willing to be open with Danielle yet, Todd seems to be on cloud 9 at the moment. But a lie from Theo has dragged Sarah into a situation which will cause chaos. And Sean’s threat from Brody didn’t impact him as he refused to do a job finding some money (from Julie’s donation pot which he couldn’t do), and it had some major consequences for Dylan. But it’s also caused a fracture with the father and son in the process. I also watched the episode from 18th April. Dee Dee was not giving up after the hospital dropped the investigation, and after seeing a mums group to discover some shocking statistics and revealing them to Maria and Audery, a conversation with Zoe finally came to play. And a comment on Dee Dee put her in trouble. And even though Wes seemed like a supportive person, the shocking link between him and Zoe was something I don’t think Dee Dee, Sarah and Alya were expecting. Speaking of Sarah, her involvement in pretending to be Todd’s “boyfriend” has only put a strain on her relationship with kit. And after a link between mick, Lou and Brody being revealed, Sean faced the consequences of his actions. But I knew from Gemma that she didn’t want tip tell Sean to drop the complaint, but she also knew that Mick was someone who you do not want to mess with. Let’s just hope that it’s scenario won’t drag on. 

Hollyoaks: 

This week we saw lives in danger, a shock diagnosis and a familiar face landing straight into the lion's den. Mondays episode saw Leela and Joel not got to the police, but have a proper chat with Tommy about his behaviour. Whilst it seemed to have worked, it was only the start for him. I think Leela and Joel need to watch out. Sienna is also still on edge after needing answers on who spiked her, but Martha’s idea on who to pin the blame is an awful one. And you can’t use the dementia card for this one. And Donny is still hot on banks’ trial, grilling him about Diane’s weekend away. And one of his henchman has got Donny where he wanted. And Rex has been put in an awful position when grace threatened him to keep her name out when banks grills them, which was after revealing why he let Dillon and Frankie escape. And along with Lucas collapsing, and after seeing spoilers, it’s going to be the start of a possible emotional storyline. Tuesdays episode saw John-Paul do a thoughtful gesture for Jez on their engagement party, but it did come with a lot of drama as usual. Rex was pancaking over not only Lucas’ situation but what Grace will say to banks (and at this point she only seems to care for herself). And he also wondered if Grace had anything to do with Lucas (but I’ll get onto it later). Donny also questioned one of Banks’ henchmen and eventually gave him an ultimatum to either start talking or explain the truth. But Donny’s luck has not been great when sienna takes Ste to the hospital for Lucas, but after drinking from the spiked glass which Martha did (when really they thought it was Myra, only realising later that it’s due to Tony’s prawns lol), Sienna knocks over Donny in the first place. But Martha manages to brainwash Sienna when considering who may be responsible. But at the moment the most dramatic moment was Lucas' shock revelation. Wednesday's episode was one of the hardest one to watch for numerous reasons. With Lucas' diagnosis confirmed, he has a big decision to make, and it may look as though Rex will do everything he can to make sure Grace goes down. Donny is also in danger following the previous episode, and whilst I was glad to see the return of Vicky, I can't help but feel that she has put herself in even more danger, especially with Robbie also hearing her. And Martha's plan to get Sienna thinking Cleo spiked her was working, as she has found herself pushing her away, and also been given greif from Mercedes. But all in all, a thrilling and emotional week. But we also saw Tommy having other things on his mind when Jez came to talk to him, but I have a feeling that what he said to Jez he may use himself in his plan with Joel and Leela.

Eastenders:

This week we saw a big secret come to life, feelings being confessed and a new relationship which I feel will soon become dangerous. Monday's episode left off from Thursday's revelation, which did leave Barney curious and upset. But Nicolas' way of sorting things and a quote from Barney soon left Teddy realising that even though he hates Nicola for what he did, he can’t loose her in the process. And knowing the truth would send Harry off the rails. And speaking of Harry, his plan with helping Kojo in the dating game didn’t go to plan when a former fling poured a drink over him. But Kojo and Billy soon helped him by setting him up with Gina. I loved Elaine’s buffet analogy when Johnny reveals he wants more than a casual fling with Felix, and Avani hanging out with Joel seemed to have backfired when the family came home and a text from Amy came to try and rebuild their friendship. But a secret about Priya trying to make another complaint after the first one was dropped didn’t do well for her (as she ended up lashing out) or the family. Tuesdays episode saw Priya try to make it up to Avani, and I’m glad that she was only trying to help, but I’m also glad that she let her have her friends round for the evening. But it did get awkward when Tommy got embarrassed by a personal thing he fears people are going to mock him for. But even though Joel’s theory to understand the world of intimacy may sound helpful, something tells me that it may turn abit darker. Kojo is also on a mission himself, having been requested by Harry to see if Gina will ask him out. And whilst Johnny mentioned his love life with regards to Felix, Harry was right to say that Kojo needs to work on his subtlety after mentioning to Gina that Harry likes her. But it may have worked in his favour, as I haven’t seen Harry this vulnerable before, but it’s good that she can consider at least one date. But it may not even happen following the news about Harry’s Barn, and he also showed vulnerability explaining why it would bother him when Nicola was forced to sell it. Teddy tried to convince her but when that was no good, Phil was on hand to give him some words of advice and even happy to help. And even though Benji got caught in the act, it may not be the last of this traumatic ordeal. Wednesdays episode saw Harry find out the truth from Asad about Shireen, followed by the police turning up to the door, with Harry realising some shocking truths. But despite Nicola closing early due to fear, it didn’t stop Harry from not letting her leave until he gets answers. Meanwhile Gina is feeling abit daft about going on a date with Harry, and an innocent comment from Anna left her seething. And she’s not the only one with a complicated love life. Johnny trying to tell Felix that he wants something more than a hookup didn’t go to plan, and a comment from Felix left Johnny wondering if he had the answers needed. Avani is also still feeling the strain of everything that’s been happening, but we all need someone like Yolande, who gave Priya some tips and tricks when it comes to parenting. Now it may have worked for now, but her getting in touch with Declan again may have made things worse. But Joel helping her out with the money Ross gave him (other than liking her), may be linked to the real reason why they can’t go back to Australia. Finally, Thursday's episode saw Harry confront both Nicola and Teddy about Shireen, who unraveled his trauma on both of them after mentioning his history with the woman he loved. You can tell he was hurting, and just when they managed to convince him that it was all benjis doing, Teddy was in for a further shock when he finds out that it was Nicola all along. I don’t know how that’s going to play out. But things seem to be on the up when Johnny confesses his feelings for Felix, but with Matthew Morrisons exit coming soon, I something tells me it either won’t end well, or they may part on good terms. Anna also explained to Gina why she made the joke about Gina's love life, but after originally planning a night in, they’re at loggerheads again when Gina hooks up with someone. But she was right to say that Anna can either forgive her or not, but I just hope that Gina doesn’t end up like Cindy when it comes to men. And just as Barney is about to confess his feelings for Avani, Joel and Tommy come in and ruin his chances again. And bless Barney for stepping up for Avani after they made a comment when she wasn’t in the room, but it only made things worse for himself. Things are also heating up for Avani and Joel, but there may be danger ahead for her. I just hope Barney was right to warn her. 

XO, Kitty:

This week I started a romance Netflix series which has been popped up on my Instagram feed and maybe it was fate that I needed to see it in the flesh. The first episode “XO” dad Kitty make the journey to Seoul to not only reunite with her boyfriend Dae, but to also discover some of her roots linking to her mum herself. And you know when you should go, when the step mum is supporting the decision after mentioning her past. And whilst all seemed like it was a good start, meeting and making a new friend in Yuri and meeting someone who is possibly linked to her mum, it didn’t go to plan when she discovered Dae’s and Yuri’s link. But Yuri seemed to be having her own problems when her mum suspects of a secret romance (which was later revealed to be Dae). But she also had an encounter with the handsome Min-ho who will soon be a big part of her life. Episode two “WTF” saw the aftermath of Dae's secret. Kitty I’d obviously upset and considering on leaving the school before she even started. However, a brief visit to some stops her mum used to go to May have changed her mind, and even though Dae has tried to tell Kitty the truth (even by sleeping outside of her room), it wasn’t enough to convince her. And Dae is also in a pickle himself as being Yuri's boyfriend is the only way to get him out of his money problems, and when he got sucked into a press conference (where Yuri shared something which would damage her father’s reputation), Kitty managed to point out the realisation that the relationship is fake. Even more of a reason for her to stay. In episode 3 "KISS", Kitty is realising that school in Seoul is not as easy as school in america, and having a new nickname following the incident at the welcome party is not a good start. But we got to see abit more of Q's background and why he is not open to being a public with Florian. And a matchmaking scheme after she convinced the teacher helped, although I am her when I end up with the weird one. I also felt for her when Dae ends up being her tutor, but a revealing secret after revealing something personally about Min-ho may have damaged their relationship forever. We also got to see Yuri's background and who she really spent the summer with, and why she's getting Dae to pose as her boyfriend (who is also having some struggles with his sister money wise), and both Kitty and Q discovered something which led to another possible secret about Kitty's mother. 

Joan:

This week I started a series based on a true life story. Episode 1 saw the early stages of the criminal mastermind. I couldn’t imagine having to take Kelly away, but after seeing the danger that Gary, the father of Kelly, has put her and Joan in, she knew she had to do everything she can to protect them. But I’m glad that the foster family were actually kind and thought about Joan. And just when sister Nancy was helping her out, an arrest on the way to see Kelly from stealing a car, and Gary suddenly comes back into the scene, and it was understandable why Joan decided to leave again. But a job at the jewelers using a tactic from a previous shop seemed to have done the trick, but the owner seems to be a real creep. Just as well when she leaves and meets antiques owner Boisie. And after exploring his house, something tells me he and Joan will create even more chaos. Episode 2 saw Joan delve deeper in Boisie’s lifestyle, all whilst growing feelings for him. And after a test and a pit stop to a nice hotel in the process, she was soon off to Spain, where she was literally in heaven, and conquered her fear of flights. She then got to meet his cell mate Albie and was under strict instructions on what to do. Whilst she was getting on with his wife and son Johnny (who brought a cheeky present for him), Albie mentioning her ex only sent her over the edge. But the journey back was not as great, and a delayed flight back to see Kelly certainly didn’t work in her favour. And with the social getting wind of her encounter with the police and the lack of stability, the chances of getting Kelly back weighed down on her. So it looks like Joan will have to resort to becoming a thief in a bid to dream of what she wants.  

Amandaland:

This week I started a new comedy series which was a spin off from a previous series. I’ll admit I’m only watching it due to an actress I’ve seen before in it, and I couldn’t think of the name of the show. But I’m glad I found the correct version! The first episode saw Amanda, the alpha of the previous show, try to make friends in her new area where things didn’t go to plan. After a not so great start at a football game, her visit to see Della and her partner Fi, when really she was meant to be meeting old friend Anne, ended up in chaos. That and her mother coming to stay is not the best start to a new life. Episode 2 saw Amanda try and live a minimalist life by getting rid of some stuff in a car boot sale. She wasn’t ready to let it go, but Anne managed to convince her that she moved to SoHa for a reason. And Anne was also on a mission to find out who darius’ girlfriend was. After thinking it was Morten, she was shocked to see who it actually was. Mal was also shocked to find that his stuff was used in the sale without realising, but I’m glad that JJ is being the responsible step dad he is. And felicity’s funeral chat was definitely an interesting one, but Fi’s weaving class and a new instrument from the sale was definitely the highlight so far. 

Personal:

Exercise:

This week I managed to go to the gym 3 times this week and do plenty of yoga. And of course I went on my dads exercise bike, where the timings for the 10k mark this week were 13mins 49secs on Monday, and 14mins 7secs on the Saturday. That for me is my personal best, and the quickest I ever got to it. I figured that having music that's fit for exercise (one example being Loose Yourself by Eminem), played a big part. So along with my favourite videos, some music to help boost my energy will do the trick. Here are the results of when I got to the 20 minute mark on both days.

