Keeping The Promises You Make To Yourself

Posted in Posts, Tips by Rachael C Marek

There’s this phrase, a joke really, about how “you’re not really a writer unless someone sees you doing it”. Family Guy had a cutaway once of two guys writing in a well known coffee shop where one of the guys asks the other to watch him as he writes. There’s a bit more to it, but you get the gist. The reason I bring this up is because I don’t go anywhere to write, but after attending my first writers group tonight, I can understand the appeal. I don’t need the outside validation to prove to myself that I am in fact a writer, but the two hours of solitude I was able to partake in tonight was wonderful. I sat in a little restaurant with about 20 other writers, put in my ear buds, and just focused on my work. I don’t want to say that I liked the fact that I had no dogs or sister demanding my attention, but the little respite was welcome. When I came home my sister told me to take two hours everyday and go to said well known coffee shop. But my laptop is now ancient, and I suppose I could use a pen and pencil the old fashioned way, but I actually type pretty quickly, fast enough to usually keep up with my train of thought, except when my hands are cold, like they are now, and I keep shivering and hitting the wrong keys, and having to go back and fix every other word…

So attending a writers group was one of the many items on my new to do list. A way to meet people and network and be held accountable. As I’ve mentioned, time sometimes gets away from me and I don’t get any screenwriting done. So I joined a handful of groups in an effort to find multiple slots of time each week to get out of the house and work. Doesn’t that sound strange? But, when dirty dishes are staring at you, or a Netflix marathon seems inevitable because it’s a little cold and gloomy outside, and you’d rather snuggle on the couch with your dogs or significant other then sit at your desk and “work”, getting out may be the only answer. I think a laptop might help me as well. Then I could snuggle and work.

One of the other items on my list is to be more creative, in any capacity. I’d like to learn to draw, more than balloons and stick figures. I’d like to learn to sew, more than stitching my dogs chew toys because they are aggressive chewers. I used to decorate cakes, so this weekend, for my sister’s birthday, I made this —

I don’t have any of the proper utensils to actually decorate cakes, so I’m pretty proud of the results. My friends were impressed, so I’ll probably give this another try. Valentine’s Day is around the corner, as is my birthday…perhaps I’ll make my own cake…

So my point is this. Those resolutions, whatever they are, try to keep them. Start small. Let them build upon each other, and when you look back in three months, six, the end of the year, you will be so impressed with the progress you made and you can be proud of your accomplishments. If you’re a fellow writer, I would recommend small page/word counts to start. 1,000 words a day or 10 pages, etc. may sound easy enough, but there’s a lot of life that could get in the way, and if you don’t hit that mark, you might be disappointed. So start a little lower, build momentum, and add to that word count/page count every month or so. If you get on a roll, you may write more one day, then you can celebrate.

One thing I’ve learned along the way is to celebrate your achievements, great or small. You finished that chapter you were struggling with…treat yourself to something. Finished the first draft on your novel…treat yourself to something big! Your treats could be anything; a celebratory walk around the corner for a bit of fresh air, and to revel in the moment of your success. Maybe it’s a new keyboard, or a pen, whatever.

It’s easy to let things slide (I know this better than anyone), but come the end of the year, you want to be able to look back and feel good about it all. This is what is propelling me forward this year. I don’t want a repeat of the last one, or two. Remember to write down those goals and post them where you can see them. The constant reminder helps.

Wishing you all the best! Continued success! And be sure to look around in the coming week as I make changes to the blog…another item to check off that list.

3Jan2014

Resolutions

Posted in Posts, Tips, Websites by Rachael C Marek

So of course over the last two days every article I came across was in regards to sticking to the (writing) resolutions we make. I’m still working on my list — a few items require an investment and I’m already becoming overwhelmed at the amount of things I’m even hinting at wanting to accomplish, both personally and professionally. I’ve never been very good at the whole resolutions thing. The idea of setting imaginary goals on one specific day of the year, only to be soon forgotten, seemed pointless when you can start each and any day with the same drive and purpose. But now I sort of get it. In the writing world, there are deadlines to be met, opportunities that come and go on an annual basis, and it’s good to be prepared right from the beginning of the new year so you know what to expect.

