There’s a saying: Write what you know. I know entertainment. I made my living as a professional performer for more than thirty years. I also know about being over-forty and trying to work in a youth obsessed industry. Hence, Evie Parish was born—a veteran variety performer who finds new passion and purpose when she joins a covert government agency that bust nefarious scams. I had to research the con-artist and scam angle like crazy, but the ‘performer’ aspect? Let’s just say it’s easy to write what you’ve lived and breathed.
My latest release, Evie Ever After (HQN), is the third installment of The Chameleon Chronicles. Over the course of the series, Evie is torn between the team’s two leaders, Arch (a hunky ex-con-artist) and Beckett (a sexy government agent). Fun.
She spends a lot of time tangling with bad guys and trying to prove to Chameleon that she’s not a piece of fluff. Also fun.
As it happens, Evie’s acting skills make her perfect for this smoke and mirrors operation. She can play any role, take on any persona. Plus, she’s imaginative and motivated. Valuable assets for a team who utilizes scams to bust scams.
In the first book in the series, All About Evie, Evie takes on the role of ditzy ex-showgirl, Sugar Dupont. She talks about shifting into Sugar mode. I wasn’t me, I was Sugar. One of my critique partners asked me to expand on that. She wanted to know how Evie got into character. Did she have a method?
I realized I hadn’t gone into details because, as a veteran performer, that process is second nature to me. I get into character the moment I slip into a character’s skin (read: costume, hair and make
-up.)
I thought back on all the character types I’ve played, the required or requested roles I conquered even though I’m basically shy and, when it comes to showing skin, modest. Years ago, when I was a full time character actress at Tropicana Casino, there were several occasions when I needed to portray a sexy character.
I don’t do sexy. I do cute, zany, deadpan, spastic, studious… I do not do sexy. Not seriously, anyway. If I had to show some skin—like the times I had to portray a showgirl, or a trapeze artist, or a risqué flapper—I adopted a ditzy personality. The more I focused on making people laugh, the less I was stressed about strolling the casino floor in a sequined bra, French cut briefs, fishnets, and heels. But what really helped, was the costume. My attire—head to toe.
No matter if I was a cowgirl, showgirl, fairy, or princess, I went all out. The appropriate hairstyle (most often involving a hair extension or wig), make-up, clothing, and, very important, shoes. I tend to bop in sneakers, stroll in button-up boots, and walk cautiously—although it hopefully comes across as seductively—in stilettos.
The appropriate ‘costume’ affects the way I walk and talk, and provides me with a strange confidence boost. I’m not me, I’m (insert character name).
Where, you’re wondering, am I going with this? Well, this mindset translates into other aspects of my life, and I’m wondering if you use this tool, too? On more than one occasion I have interviewed for a non-entertainment job that I wasn’t entirely qualified for, but knew that I could learn and do well. I was horribly nervous. What helped was ‘dressing the part’. This meant wearing the appropriate attire. Hair and makeup, suit and shoes—head to toe. I looked like a business professional—polished and confident. I felt polished and confident. The interviewer perceived me as polished and confident. They believed what they saw and therefore wanted me on board.
When I’m in author mode, whether attending a book-signing or an industry conference, I obsess over my hair, make-up, and attire, because those are the tools that help me ‘get in character’. I’m not Beth Ciotta the shy, small-town girl. I’m Beth Ciotta the sociable, worldly author!
We’re talking image. Perception. Dress it, be it, and others will buy it.
What about you? Does your attire, your appearance affect how you feel? How you behave? Do you notice that people perceive you differently based on what you’re wearing? Do you dress for success? What boosts your confidence more? A good hair day or the perfect pair of shoes? Do share!
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Marisa
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:22 am:
HI BETH! I’m so glad you could be with us today and congratulations on your latest release Evie Ever After.I’m right in the middle of reading it and I’m very anxious to find out who she finally chooses – Arch or Beckett. And THANK-YOU for writing a heroine who is in her 40’s! I love Evie. Zany, funny and smart.