Darts:

This week I had two practices, and even had a mini game with myself, starting at 301 points (as that's what the usual score is for when starting out or still developing your skills). I didn't end up finishing the game, and the stems on my darts being broken didn't help, but at least I managed to find the time to at least start a game. And that is enough for me, and I even managed to get a cheeky treble in. Not a big one, but its something at least.

Premier League: 

This week we saw the tournament came to Birmingham. But I'll be honest, the last game of the quarter finals was the worst one yet, as it just felt abit slow. But from what I've seen from the scores from the previous rounds, it was a tough call now that we're in the last few weeks before playoffs week. Even though I didn't see it at the end, Luke Littler made history once again. There is no stopping this kid, and he may be on the verge of winning the tournament again!

The Piano:

This week I watched the rest of the first episode of series 3. We saw a young girl playing a piece to represent her history and her reason why she played it was beautiful, and finally a singer who made his own composition which was beautifully done. And I can see why they picked two people instead of 1 as the talent was off the scale. I also watched episode 2. It featured train lover Phil doing his own piece, and young girl Ruihan doing a piece to Chopin that was said to be one of the hardest pieces by this composer. There was also an ex music teacher who didn’t let her dementia get in the way of performing for her family and students. There was also 12 year old Marcus who was wise beyond his years and did a beautiful jazz composition, along with a man doing a weird but wonderful song on if his girlfriend was a certain animal. We also saw bin woman Luna do a first on the piano by doing an improvised piece. Kudos to her for doing that. There was also a brilliant Guns n Roses cover and Claudia having to stop the builders so Tamiko can play. We then ended with Star Wars lover Jon who had a personal reason for playing the piano which was quite touching. I can also see in the end why Jon and Mika decided to pick two people for a duet, as once again the standard is so high. 

Britain's Got Talent:

This week we saw the second live show along with an exclusive performance from Disney's Hercules. The standard was once again really high, and I can see why Simon pressed his golden buzzer. And anyone could've been in the live shows, and even though I'm happy with the winner, there were also some potential people that could've gotten through to. And despite skipping a few, the acts have upped their game from their auditions. 

Gogglebox:

This week I managed to watch the rest of episode 11 of the show. I didn’t know what was going on during “This Morning” when there were singing plants, and "WrestleMania" got very out of control. “Married at first sight Australia” saw a bride being abit silly over the grooms wedding choices and picky over the bed, and finally in “the secret life of penguins”, I was holding their hand when the little penguin managed to survive a dreaded storm. I also watched episode 12 of the show, where Roisin and Joe had a funny conversations on living arrangements, one Siddiqui member showed medals from the London Marathon, and Ellie and Izzi helping eachother with their beauty regime.. Danny Dyer was brought to tears and also gave the group and the goggleboxers a guided meditation in "The Assembly", and "Genius Game" is more complicated than I thought. I never even knew that a certain type of fish would create this atonal melody in "The Piano", and "Scam interceptors" showed some emotional times for an elderly woman who just missed out on getting scammed. A Salamanders trick in "The Americas" was clever when he got to the top, and hearing the penalty for loud conversations or music on public transport on "BBC News" made me more conscious of my money. "This Morning" also saw two contestants from an interesting event which made me uncomfortable, and after a new rule was introduced on "Married At First Sight Australia", Paul messed up with Carina big time!

Hard times:

This weeks hard times included one day where I went abit off of my schedule but still managed to persevere. And a big one for me was I didn't get the answers I wanted from a personal question that needed asking (DISCLAIMER: NO ONE HAS DIED AND ME AND EVERYONE ARE FINE, IT'S JUST SOMETHING IN MY PERSONAL LIFE I WANT TO KEEP PRIVATE). But you know what? I'm proud of myself for even asking the question. As I would much rather ask than wonder "what if?" And towards the end of the week, I have been feeling abit drained due to having lots of things on my mind and having one of those spells where I ask myself "I wish i wasn't autistic". I know they say that having it is your gift, but the thing to remember is that it is normal to feel like it, but it will pass eventually. 

What have I learnt this week? The benefits of being self-employed even if I'm not earning money from my acting career and just through my day job. So maybe I'll start looking into accepting the offer Ross Grant gave to members of the podcast...

See you soon for another blog. Until next time...

This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)