As I’ve learned, this is something that comes with age, time really does fly. Days flow into one another to the point of not being able to remember what one did just two or three days before. With a new year comes possibility. There’s hope that this one will be different from the last, but this only works when we make a conscious effort to make it different. We can complain all we like about our fates, but if we do nothing different, if we don’t alter our perspective and take action, then there is no one else to blame come the following year. So the new year implies making the effort. We reflect on our past actions and become mindful to not repeat them.

I have made a conscious decision to alter my ways. I know I wasted too many days not writing last year consumed with depression over failed attempts at contests, not finding a “regular” job, and just a sheer lack of perspective. Half way through the year I took notice and started to change, so that this year would be better. Also, I’ve grown more lonely in an already lonely vocation, in part because I don’t have a “regular” job where I interact with people regularly. So I watched too much Netflix and played too many video games, but I love doing both…This is something I vow to change this year by joining a writer’s group and volunteering. I want to look back on my life and find it fulfilling, and the past year has not been that. I told my sister that I had this silly notion that one day, when I’m successful and I’m being interviewed and the like, that I would like “them” to say, “Oh, wow, you do this, this, and this? How wonderful!” This is both a personal and professional goal, and though silly, may inspire me to do more with myself and my work. It’s like having that Oscar speech, or what ever award you want to win, ready. Most of us are prepared to thank those who helped us or inspired us along the way, and that in itself is a mental goal, that we would like to be standing in front of those esteemed people, worthy of being one of them.

So, here are a few links in regards to sticking to those writing resolutions. I made note of many of them to help me as well — prioritize, make consistent, manageable progress, identify your big picture, discover and implement your 3 “NOs” as a writer, and a few more. I hope they help.

LitReactor – The Top 4 Tips For Making Your Writing Resolutions Stick

The Write Life – 3 Steps For Creating Meaningful Goals

Chuck Palahniuk via LitReactor – 13 Writing Tips from C.P.

FabFreelanceWriting – 14 Easy Ways To Improve Your Writing Skills in 2014

Maybe as part of my own accountability, I’ll post my resolutions here. If they’re out in the world, for anyone to see, it’ll probably hold me to them.

Best of luck and continued success!!

*Image from DL Koontz site

12Dec2013

Disappointment

Posted in Posts, Quotes by Rachael C Marek

I didn’t get the fellowship. I’m a mixture of disappointment and mild relief at the knowledge that now I can move on. The waiting game was growing tiresome. I had other things to keep me occupied, but the continuous wondering and worrying whether or not I was moving forward was becoming a burden (if you can believe). So after a few tears, I’ve decided not to wallow (too much) by shrugging off the rejection and pouring myself into my work. This is one of the unfortunate sides of the business I’ve decided to take part in — rejection — a lot of rejection. I have to keep telling myself that this is only the beginning. I’ve only just begun to send out my work, but it was not for me alone I wanted this opportunity. *I need to make note of this, for my future self. Since moving to LA, I’ve struggled to find steady work, a “day job”. My younger sister has been supporting us and that in itself is an enormous burden. Her job is unsatisfying, and she is left to shoulder great responsibility while I try to achieve my goals. Since the fellowship offered so many benefits for a new writer, including financial support, I thought (perhaps foolishly) that I could relieve some of the pressure. So here I am again…square one.

And then the thought dawned on me, “I am not alone in my struggles today”. So in an effort to be optimistic in order to move forward, I’m going to post a few uplifting quotes from LiveLifeHappy.com.

Just because you’re struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. Every great success requires some type of struggle.

Don’t rush anything. When the time is right, it’ll happen.

If you never go after what you want, you’ll never have it. Live without regrets. If you want it, fight for it.

Wait for what you deserve. Don’t settle, just be patient.

Don’t let something tear you down. Allow it to help you move on to something better.

There’s always something good coming. Remember that.

Sometimes things have to go very wrong before they can be right.