Wow, it’s so funny you’re writing about this. Maria always says to me ‘its not what you wear, but the way that you wear it’. Of course she always dresses for success and I’m usually running around in sneakers and sweats. I often have to “dress up” for work and it causes me all kinds of anxiety. You’re so right – perceptions half the battle. If you dress the part people more than likely perceive you as being the part. When I have to give the impression of a person ‘in charge’ – I go for the whole suit thing. However, my real passion is shoes – a good pair of shoes tells a story. Of course there is the fact that no matter what weight I am my shoes will always fit. So I’m ever on the look out for those special and unique shoes. I’ve been know to stop strangers in the street and ask them where they got their shoes. But I digress.
For me – having a great hair day? Well if my hair is looking good – then I’m up for any challenge.
Stacy ~
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:40 am:
Hi Beth! What a wonderful post, one that I can relate to rather well. See where I work, we have a dress code. Not just business atire, but specifically monogrammed clothes we wear to represent our company. An assortment of sweaters, vests and polo shirts. I dislike them. No, I loathe them. I admit that I do not feel very confident or comfortable wearing these items, or to be honest, even very feminine in them. I do try to individualize my look with jewelry, but overall, I just don’t feel like I project a professional image, and attitude does have a lot to do with it.
I know a lot of that can be overcome with a “just get over it and pretend you’re wearing a powersuit” type of attitude. I’m not quite that creative. The clothes are not particularly flattering, especially to women. This past year, the company came up with a committee for which I was asked to be on (being one of the more vocal employees about the dress code) yet it was all for show. When all was said and done, nothing changed, leaving me, and many others, feeling more irritated and frustrated than I was before. Bottom line is, we’re stuck. Take it or leave it. If there’s anything to be said for our apparel, it’s that I don’t have to give much thought to what I wear 5 days a week. On a wet, cold morning like today, when it’s pitch black outside and I haven’t had my caffeine, that’s actually a blessing *g*
Maria Lokken
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 7:54 am:
Hi Beth – you worked at the Tropicana? – wow – that’s exciting. I bet you met all sorts of interesting characters.
Let’s not go there with the hair. For me, having a bad hair day can ruin the whole ensemble. And if there is a tiny bit of moisture in the air, well my hair is a barometer and it can tell if there’s water within a 20 mile radius. So, when I’m having a bad hair day, I have to go with the attitude. Attitude is everything.
Laura
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 8:20 am:
Hi Beth,
What a great way to start my day on the computer. You got me thinking about my ensamble. Hmmm. I’m not at my best right now, usually I like to put a bit of blush on by now so that my pasty winter complexion looks more awake! I am a stay at home mom-inspiring romance writer. I use to work in a fiberglass factory before I was married. Talk about itchy. Anyways, the attire there was good-will clothing, you didn’t want to ruin your good clothes, so you can imagine how us women felt when we went to work everyday. Now, I have to confess, I like to look good during the day, I don’t want to fall into the sweatpant category. I try to put some makeup on, even though it’s just my family that will more than likely be the only ones seeing me. It makes you feel better about yourself. I think a good hair day is also a major plus. Don’t get me wrong, mine is always, and I mean always in a ponytail, but, there are good and bad ponytails, ya know. By the way, I love the shirt your wearing in your picture.
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 8:29 am:
Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be here today. Love reading your thoughts on ‘dressing the part’!
Marisa, I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying EVIE EVER AFTER. Oh, to have such problems as having to choose between Arch and Beckett, right?!
I do have response to the posts thus far–which have been GREAT!–but I’m unable to reply at length until around noonish. More soon. Keep them coming!
K. Nelson
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 9:54 am:
Beth! *waving frantically*
Hey, it’s Kerri Nelson (bought your Juvenile Diabetes Auction item last year)! Haven’t spoken to you in a while but I know that you are hard at work.
