Tag Archives: Writer’s Resource

A Screenwriter No-No

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I had to share this.  And just to forewarn you, it’s painful.  One of the first rules of etiquette in this industry (or any), don’t abuse your contacts.  This should almost go without saying.  I understand the excitement that goes along with finding someone who can help you with your career (I’ve talked about this before), but this is not how to go about it.  If this writer had done any research on how to network, how to maintain relationships, and how to take any amount of criticism, this may have been someone he could have contacted again in the future, but now he’ll be lucky if he’s not blackballed from the entire industry.  It’s a small world and people talk.  All I can say is wow.

Enjoy!

Why producers will not read your script – shocking case study from one exec.

Have a great week everyone!

A Little Screenwriting Help

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TypewriterFontWriterSometimes I have to question my sanity.  As writers, it’s something we probably do more often than we should.  I recently watched the documentary, “Tales from the Script”, which is available on Netflix, and I highly recommend it to any aspiring screenwriter.  Which is why I was again forced to reevaluate my sanity.  There was one comment that has stuck with me, it was something to the effect that “if you can do anything else, do it”.  That’s when it was reiterated to me that I can’t.  I love screenwriting.  It’s my calling.  And I hope all of you have found yours.

If you can quit, then quit. If you can’t quit, you’re a writer. – R.A. Salvatore

I’ve tried my hand at poetry, and just for kicks and giggles, maybe I’ll post some one day.  They’re terrible.  Which is probably why I’ve never tried to write any more beyond my angsty teenage years.  I wrote a few short stories, and I’d be willing to try again, I’m just not sure when.  I wrote a one-act play that I really liked, but I feel that was a one-hit wonder moment.  I’ve never written song lyrics, but I’m actually going to give that a try this year.  I have this interesting opening line that I’d like to explore.  I actually finished a novel (based on one of my screenplays) and have another, that one that I started in my youth that was too advanced for my adolescent mind, that still needs to be finished, but now am thinking could be a screenplay…I’m satisfied knowing I’ve at least tried other avenues, and have found the medium that works best for me.

I’m pretty sure it all started with my love of film.  I see my stories like a movie in my head.  I used to get buried in the details of description when I was trying to be a novelist, the only form of writing I thought there was, and screenwriting allows me to get my story out quickly.  So for those of you who are following a similar path, I’ve attached this article on how to improve your screenwriting descriptions, and if you can ignore the off-putting color of the page, there’s some wonderful advice.  I made lots of notes.

I’m keeping this one short and sweet.  I’m not going to rant or ramble, as I have to get back to the many things I have lingering…

WritersEcard

Have a great week!

How Are Those Resolutions Coming?

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CloversIt’s St. Patrick’s Day, and I suddenly realized it’s going on almost 11 weeks since the New Year and all those resolutions (verbalized, or not), and I decided to reevaluate my “to do list”.  I currently have 18 items on it, some of them have subcategories, some are on-going, but of the 18, I’ve been working through 14 of them.  Not too shabby.  Some days I flounder.  Some days I struggle with my writing.  Some days I feel like all I’ve done is run in circles, but at least I made the list to keep me focused.  It’s like a tether that draws me back to reality.  I bought a monthly wall calendar to keep track of goals and to visualize them.  I created imaginary deadlines, and some more concrete…and yet I still feel like I could have made better progress.  I’ve let too many days pass without doing a thing…at least on the writing front.

I feel like maybe I should cut myself a little slack, but then I think, I can’t slip back into old routines and bad habits.  Maybe I need more (or better) structure.  I applied for a six-month membership giveaway to a local writer’s space that would give me an “office”.  I’m crossing my fingers.  It’s too easy to be sidetracked at home.  This is why I think I should have done more these past 11 weeks.  I felt I was making progress on my first script, until I hit that historical snag.  I switched gears, started working on something else, and then figured out how to solve the first problem.  I started making progress on the other piece, then got the news that I could start writing for “real”.  On an actual show.  So I’ve had to switch gears again.  I better write down all those thoughts.

So how are your resolutions coming?  We’re three months in.  What I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter when you decide to change your outlook, just that you do.  If you’re struggling to make your way, reach out and find the resources that will help you move forward.  The New Year was a great jumping off point, but you don’t have to make those new year resolutions to make things happen for yourself.  So what that it’s March?!  If there are things you want to accomplish, each new day is your new opportunity.  So in this vein, here are a few articles that I hope you’ll find helpful — 1. 50 Ways Writers Can Prepare For the New Year  2. 16 Ways to Get Motivated When You’re in a Slump  3. 6 of the Best Pieces of Advice From Successful Writers

Here’s to continuing progress!  Best of luck everyone!

Writing Prompt #6

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I have literally and figuratively been all over the place the last couple of days.  I have a bunch of partial posts to finish, but am finding I’m short on time.  So be forewarned, there’s stuff coming…until then, here’s another prompt…I love this image.

GoddessOfTheFirstStar

Happy Writing!