I wish each of you success in whatever you are hoping to achieve! And know you are not alone in your daily struggles. There is an entire creative network, hopefully, cheering you on and supporting you. If you don’t have a support system, like a writer’s group, make that one of your “to do’s” for the new year. As I’ve stated, and you’re well aware, writing is a lonely business. Finding others like us is instrumental in making our solitary lives more bearable.

If anyone would like to offer some words of advice and encouragement, not just to me, please feel free to share.

Best of luck to you all!

19Nov2013

Taking a Little Respite

Posted in Posts, Quotes by Rachael C Marek

Some days are rough. Not just for writers, but for people in general. There are just so many days when you feel like all you’re doing is swimming against the current. Being an adult is hard. So much for high school, even college, preparing us for that wake-up call (no, this is not new to me, I’ve just been reminded again recently). As for being a creative, those days seem doubled, maybe even tripled. We have our regular lives, then our creative ones, then the professional ones where we try to get people to notice the creative one. It’s a constant uphill battle with some little demon at the top throwing down boulders, pebbles, entire buildings…all while laughing at us and our torment as we try to achieve success.

I took my weekend, then as the new week dawned, I started to feel this dread. As I wait to hear about a writing fellowship I applied for, the whiff of a negative thought has started to worm its way in and make me question my skills. I had wanted my first screenplay entered as my “sample”, but it wasn’t ready. I love the script I did submit, but the story is not as unique as the other, although it has spurred me to write two sequels (there’s just so much to write about), and now I’m wondering if that has inhibited my progress in some way. See, there’s that little demon, working his evil magic. I realize I haven’t really started to put myself “out there” as a writer until this past year, and the knocks have taken a little getting used to, but as the days compound, doubt creeps in, and I think stepping away from it all to get my head back on straight is the best remedy. Besides, most people get sick days, so should we. And then I found out about another approaching deadline, and right now my mind is a blank. Six weeks…and I’ve got nothing. And then there’s this potential writing job on the horizon…this is when I decide to have a creative/mental meltdown?! I don’t have time for this nonsense. Number one on my professional to do list is to treat my career as if it were already my profession. So it’s time to get back to work.

Needless to say, I decided to take one “mental health” day. I completely vegged; no cleaning, no worrying, not even a glance at my computer. As this blog is meant to serve, in part, as a journal, I’m putting this out into the world and as a reminder to my future self of the times endured and overcome. Here are a few quotes to help those of you struggling as well.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” — Thomas A. Edison — So don’t give up!

“The only thing that stands between you and your dream is the will to try and the belief that it is actually possible.” — Joel Brown — Believe in yourself!

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. “ — Milton Berle — Create your own success story!

You may have noticed I have a thing for keys. I like the metaphor they represent. Let it be a reminder that we hold the keys to our success. Throw rocks back at those demons, whether in reality or in your subconscious, and persevere!

Best of luck to you all!

15Nov2013

Novels vs Screenplays Pt. 2

Posted in Posts, Tips by Rachael C Marek

So continuing on…I recently added my own insight into a discussion regarding the nature of screenplays. A writer was finding it difficult to follow the screenplay formula and not leave the reader confused. Screenplays involve a lot of blank page, little description, and subtext to limit dialogue…a whole, action packed story, all in under 120 pages. As I stated in the previous post, 1 page of screenplay roughly equals 1 minute of screen time. So, those romantic comedies that are always around the 1 1/2 hr mark are about 90 pages. Again, there are exceptions to the rules. That’s why the phrase “rules are meant to be broken” is so well loved among screenwriters. But, you have to learn them first.

When I started writing, I tried writing longer stories. What I found inhibiting was the attention to details. Where does the story fall among all those descriptions and idle moments. When I was introduced to screenwriting, that it was it for me. Don’t misunderstand, I love to read. Getting lost in a book is a great way to spend time. But, as a writer, I find I’m more effective in screenwriting. Since I began screenwriting, I tried my hand at transferring one of my ideas to novel form, and it took great pains to switch the brain to that mode. But here’s something I learned along the way. Because I had to expand the story, I learned more about my characters, their thoughts, their feelings, and the plot became more involved which in turn caused me to rewrite the screenplay. The two worked better together, in this case. (This may need to be another topic of discussion.)