How are you, dear lady? Just happened to log on and see you here! I love RNtv!!
As far as image is concerned, I totally think that others see you the same way that you see yourself. I know that when I feel “icky” and that I’m having a bad hair day or don’t like my outfit, etc…that I project that image to others. I truly feel that if you feel like you look good then others will feel the same way. They can see your confidence or lack of confidence in your face and demeanor.
I truly believe that this type of thing can make or break you in a meeting or interview. So, keep yer chin up!
What boosts my confidence? Actually, I love to make the people in my life proud. When I know that they are proud of me, I feel on top of the world. I hate to disappoint those people that I love the most. This is key for me.
So thrilled to see you, Beth C.!!
Kati
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 9:54 am:
Hi Beth! Welcome to RNTV, your new book sounds like a ton of fun!
Um, know what makes me feel good? My “good ass” jeans. LOL! I firmly believe every woman should have a pair of jeans that makes their butt look good. Mine happen to be Gap Straight Leg Jeans. And every time I put them on, I feel sassy (er). I also love when I’m having a good hair day, which doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s always great when it does! Cute shoes can always pick me up too, because no matter how much your weight fluctuates, you can still wear cute shoes.
PJ
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 10:43 am:
Welcome, Beth! More books to add to my tbb list. They sounds terrific!
It’s all about the hair for me. I can be dressed to the nines but if my hair isn’t cooperating it’s all a waste. Sad but true. lol
Kati, you’re so right about the jeans. Amazing what a great fitting pair of jeans will do for a gal’s confidence.
azteclady
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 10:45 am:
Welcome, Ms Ciotta!
It’s funny, I had never articulated it, but as I was reading your post I realized I’ve done that pretty much all my life–at least when I want the part, so to speak
Job interviews, first dates–we all dress to project a certain image, and it often influences our behaviour, consciously or not.
And that brings me to… Stacey, that sucks! *hug* I wish I could suggest something helpful!
Maria Lokken
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 11:58 am:
Kati – I think you make a solid point. Nice fitting jeans can make or break an outfit. I’ve got jeans in my closet from the year one and some of them have even come back in style.
Karin
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 12:00 pm:
Hi Beth! What a great post. I don’t tend to overthink about my clothes or appearance. I like to look put together, but I don’t worry about it too much – usually. Most nights I’ll take a look at the forecast and then plan in my head what I’ll wear the next day so I don’t have to stress about it when I get up. But, my general ensemble is a pair of nice pants and a shirt. I don’t wear makeup and I don’t really do anything with my hair – just wash it when I shower at night, brush it, sleep on it, and then brush it again. It looks pretty much the same everyday and my coworkers have told me how much they hate the fact that it looks good without any effort.
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 1:00 pm:
Okay. So it’s past noonish and I still haven’t responded to these posts as I’d hoped. CONFESSION! After retiring from entertaining, I took a day job at my local library (love it!). A place where I get to dress funky/comfortable although I can’t wear “good ass” jeans (so awesome, Kati). That’s where I am now. We’re a lot busier today than I thought we’d be. Good–because it means people ar checking out books! Bad–because it means I can’t get ample time to respond individually. So…
Please check back after 5pm! Your comments are awesome and I WILL respond!
orannia
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 2:11 pm:
HI Beth *waves*
Hmmm…clothes and I have a….hate:hate relationship. I’m one of those people that loathes clothes shopping because I can never find what I’m looking for, and when I do it looks awlful on, which no doubt means I don’t know what suits me. So, I end up buying the same thing each year and slouching around in casual clothes…and if I’m honest I don’t look particularly good in those either. Your jeans sound fantastic Kati! I….do own a pair of jeans but I should probably throw them out as I don’t fit them anyone. Luckily, the dress code at work is casual because otherwise I would be in trouble. Hmmm. I obviously need to go on What Not To Wear
All the best for your latest release Beth!
