The answer words to this flat are two eight-letter words that begin with the same four letters, in the same order, and differ by only a single letter.

She had no cash; she went out west.
Auditioning, she gave  her best.
Success! She earned a minor part.
She knew it was, for  her, a start.
She's happy with the role she's got.
She's not _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , but at least
She's not _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

Answers:

STARRING
STARVING 

Credit:
The Enigma 
NPL Magazine
April, 2020
ANDREAS