So here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re writing a screenplay:

1) Description should be bare minimum. Only those things that add to the character should be mentioned. The director and casting agents will decide on who gets cast in your roles, so don’t over-describe what they look like. Same goes for clothing. A few references to add to the character are useful, but can be eluded to easily without spending a lot of time on it. If your character works in the fashion industry, most readers will have some understanding of what type of looks are involved in that world. And you only have to mention it once when you first introduce your character. I have an “angsty” teenager in one of my scripts and I just mentioned that she wore all black. That’s it. Our imaginations can conjure up an image without going into great detail. Sometimes locations will be altered, for multiple reasons, so don’t waste time with a lot of description here either. But let’s say your character randomly quotes movie lines, then perhaps you can write that they have old movie posters around their apartment. But don’t tell us what color the walls are. If your characters go to a country house in England, again, we can pretty much imagine that.

On the flip side, if your story takes place in an “alien” world (and by alien, I mean anything out of the ordinary. It could be a secret military base, or a parallel world), then yes, you may need to describe things a little more in detail, but try not to go over the top, because Hollywood readers (from what I’ve heard) will sometimes just skim over long blocks of description because it takes away from the flow.

2) The same is true of dialogue. Screenplay dialogue does not always mimic real life conversations. You can leave out traditional conversation fillers like “hello”, “how are you”, “have a good day”, etc., again, unless it’s adding to the subtext. Maybe we’re meeting the villain for the first time and he’s unusually cordial and it makes everyone uneasy. Or a couple has just had a fight, so their conversation is a little stilted as they try to get past the tension. There’s a phrase to remember in writing, “Enter (the scene) late, Leave (the scene) early”. Think about it as if you were attending a party. You get there an hour after it’s started. You don’t know what happened before you arrived, so some of the conversations you overhear are just strange. When you leave, the same thing can be said. The last line of dialogue you hear uttered may leave you questioning what just happened. Not everything needs an explanation. Maybe it’s foreshadowing. Maybe we just learned how other people view our character.

3) Try to conserve words. If you can use one word instead of two and achieve the same intent, do it. 120 pages isn’t a lot.

4) Lastly, over describing action is unnecessary as well. I remember reading once that in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, there was an elaborate fight sequence that was written only as “They fight”. As writers we see the entire sequence in our heads, but leaving out some of the details does not necessarily mean it will weaken your story. Obviously, you can write a little more than that, such as, “a fight that ensued through every room” or “an intense fight that seemed to last hours”. A film involves so many more people, all with specific skills, and it is this knowledge that allows you to just tell the story.

This was a long one…goodness. I hope it was helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.

Best of luck and have a good weekend!

14Nov2013

Novels vs Screenplays

Posted in Posts, Tips, Websites by Rachael C Marek

I recently added my two-cents to a discussion about screenwriting and was compelled to talk about it a bit more. This particular writer had posed a question about why screenplays had to be a certain length because he felt that his story lost something and might be confusing if everything he wanted was not included. If you’ve written longer prose the switch to screenwriting can be a difficult transition. Screenwriting is not like novel writing. A novel can sometimes be upwards of a thousand pages, where a screenplay, especially for new writers in the field, should never exceed 120 (1 page roughly equals 1 minute of screen time). Yes, there are exceptions to this rule — Gandhi, Malcolm X, Braveheart, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, to name a few — but they’re all historical, epic, so I can imagine if you have one of those in your arsenal, the page count rule will not apply. But good luck selling that right out of the gate.* Historical usually equals costly, and a “first time” writer will be hard pressed to sell something like that without a track record. Now, again, there are always exceptions, so if you have an amazing story, go for it! If it’s that good, someone will take notice. *A disclaimer: I am not an expert. I am a writer new to the world of Hollywood. I have just started to make my rounds in the industry, have read a lot, and am partially regurgitating what I’ve learned so far. Please take my ramblings as just that, ramblings. I am only trying to impart the lessons of those who have come before. I feel it’s important to know the terrain before heading out into it.