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:04 pm:
Hopefully, you all are checking back because, finally, I can participate!
Marisa… Thanks you for sharing Maria’s saying: ” ‘its not what you wear, but the way that you wear it’. What a fantastic view. An observation I’ll try to keep in mind when I’m worried my outfit (or hair) isn’t working. Regarding your passion for shoes, I totally get that. I think I have two closets full. Or at least the floors of two closets are heaped with shoes. It’s not that I buy them often, just that I can never seem to give a pair up. I still own (and wear) the red Dr. Martens over thirteen years ago! Oh, yeah. I get the shoe thing.
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:13 pm:
Hi, Stacy! I found your post fascinating and I can actually relate. A few summers ago, before I found my dream day gig at the library, and after my performing career was waning, I took a job at the box office of one of the casinos in town (Atlantic City). I was one of the people who registered potential contestants for a ‘live’ game show verison of ‘The Price is Right’. We had to wear black pants and red polo shirts embrodered with the shows logo and name. The shirt wasn’t flattering to a any woman, no matter her figure. There was just now way to look attractive or feminine. I couldn’t even fall back on funky accessories as the dress code extended to jewelry, shoes, and nail poilish! So… I feel for you big time. Here’s hoping they actually act on your suggestions the next time they put you on a ‘uniform’ committee. Until then try to glow from within.
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:19 pm:
Hi, Maria! Yes, I worked at the Tropicana for several years. I’ve actually worked every casino in Atlantic City and one time or another either as a singer, character actress, emcee, or dance motivator. It sounds more glamorous than it is.
But, yes. I met a lot of intersting characters. I could write a book. Oh, wait. I did! 
As for the hair thing… I think I’m like you. If the hair ain’t happening, it doesn’t matter how fab the outfit. I had one of those days today, as a matter of fact. You’re right. Attitude is everything. I need to remember that more!
Maria Lokken
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:24 pm:
Beth – you gotta tell me – what in the world is a dance motivator – sounds interesting.
BTW, I volunteer at my local library and this morning was my day. I love it! Today I was shelving books – big mistake. Huge mistake. Every time I shelve books I walk out of there with bundles under my arm. I read everything – so if a book strikes my fancy, I check it out. And there literally is NO time to read everything I want to.
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:25 pm:
Wow, Laura. Interesting peek into working in a fiberglass factory. Dressing way down makes total sense in that case. Regarding make-up, I, too feel better (more attractive and confident) when I’m wearing some. Although I seem to go more minimal with age. The musts for me–mascara and lipstick! As for good and bad ponytails… Mine was drooping today, so I know what you’re saying.
All best with your aspirations. Write, write, write and persevere!
Laura
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:29 pm:
Beth,
Laura
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:31 pm:
Beth,
Thank you very much, I needed to here the write! write! write! cheer. Sometimes I feel like it’s never going to happen. I don’t know how you published writers did it, but I am in total aw. Oh, and one more thing, ponytails rock!
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:46 pm:
Waving to Kerri!! So funny, although we haven’t spoken in quite a while, I see you all the time in the story I’m writing. You’re quite successful by the way. Your confections, the talk of the town.
I agree that confidence is a key factor in meetings and interviews. Actually, it’s a valuable quality in mny ways. I just read an article not too long ago asking men what traits they found most sexy in women. Confidence was high on the list. My degree of confidence seems to hinge on the circumstances. Bleh. I need to work on that.
Thanks for the welcome Kerri. Speak soon!
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:49 pm:
Kati, I read your post earlier today and smiled every time I thought about the “good ass” jeans. I gotta get me a pair of those… right after I do something about my saggy computer butt!
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 5:55 pm:
PJ, thank you for the welcome! Ditto on the hair!!
