Tag Archives: Screenwriting

Opportunity: Write Start Contest

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I always figured I’d be some kind of writer.  I remember (way, way back) in elementary school writing stories — I think I was trying to write a biography once, as if so much had happened in my 8 short years…maybe it was meant to be some sort of diary — I still have some of them.  In fifth grade we had this great project to create a hardcover book, artwork and all.  I wrote a story about running away after my bike was stolen.  Oh, yeah.  Not a true story by the way.  I kept writing, but always struggled.  I rarely finished anything.  It wasn’t until many years later that I found my calling.  I had taken some time off from college, not finding a degree that I wanted to spend money on and then brag about later.  That is, until I found screenwriting.  I graduated with a film degree and loved pretty much every moment of it.  That is a satisfying feeling.

So for those of you interested in becoming a screenwriter, I just discovered an opportunity for you.  Sponsored by Stage 32, The Write Start Contest will give you a chance to study screenwriting for an intensive 8 weeks at the New York Film Academy.  You don’t need to have written a screenplay, just an idea (remember I just said something about how everyone has an idea?!).  Anyway…screenplays take a different approach then novels do.  You leave so much description, dialogue, and “fluff” by the wayside.  It may not be for everyone, but I find it liberating.  One can get so bogged down in the details, and with screenplays, those details are left to the hands of all those creative departments.

So if you’re thinking about trying your hand at screenwriting, this may be a quick, intensive lesson in whether or not it’s right for you.

Good Luck!!

Editing Tips

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EditingAll writing is rewriting.  So editing is something we writers must be good at (well, good might not be the best word for the ninja like precision we must hack away at our beloveds).  We must be swift and merciless when it comes to cutting down description, dialogue, and the stuff I like to call “fluff” (the extra things you might like and want to add but aren’t truly necessary to tell the story).  Sometimes we have to cut whole, beautiful, emotional scenes or likable characters…there’s that pang in my chest just thinking about it…because it doesn’t work.  It doesn’t drive the story.  As a screenwriter, I think it’s worse.  You only have 120 pages (or less) and there’s so much blank page (and then there are so many more hands in that pot as it moves forward).  As creatives, placing limitations on our process is a contradiction.  That’s why you write from the heart in the first draft and from the head in the inevitable numerous following drafts.  *And this is why you don’t need to read the following articles until you are ready to edit.  Don’t let them sway you.

Yes, we create something out of nothing.  But.  That first draft is never as good as it seemed in our heads.  Sometimes to get our character from point A to point B they have to take a few detours and that changes the story on the page from where we originally imagined it.  So, there has to be finessing, finding different ways to say the same thing, and the inevitable (just in time for Halloween) horror movie style slashing.

I, myself, am in the midst of yet another rewrite on one of my scripts, my baby, and am really having a difficult time separating my emotions from the story I’m trying to tell and the best way to tell it.  I’ve had this story in the works for quite some time and every time I go in for a rewrite, it changes dramatically.  This time around, I’m cutting the entire third act and reworking the earlier scenes and it’s starting to morph into something else entirely, yet again, which at this point, I’m not even sure I like yet.  And what’s worse, I’m on a deadline.

So today I offer up two sites with some tips.  The first is an article by one of my favorite authors, Chuck Palahniuk, on LitReactor about “thought” verbs.  The other is a checklist by The Write Life — 25 Editing Tips for Tightening Your Copy.

I wish you all the best in your writing efforts!  Have a great week!

*Image found on professionalnoveleditors.com

Writer’s Pet Peeves

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TypewriterFontWriterMore often than not when I tell someone I’m a writer I receive the response, “I have a great idea for a story!”  And sometimes they add, “Maybe we could talk about it…”  Why?  Have I mentioned something about running out of my own ideas?  Has my well run dry?  This may indeed be one of the first lessons every writer learns…everyone has an idea.  I’ve had old friends, people I hadn’t spoken to in years, call to ask if I wanted to write these interesting ideas they had because they had learned that I was now a writer.  I understand their enthusiasm for wanting to share their story, sometimes it is indeed interesting (I mean, we all have stories…you tell them at parties while standing around the kitchen with a glass of wine), but (and that’s a big but), I feel almost like they’re trying to validate not just what I do, but themselves as well for having lived with this glimpse of a story for as long as they have.

Maybe this sounds a bit callous, but in the end, I think their eye is on the possibility of money.  Novels can have hordes of followers and then can be turned into movies, and writers have a level of celebrity now that I don’t think existed prior to the internet.  I write because I have to.  I don’t want to do anything else, I’ve tried other avenues and this is it for me (and what would my poor brain do if I didn’t do this?  Hmm…), and hopefully, in time, the money will come, but that’s not why I do it.  This is my lot in life.