A screenplay is a blueprint for the film. There are two mottos by which a screenwriter lives (there are more, I’m sure, but these are the big ones) — show don’t tell & write only what can be seen. Not all the details need to be included. If the screenplay is based on a novel many details can be excluded simply because there is source material to refer to. Novels can spend entire chapters setting up characters, locations, and the premise, where a screenplay is supposed to have all that within the first 10 pages. Novels can delve into a character’s inner dialogue, but in screenplays, unless it can be shown, you can’t do it. And from the things I’ve read, most industry professionals don’t care for voice overs which could be considered a quick fix for faulty storytelling.* *Again, refer to the above disclaimer.

I understand this particular writer’s frustration, but where I find screenwriting liberating, as it is formulaic and has rules (which of course are meant to be broken), to others it might be too restrictive. For writers interested in exploring screenwriting, I would encourage you to find a screenplay of a movie you like and compare the two. Even better if it was based on a novel as you can see how different all three can be. Here is a site that lists where to find mostly free downloadable screenplays.

To be continued…I have a few more “pearls of wisdom” to impart. Oh, yea.

Wishing you the best of luck in your writing endeavors!

12Nov2013

Taking Chances

Posted in Posts, Tips by Rachael C Marek

There is something to be said about a writer who can do something as bold as killing of a “lead” character. When it translates to television, having a face and a visual to connect with, their death, if unexpected (if you’re like me and maybe haven’t read the source material to shows like The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones), can be tragic and almost heartbreaking. It’s even harder nowadays to keep incidents on shows a secret when everyone is so apt to talk about it the moment it happens. So, if you’re behind on any of your shows, like I am, you scroll past Facebook posts with eyes averted for months so that when that dramatic, surprising moment occurs, we can still be shocked, angry, or sad. And the writer has accomplished something great. It takes something special to surprise me anymore and when that does happen, it creates a loyal follower. The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones are among my favorite shows ever and for good reason. (TWD has the highest ratings of any show practically ever, and GoT is second only to The Sopranos on HBO, so I’m clearly not alone in my devotion.) They keep me guessing and rooting for the characters, that’s why when one of them falls, I feel like I’ve lost friend. On The Walking Dead, as it’s a fight for survival, I want this small band of people that I’ve been following to find a safe haven and a moment’s peace. On Game of Thrones, I want vengeance, often. After the last season of GoT, it took quite a few days to overcome the sadness that I was surprised took hold of me.

Now you may be asking why I haven’t read the written works. Once I’ve started a series, either tv or film, I don’t want to know what’s going to happen, I want to remain in the dark, so I only read up until the current season (I still haven’t finished Harry Potter, I know, I know…). I’m just about to start George R.R. Martin’s series for insight into his writing style and technique. I find Game of Thrones so fascinating that it’s only proper that I read some of the novels to learn more.

After another tragedy during my viewing today, I started to think about my own stories and how I play it fairly safe. I’d like to blame my upbringing a bit because in fairytales, the layers of darkness and deception, etc. only go so deep. My sister likes to call me naive, which in part is true, because my mind just doesn’t go to certain places. This is why I need the influence of writers, such as these, to help me think beyond my own boundaries/limitations. I love the feel of that tugging on my heartstrings, the pit in my stomach, when I realize I’ve been holding my breath, and clenching my fist…I’m emotionally invested. And I want to do that for my readers and hopefully/eventually my viewers. I want them to be surprised and to worry and hope for my characters as if they were friends, loved ones. Stories are like walking into a character’s life and we should be moved by what we witness.

As writers, we owe it to our readers to take chances. We are in a unique position to create worlds that draw people in. What we do once were in there is up to us, but we should be willing to be bold and daring. I’m not saying to shock for the shock value alone, but if done well, can be among those memorable moments that people will talk about time and time again.

Here’s to taking chances!