Hiya, Azteclady! Ah, yes, dressing to impress the first date. I get lightheaded just thinking about those days. LOL
Karin, it sounds like you have a great no-fuss regime. You also sound secure and happy. Yay for you! I’ll try not to hate you for having great hair every day.
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 6:03 pm:
Orianna, as I was reading your post I had a similar thought as the one you ended with. You need to get on one of those shows where they help you discover what clothes work best for you. Or… maybe enlist a friend who has a good eye for fashion. Doesn’t have to be flashy. Just clothes suited to your personality and figure. I do know what you mean about clothes shopping though. There are times–the times when nothing fits right–that I find it incredibly depressing. Ooh. Here’s something. Sometimes when I find something like pants or a shirt that actually fits me well and looks pretty darn good… I buy that item in a couple of different colors. Any one else do that?
Thank you for the good wishes, Orianna. Wishing you all best!
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 6:06 pm:
Laura, published writers do it just like you’re going to do it. Hard work, determination, perseverance, and faith. See it, be it! You can do it!
Cheers, Beth
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 6:18 pm:
Maria, a dance motivator–at least in my neck of the woods–is someone who dresses in a costume approriate to a themed special event and, well, gets the party started. Cliched, but true,no one wants to be the first one on the dance floor. So event coordinators would hire two or four of us to be the first ones on the dance floor and then to go out and get the guests on the floor as well. I used to do a lot of these gigs, and though I’m not a trained dancer, I’m a fast learner. I’ve partnered with a lot of guys who were ballroom dancers, so I ended up performing a lot of different styles–salsa, foxtrot, jitterbug (a fave), and the hustle (also a fave). One of my favorite gigs was when I was hired with five other to swing dance as ‘atmosphere’ at a Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert. Fun!
Oh, also, once in awhile I’d be hired as a ’shill’. A dance motivator who ‘gets the party started’ but appears to be just another one of the guests. Yes, I actually got paid for having fun.
As to volunteering at your local library– you, go! As funding gets cut, more and more libraries rely on the rockin’ help of volunteers. I know what you mean about shelving. Happens to me, too. It’s hard not to skim a book before putting it away. Too many times in a day, I say, “Ooh, this looks good.” Then again what a great way to discover new authors!
Maria Lokken
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 6:28 pm:
Oh – the many talents of Beth Ciotta. Swing dancing at a Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Concert? Girlfriend – next we’ll be seeing you on Dancing with The Stars!
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 6:51 pm:
Maria said: “…next we’ll be seeing you on Dancing with The Stars!”
Wouldn’t THAT be a hoot! Do you think they could pair me up with Hugh Jackman?
Maria Lokken
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 6:53 pm:
Girl – I don’t see why not – I hear Hugh’s a real nice fellow. However, you would probably have to walk around with bodyguards, because I fear there would be plenty of women waiting in the wings to take your place should some ‘mysterious’ minor accident occur to your ankle or toes.
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 7:19 pm:
Ooh. Aw. Ouch. You’re probably right, Maria. Oh, all right. I’ll settle for Gerard Butler.
Fedora
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 7:27 pm:
Hi, Beth!! I do think that certain outfits boost my own mood, but it’s SO much work to dress to impress!
Hmm… I think good hair would do more for me than great shoes, as long as whatever shoes I was wearing were at least somewhat comfortable… I haven’t done much costuming though–that really seems like a whole other ball of wax! It’s interesting how an outfit can help create a whole different persona!