I was reminded of this pet peeve when I read an article about The 6 Things Only Writers Understand About the Writing Life on the site The Write Life.  Here’s a snippet from this particular pet peeve:

I always feel a little disrespected when someone brings up their story like we have something in common.  Do they think my job is just me wistfully going about my day with big ideas?

If you find yourself cornered by someone else’s half-baked dreams, try to steer the conversation toward the reality of your career and lifestyle to help them understand that you’re more than fantastical ideas. Explain what your day really looks like, and the deadlines and commitments that drive your work toward the finish line.

And usually we have to try to find time for our passion in between family, work, friends, and other commitments.  So stay strong fellow writers!

I wish you all the best of luck and a productive weekend (if you’re working and not “taking the weekend” like I’ve suggested)!

*Image from DL Koontz site

Network, Network, Network

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As a (currently unemployed) writer, sometimes I go days without speaking to anyone other than my sister and my dogs.  A writer’s life is already fairly solitary and add a few other non-social qualities and you’ve got a creative hermit.  My sister and I moved to Los Angeles together without knowing anyone and I would still say our acquaintances are few and far between.  It’s been a bit of a struggle (I will write another post, or three, on moving and living here for those of you considering it) and meeting people has been difficult…and as an aspiring screenwriter, meeting people is key.  You have to get out, mingle, socialize, network.  So last night I attended an event at the Writers Guild.  It was specifically for animation writers, which I am not, but the guest speaker is a friend, so I went to support.  In the course of the evening I met a few people with shared interests and it felt good to be around others creatively inclined.

AboveLAWhen I used to vacation in LA, I couldn’t imagine living here.  The city is HUGE and I was always a little unsure about the move (because I was a big chicken), but I knew it was something I was going to have to do in order to make my career aspirations a reality because this is where the action is.  For those of you who do live here, there are so many opportunities to take advantage of; free screenings, free seminars, meet and greets, events, etc. through numerous organizations.  For those of you who do not, there are still plenty of avenues at your disposal; states have a film commission where information can be found in regards to film companies and productions shooting in the area which might lead to other opportunities (guest speakers), the website Meetup lists writers groups (genre specific groups available as well) and opportunities to mix and mingle, and some groups, like Women in Film (which is not only for women), have chapters worldwide.  You may also want to look into your university or community college for classes that offer a chance to meet other writers or offer other opportunities like monthly meetings.

My tip of the day (which I must also take to heart): Get out of the house.  Escape those four walls.  Meet people.  Network.  It’s not only good for your writing but your mental well being too.

Have a great weekend!

Taking the Weekend

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CastleGardensI’m not sure if all writers are like this, but I find that being an artist (yes, that is what we are no matter how snooty that may sound) can sometimes be all consuming;  I’m always thinking about my writing, that I should be writing, that something random might work well in my writing, etc. and that can lead to burnout.  There are two given days at the end of the work week that are meant to be taken and enjoyed.  I, myself, have found this very hard to do, but gave it a try this weekend by undertaking two big projects that would be too distracting and exhausting to leave me creative.  Side note: what I’ve learned about most writers is that we all have a little crazy about us.  I am borderline OCD when it comes to being organized, so I decided to reorganize the garage and this storage/crawl space in my apartment (and my body is thanking me for it).  Another side note, I still felt guilty that I hadn’t done anything with my writing for two days…baby steps.

Wizard'sHat, OR

So here is my tip: Take the weekend!  Recharge your creative battery.  A little distance from your work might actually be good for both of you.

*These pictures are just reminders that I don’t live near either of these places, but need to get outside more.

Good luck and have a good week!

Network: American Zoetrope

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When I set out to maintain a blog, it was part of a professional to do list I had created for myself (1 of 25 items, of which approaching my career more professionally was also on the list, hence the list).  Another item was to find and research useful sites that offered either information, sound advice, networking opportunities, or all of the above.  So yesterday I shared Stage 32.  Today, American Zoetrope.  The site was developed by Francis Ford Coppola and is open not just to screenwriters, but all writers, artists, musicians, actors, directors, etc.

The site offers you the opportunity to have your work read by a wide audience and receive feedback, in return you must do the same for others, but a little heads up, there are deadlines and rules.  In the screenwriting “room” you must read 3 scripts and offer feedback before being allowed to submit your own work, and there is a time limit for how long your work will be available (30 days) on the site and how long you have to read and review others (you receive an additional 10 days to write the review).  I think this is a great service as it allows you to be more objective which in turn might help you in your own writing.  Plus, it’s free!  Also, there’s an annual contest (deadline was in September, I missed it by 2 days…).

I hope you find this useful!

Happy Sunday!

Network: Stage 32

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Happy Saturday!  I thought I’d share this great networking site, Stage 32.  I joined it recently and it’s a great way to meet people in different capacities (mostly film related) all over the world, share ideas, ask questions, and find work.

Give it a look!  Have a wonderful and productive weekend!