11Nov2013

Welcome to LA

Posted in Images, Posts, Tips by Rachael C Marek

I drove all over this city this weekend and found myself in awe, again. It is vast and interesting. Remembering how I had wanted to give a little advice to my fellow writers about this town, here are a few things to know if you are planning on moving here, are new to the city, or even if you’re just planning a visit:

1) It’s expensive to live here. Seriously. Housing, gas prices, state tax, the added recycling fee on all your beverages, movie tickets, and depending on where you live there are toll roads, just to name a few. It’s odd that after some time the novelty of this wears off and just becomes part of your daily life. $2,000 for an apartment just doesn’t sound that crazy anymore…that’s the crazy part.

2) The weather really is fantastic all year round. It’s Nov. 11 and it was 70 degrees.

3) The traffic is truly awful. When you hear people complain about it, they are not just idly and without merit shooting off. Most people plan there whole day around what roads and freeways they’ll have to take. GPS has never been more effective in helping us poor sods find alternate routes to make a 15 mile journey less than an hour and half anywhere after 3pm. FYI, if you live or are just going over the hill (Van Nuys, Encino, Studio City area) there are really only two or three streets you can take. And everyone else is taking them too. Side note, the 405 freeway is always under construction. Beware.

4) Parking fees. You will quickly learn there is very little free parking. I recently had to pay $4 to park at the hospital when I was only there 30 mins. Really. There are meters everywhere and those prices vary depending on which city you’re in. Also, there are usually 3-4 parking permissible signs on every post that are designed to confuse you; you can’t park on Tuesdays between 10-12, 1-hr parking only until 4, and permit parking only after 6…this is a bad example, but you get the gist. Also, remember to ask anytime you go anywhere if the company/restaurant/theater “validates”. Memorize this. It’s extremely important and beneficial.

5) Parking tickets. Without fail, you will receive at least 2-3 within the first six months. There is this thing called “street sweeping” that evidently happens every week, one side one day, the other side the next, and you must be aware of this anywhere and everywhere you go. If you don’t move your car within the first few seconds after the appointed time, you’re probably getting a ticket. If you park on a hill and do not turn your wheels, if it’s specified, you’re getting a ticket. Use your bluetooth or you’re getting a ticket.

6) You MUST know how to parallel park. If you’re not any good at it, get good! It’s shocking how often you will have to parallel here. I suggest buying a small car.

7) Disneyland. It’s only a short drive away.

8) Try to find a job before moving here. The job market is rough. One trick, find a job where you currently live that has a location or office in LA and try to transfer.

9) Try not to move alone. The buddy system is important here; someone you can call in a jam and share that astronomical rent with. This town is big and can leave you lonely. Besides, everyone’s trying to be an actor or something related to the entertainment industry and we’re notoriously flakey. It’s good to have back-up and someone who will be flakey with you.

10) A short drive can take you somewhere new for a quick getaway; Malibu, Santa Barbara, Ojai, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Big Bear are all just a little ways away.

Despite the negatives, Los Angeles is an interesting and opportunistic town to take advantage of. If you enjoy celebrity sightings, you’re never far from one anywhere you go. If you love the beach, there are miles of it. The town is extremely pet friendly. Your fur kids are allowed at most restaurants (with patios) and most stores. I’ve taken my babies into Bloomys and Saks. Some of the outdoor malls, like the one in Century City, have water bowls outside most of their stores, offer treats, and have small play/rest areas. There is plenty to do; restaurants, museums, shows, outdoor concerts, outdoor movies, events in the Hollywood Cemetery, art walks, farmers markets, landmarks (movie & historical), hiking, sightseeing…There’s something for everyone. And for writers, this is where the proverbial “opportunity knocks”.

My big advice for a hopeful transplant is Be Prepared! Do your research and have a savings account. This is just off the top of my head, so if you ever have a question, feel free to send me a message. GriffithObservatory3

Have a great week!