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 7:34 pm:
Always fantastic to hear from you, Fedora. Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts. I agree, dressing to impress can be hard work. Those are the moments where I try on five different ensembles before deciding on ‘the’ one. Luckily, I don’t have to ‘impress’ all that often. While working at the library I prefer funky comfort or stylish comfort–flat shoes only. Good hair is a must, though more often than not, I’m always running late and good hair mean a ponytail or braids. LOL
Olga
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 9:07 pm:
Beth, hi! I’m a bit late, but they say better late than never. First of all, I totally loved Evie Ever After – awesome book! As for “dress for success,” I do love dressing up. If you don’t give yourself that confidence boost, then who will? As for great hair vs. great shoes, why compromise? We deserve both! And lol about settling for Gerard Butler – I see you’re not picky at all!
orannia
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 2:18 pm:
Thank you Beth! Very good advice! Now I just need to find the strength to go clothes shopping! I never have the same problem buying books
Beth Ciotta
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 5:28 pm:
Hi Olga! I like your way of thinking. Great hair AND great shoes! LOL
Orianna, I hear you. I am well acquanted with buying syndrome.
JV
on Mar 12th, 2009
@ 9:16 am:
Beth,
In the mid-70s, a book came out called Dress for Success followed shortly by Woman’s Dress for Success. As I was getting out of college around this time, I bought the version for women. I jumped into the chapters with the actual advice because I really didn’t care why he’d written it or how he’d come up with it. The more I read, the more absolutely infuriated I became that a person’s intellect, character, and/or ability to do a job could be judged by anything so superficial as what clothes they chose to wear to an interview, what type of pen or umbrella they carried, and so forth. So, I put the book down and fumed for a long time.
Then, one day I was out to lunch with a friend. Looking out the restaurant window, I happened to see a woman rushing past in a well tailored skirt suit with an attache case in her hand, and I thought, she must be late and rushing off to an important meeting or something. That’s when it hit me that I was doing it, too. I had made an assumption about her job and, presumably, her intelligence based on what she was wearing. Taking that same logic a bit further, I realized that since potential employers don’t know you yet, all they have to go by is what you present to them in the form of a resume and then, in an interview, with your performance and appearance in an interview. If you “look the part”, a good bit of the battle is won.
So, I went back and read the book from the beginning. I found that the author didn’t just decide these things on his own. In fact, he said that when he first started doing research into what clothing played well for men, he had to get rid of a good bit of his wardrobe because he discovered he was thwarting his own success by his poor personal style. He actually did quite a bit of research by showing groups of test subjects photos of people in various types of clothing and asking them to make an assessment on what that person does for a living and to select character traits that they believed that person had. Then he put those test results together in his book. In putting some of his suggestions into practice as the Director of Student records at a university, I found that students seemed to accept my authority much more readily when I looked the part.
I realize now that, until people get to know us as individuals, all they have to go by is what they see, which forms their initial impression of us. When I really think about it, it still feels like “judging people” and rubs me the wrong way to make decisions on something as superficial as appearance, but I feel a bit better about it now that I understand why it happens. I also still balk at suggestions (from the late 1970s edition) such as being sure your umbrella has 12 ribs and carrying a gold Cross pen. That’s still a bit too superficial to suit me. I mean, if we’re in a vulnerable situation and we see someone approaching us who is dressed like all the “thugs” we see on TV, don’t we all have the immediate urge to cross the street or something to get out of that person’s path? That person might be the kindest person on the planet, but we can’t tell that based on appearances. Similarly, I had a friend in medical school to be an anesthesiologist, and he wanted to dye his hair green and spike it with gel. I didn’t really have to think about it to know why the medical school dissuaded him from that path. After all, what patient about to undergo surgery would feel confident being put to sleep by someone with green spiked hair, unless he already knew and trusted the person?
To finally get to the end of this very long post, I completely agree that taking on the trappings of the role can make all the difference in your ability to get into that role, and it also can determine how people watching you perceive you!
JV
on Mar 12th, 2009
@ 9:29 am:
As an addendum, I should say that dressing for success doesn’t necessarily mean “business suit”. The outfit that’s “expected” changes based on what your goal is. So, a psychic dressed in a business suit, for example, would probably not be dressed for success! In that case, I think eclectic is probably the tone she should go for.
Olga
on Mar 12th, 2009
@ 6:08 pm:
Beth, thanks! And I liked JV’s comment. Very insightful.