 

Romantically Challenged

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Pride&PrejudiceI know it’s a phase, but I’m in a rut.  I’m in the middle of a major rewrite and I find myself lacking emotionally as I’ve had a lot of negative things weighing on me recently, my romantic sensibilities have been sapped.  As I write love stories (in part), the lack of emotion is a bit of an impediment, so I’ve been looking pretty much everywhere in order to be inspired; music, movies, video games, pictures/artwork, and yes, quotes.  I thought I’d share a few things and hopefully, in a few days, I’ll get the love back.Theberge-Romance

I’ve read so many times that as a writer you should write every day, and I agree, to an extent.  Depending on what you’re working on, your emotional state could have either a positive or negative influence.  In my current frame of mind I should be writing something angry, sarcastic, and dark.  And I don’t write that kind of stuff.  So, until this mood passes, I will continue the rewrite from a technical stand point, and continue to stare at these in an effort to lighten the mood — maybe I just need a hug…as writers we spend a lot of time alone, so maybe I just need to be around some people.  I will test this theory and get back to you.

“I love it when I catch you looking at me, then you smile and look away.”

“Kiss me as if it were the last time.”

Mermaidw:Man

And a few of my favorite book quotes —

“Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan.”  — Persuasion by Jane Austen

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“Be with me always – take any form – drive me mad!  Only do not leave me in this abyss where I cannot find you! Oh, God! it is unutterable! I can not live without my life! I can not live without my soul!”  —  Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

“I sometimes have a queer feeling with regard to you – especially when you are near me, as now: it is as if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string situated in the corresponding quarter of your little frame. And if that boisterous channel, and two hundred miles or so of land some broad between us, I am afraid that cord of communion will be snapt; and then I’ve a nervous notion I should take to bleeding inwardly.”  — Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 

BlueCouplew:Diamonds*First image is Romance by Claude Theberge.  Second image is of Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen of Pride & Prejudice.  The others I came across while searching the internet.  I do not own these works.

Escapism

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Alistair&Lady(Disneyesque)Today is about escape.  I need a little break from the recent bout of insanity that has made a home for itself in my life.  As my blog is not only about writing, but fantasy and romance as well, I thought today would be a good day to just drift…

I have a minor obsession with a video game called Dragon Age.  The first game in the series is brilliant, and I will hold myself back from commenting further as this is not meant to be a review.  I Googled it and found myself on Deviant Art, a wonderful site, where artists take characters they love and create new and beautiful images (and other art, cosplay, fan fiction, etc.).  I cannot draw, and that saddens me sometimes when I see images like these.  Here are a few from DA that I wish I had on my wall:DAII-Fenris

As a writer, an image is sometimes a great way to visualize a character or place.  If you visit my Facebook page, you’ll find albums of pictures I’ve discovered that help me with each story https://www.facebook.com/RachaelCMarek/photos_albums), and give you a little insight into the types of stories I’m working on.  In each, I have one I refer to as a “touchstone”.  One image that defines the story in my mind.  Enjoy!

Artists displayed: rooster82.deviantart.com, smilika.deviantart.com, and rinacane.deviantart.com

FenrisThank you to them for their beautiful work and for giving this fangirl something more for her obsession and imagination!  I’m now inspired to escape by playing a little DA…Have a good day!

Sheer Panic

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There is nothing like the panic that strikes you when you think something is submitted and complete and then you receive an email saying “Incomplete”.  Sheer panic.  Especially when five weeks have passed and it could be one of the biggest breaks of your career.

I submitted an application for a fellowship at a major studio that I am truly, wildly hoping to be accepted for.  I still have a month until they start reaching out to the hopefuls, and I received that terrifying email last night.  Two sentences that dangled on a previous page of their legal document needed to be included, and I had missed them.  I didn’t need to initial or sign by them, but they needed to be included none the less.  Pushing that send button was one of the most tense moments in my writing career so far.  There were so many components to be gathered and I had reviewed each item multiple, multiple times, so I was horrified that something went amiss.

I have no words of wisdom to offer today.  I’m not sure if this is an omen or if there is some lesson to be learned.  Actually, strike that.  I think the lesson is that sometimes you are so invested in something that you may fail to see the smallest of errors.  That’s why having as many people read your work before sending it out into the world is so important; to catch typos, grammatical errors, dangling sentences, etc.  Stepping away from a project for a short time may help you regain some perspective, that is of course unless you’re on some deadline, to which I suggest finding an amazing proofreader you can really rely on!

Too often I see errors on legitimate (magazine, informational, newsworthy) sites and even writer’s pages that make me cringe that people are not taking the time or necessary steps to provide accurate information.  The “information age” and the speed at which people expect information to be processed and delivered is making for sloppy work.  Everyone needs to take a breather (and not rely on autocorrect).

I apologize for the little rant.  I’m still a little shaken from that email.  And now I will send out the good vibes — Hope everyone is having a great week!