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Noel Potter has a similar issue. He needs a new boyfriend to scare off his ex, but not just any boyfriend. He needs Stefan, an underwear model with all his buttock clenching, post-meal purging and obvious hatred for anyone not body beautiful. Like Joseph, Stefan doesn't exist.
Enter Daniel Bliss, a classically trained New York actor with one thing in mind: Becoming the next Robert De Niro. There is one small problem: No one will hire him. He is stuck performing bit-parts and acting as stand-ins.
But then Daniel comes up with a new business venture, one that pays handsomely and keeps him true to his aspirations of becoming a great actor: He starts acting in real-life roles, situations where a trained thespian can fill the void, becoming Joseph, Stefan and anything anyone is willing to pay for.
"Every actor should own this book."
Richard Montoya. Choreographer and Broadway Performer
Anonymous
Posted October 30, 2007
Shadow's Bliss is set in New York City and follows the life of an aspiring actor, Daniel Bliss. Daniel comes up with creative ways to substitute his meager income while trying to stay true to his dream of becoming a famous actor. But this is not just a story about a wannabe actor, it is a story about any ordinary person trying to make it in the tough real world. If you like fiction with a touch of reality, you will enjoy this book. From the very beginning, the author makes you familiar with the characters and setting and plunges you into the life of Daniel Bliss as if it were your own. It is cleverly written and easy to read. Just when you think you know where the story is going there are unexpected twists and treats to keep you reading!
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Posted July 19, 2007
The premise promises to be entertaining: a struggling young actor supplements his income while he hones his craft as a character-for-hire. And, the premise delivers in almost-movie-like form with a romp through New York City. Smith deftly captures the insecurities and foibles of his cast of characters, from the otherwise-successful-yet-still-single businesswoman to the mercenary producer to the actor/narrator who is Daniel Bliss. It is with sardonic delight that he embellishes the roles everyone portrays to encompass theatrical melodrama culminating in a tried-and-true plot twist. He beautifully builds up the city and its boroughs in a grandiose role as set and stage it is obvious that, like Daniel, Smith loves New York City. It also appears to be clear that of all his characters, Smith sympathizes with Daniel's impoverished actor group: his wry, cutting commentary takes on a softer touch as he examines people that he seems to believe, despite all their posing and preening and practicing and assuming false identities, are more real than the other inhabitants of Manhattan.
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Posted September 29, 2006
This is a book that I fully enjoyed reading¿It¿s an interesting glimpse into the life of a struggling actor. I won¿t do a recap of the story but let me say the author did an excellent job with this book and this is the first of many books I hope to read from him. The characters were richly portrayed it was easy for me to develop a picture in my mind of the people and places. I enjoyed getting to know Daniel through the series of flashbacks instead of having to flip backwards through the book to revisit pages already read. This book is definitely not just for actors, everyone would truly enjoy it.
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Posted July 22, 2006
A very well-written piece of work. This book not only works as a beautiful story but also, for actors, a fictional view into the life of some who aspire to be at the top and how far one will go to get there. It does not leave you hanging at the end, the end is one of the best parts. It has humor, thrills, and tears. A MUST HAVE!!!
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Posted July 17, 2006
Shadow's Bliss is about an actor, Daniel Bliss. We learn the cold hard truth about aspiring actors, especially in NYC. The side jobs, waiting, parking cars, etc. The experience of the audition. A fate worse than death. But Daniel's good. He works constantly at his craft. Then the suprises. He starts to act in real life, for a fee. This turns out to be some of his best work. He'll pose as a date. Or, when the Russian mob approaches, who know what will happen? Meanwhile we learn the intimate details about the actor and his craft. We learn the day-to-day realities of how to say alive in NYC waiting for that big break. In the end, lets just say Daniel's life is in peril. Will he live to act another day? Will his acting skills save his life? You'll have to read the book,
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Posted June 28, 2006
This book is indispensable for anyone pursuing a show business career. Daniel Bliss is an actor fallen on hard times. Not able to make the rent on table jockeying alone, he starts on a new business venture: real life acting. Taking on such roles that we've all needed at some point, be it as boyfriend for a big party, private investigator to intimidate someone, or alibi, his business is a success, until he accepts a job from the wrong client. This book is filled with informative tidbits that the non actor would never have dreamed of, as well as sage advice to those who need their spirits lifted, as constant rejection is often the case in such a business. This is the second book by Darren Smith, and I eagerly await the third. I have definitely found my favorite author!
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Posted July 3, 2006
The story of Daniel Bliss, struggling actor, to make it, or at least make ends meet, was one that many the aspiring actor will relate to. Sage advice on how to overcome misery at the daily drudgery at a 9 to 5, in order to fund a life desperately clinging to a tinsel-town tainted ideal, is dispersed throughout, as well as a look into other such necessities, which to the novice actor works as a lifeline. Our anti-hero just wants his big break, and is willing to go to great lengths, or sink to great depths, to achieve it.
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Posted June 14, 2006
Toss out your bedroom size b&w set and roll in the plasma screen. This book is a full life Technicolor presentation of the trials and tribulations of a young New Yorker that will keep you chained to it until you read the last page. Not recommended for subway reading - you will miss your stop. Great, clever writing. A unique, intelligent study of the contemporary NYC social habitat - and how it all clicks for an individual trying to survive in it and fulfill a goal of his life.
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Posted April 26, 2006
Sydney Stewart needs a man, and not just any man, she needs Joseph. Joseph is tall, handsome and Ivy League educated. He works in the stock market and tells wonderfully descriptive tales of his days traveling the globe. Sydney¿s friends will love Joseph they will welcome him into their throng with open arms but there is one small problem: Joseph doesn¿t exist. Noel Potter has a similar issue. He needs a new boyfriend to scare off his ex, but not just any boyfriend. He needs Stefan, an underwear model with all his buttock clenching, post-meal purging and obvious hatred for anyone not body beautiful. Like Joseph, Stefan doesn¿t exist. Enter Daniel Bliss, a classically trained New York actor with one thing in mind: Becoming the next Robert De Niro. There is one small problem: No one will hire him. He is stuck performing bit-parts and acting as stand-ins. But then Daniel comes up with a new business venture, one that pays handsomely and keeps him true to his aspirations of becoming a great actor: He starts acting in real-life roles, situations where a trained thespian can fill the void, becoming Joseph, Stefan and anything anyone is willing to pay for. ¿Every actor should own this book.¿ Richard Montoya. Choreographer and Broadway Performer
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
Noel Potter has a similar issue. He needs a new boyfriend to scare off his ex, but not just any boyfriend. He needs ...