7Nov2013

The Zombie Condition

Posted in Posts, Quotes, Websites by Rachael C Marek

About seven years ago, my sister and I moved to a new state and my creative pool dried up and looked as barren as the Arizona landscape that lay outside my front door. I told people I was a writer, because I hated the inevitable question that all servers/bartenders get, “So what else do you do?” or the yet worse, “This isn’t all you do, is it?” (because to outsiders, waiting tables is like purgatory, but the question is an insult. It’s a slap in the face that what you’re doing right now, isn’t good enough, and they’re concerned for you). Oh goodness, that’s a rant for another day. So, about eight months pass, and I haven’t written a word, and yet I keep telling people that’s what I really do. I’m a writer. The thought that plagued me all those months was how could I call myself a writer if I wasn’t writing. A few drafts in on one screenplay does not a writer make. I had written more, all through my youth, but it’s not worth mentioning. And there was a little fear lingering as well. What other stories did I have to tell? Then I remembered a quote from Maya Angelou. “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Creativity is a fountain. And as writers we observe. We are never short of ideas, stored in that so-called “vault”. So after a little self-loathing and a metaphorical kick in the ass, I got back to work.

Writing is hard, it’s an art form, and not everyone can do it. But, if it’s who you really are, then don’t let anything derail you! That’s my tip of the day.

I was reminded of this condition when I read this funny article today on Script about Writer Zombies. Don’t let this happen to you.

Best of luck in your writing adventures!

*Swarovski Face Fountain, Austria

6Nov2013

Pushing Through the Wall

Posted in Posts by Rachael C Marek

There’s this thing that happens with writers, like with runners, that once you break through that wall, you can just go and go. I don’t know the running thing from personal experience, as I’ve made it abundantly clear that I hate to run, but it’s something I’ve heard. But as a writer, I definitely hit my stride last night. Today I feel almost hung over from the sheer mental exhaustion, but it’s a good feeling. With the exception of a few minor tweaks, the script rewrite is done! Success! What I thought would take a few more days, at the least, wrapped itself up in the wee hours of the morning after a very long stint.

Of course after such a marathon, my mind would not stop racing. It still took a while to block out the ideas, that continued to come, long enough to succumb to sleep. And today, I don’t even want to look at it. And I’m not sure I should. A little distance would probably do us both some good. (*This is something I’ve discussed before, like with any relationship, sometimes a little separation is healthy.) Yes, I have a deadline, a partially self-imposed one, but my eyes and brain need the down time.

This particular rewrite had been lingering for some time. I had the entire third act to rewrite. That pesky act had always been problematic. It was like a kid who didn’t want to play with the friends he had invited over. They were all in a room together, but it was awkward, and I had no idea had to get them to play nice. They didn’t agree on anything I put forward to obtain a happy ending. An outside source, an established writer, and one of the few friends I’ve made since moving here, offered me some insightful and invaluable feedback. When you’re too close to something, some times you can’t see what the problems are because in your head, it reads differently. My friend’s advice caused me to look at the entire script through different eyes, I saw the holes, knew how to fix most of them, but each time I attempted the rewrite, something was holding me back. I just didn’t want to do it. Maybe it was because, faults and all, I thought it was done. Or very close to. (And in writing that, I realize that I have been lying to myself for a while.)

Screenwriting is not the same as novel writing. Once you sell your script, unless they keep you around (which is rare), you only have the opportunity to do one more rewrite to the big wigs specifications and then they’ll bring in a slew of other writers to alter all those hours of hard work, sweat, sleepless nights, and tears. They will destroy your beloved and if you’re lucky, once it’s been mutilated past recognition, they’ll ask you to come back and fix it, probably exactly to the point to which you originally sold it. Or so I’ve heard. It’s kind of depressing. I’m not sure if this was the thought that was bouncing around as I stared at my baby, knowing it needed doctoring, and yet couldn’t bring myself to do it…knowing it was going to require at least another rewrite once it went out into the world, it’s just exhausting. But it needed it in order to start the whole process. Catch-22.

But I was still faced with the hard truth that I didn’t know how to fix Act 3. Then I listened to my characters. They knew what to do. And the marathon began. The script is now 20 pages shorter, the third act reads completely different from where it began, and the kids seem to be playing well together. I’ll give it a good read tomorrow and see how I feel about it then. As for now, I’m off to enjoy a celebratory beverage.

Best of luck in your writing efforts!!

*I’d like to apologize for any errors…I can barely see straight, let alone think clearly right now. *I’d also like to say I looked this poised last night, but no…image from megrosoff.co.uk