The Act 3 Hurdle

Posted in Posts, Tips by Rachael C Marek

I don’t have a desk chair. The one I had previously was old, it wasn’t that comfortable, and it was that ugly gray office style kind of chair with thick black plastic arms. It also had wheels. My little dogs did not appreciate the terrible noise the wheels made against the wood flooring in our apartment, and neither did I for that matter. We had been through a lot together over the 10 plus years, we had written so much, but when The Sis and I decided to leave Los Angeles, I realized I didn’t want to move it again. Honestly, I didn’t want to see it again. It was time to end the co-dependent relationship, and so I chucked it into the alley behind our building, hopeful someone would find it and give it a new home – a sad fate for my faithful companion.

So now, I have no chair. I have to drag the chaise I sit on when I watch tv or game over to my desk, which is too low to utilize as a desk chair, and then have to sit on the back pillow and prop myself up like a booster seat. My dogs like it because they have more room to spread out beside me, but long bouts of writing are not to be found under such conditions.

It’s so awkward.

It sounds like I’m making excuses as to why very little writing has occurred since I determined to write more, and maybe, I am, a little, but the truth is I’m trapped on how to start Act 3. I reread the first two acts, and was empowered to finish this story properly…which is why I think I’m struggling to find the right place to start. I don’t have the time to play around with this one anymore – I have deadlines to make, and this story has been worked over so many times it’s pretty unrecognizable since it debuted many, many, many years ago.

I broke out some screenwriting books hoping to gain some insight, and I thought I’d share a few pearls I discovered. Hopefully, if you’re struggling, you’ll find them useful as well.

1. Have your hero give up just before they reach their goal. By the third act they have determined that they want “it” and they are going to go after “it”, but exhausted they give up just short of reaching “it”. The example used was The African Queen and how they tried so hard to get the boat to the open water, to give up about three feet from it. Then it rains and sets them adrift.

2. Bookends. Can the last scene be an answer to the first? The example was a couple who fall in love during war time and are married on the back of a truck, so at the end of the story they have a proper wedding to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary.

3. Make a list of all the questions asked or ideas raised throughout your script and be sure to answer them. This is something I have found to be useful so there aren’t any loose ends or plot holes by the end. It’s a great way to look back over your story as a whole and see that those ideas/themes continued throughout.

4. My last helpful tip is to talk the story over with someone. I used The Sis as a spring board and found that by voicing my ideas aloud about how I wanted the story to end was more useful than trying to work it all out in my head. She asked questions that made me reevaluate my ideas and concepts. Also, when you explain your story to someone, they can immediately tell you if something doesn’t make sense or doesn’t work.

Although I discovered all this useful insight, I’m no closer to the opening scene I need, but I’m thinking that I just need to jump in. I know the story, I’ll find a good point to start, and let the chips fall where they may.

When I asked two separate people, I received the same response…”it was a dark and stormy night”. 🙂 I’d love to hear back from all of you. Any advice on a great third act opener?

Happy Writing everyone!

28Jan2015

Writing Prompt #42

Posted in Writing Prompt by Rachael C Marek

Last week sort of passed me by and I didn’t even realize I hadn’t posted a Writing Prompt until Friday. My apologies to those who find them helpful or just interesting. I’ve been pin happy on Pinterest, so you can click the link to the right (or here) to see all the new stuff happening over there for more inspiration.

For my new friends, if you’d like to see some of the prompts I’ve posted in the past, there are a few highlighted on my page to the right, or you can type in Writing Prompt into the search bar to see all the others and join in the Writing Prompt Challenge fun!

I can’t wait to see what you come up for this one. I found this image so interesting. Remember to link your stories or share below so we can all enjoy!

Happy Writing!

25Jan2015

Submission Season is Upon Us

Posted in Posts, Tips by Rachael C Marek

As promised, here are a couple of resources to utilize to find contests and their deadlines. While some screenwriting contests are just beginning (Nicholl, PAGE, and Scriptapalooza), others are nearing their end (Cinestory, Creative World Awards, and Bluecat is already closed). I have updated my Calendar of Events page to highlight screenwriting contests in particular, and by no means is this a complete list, but they are among some of the more notable ones.

Also, here is a link on writing loglines that you may find helpful.

Aerogramme Writers’ Studio has put together the following list to highlight those events coming up in February and March many of which are open to both experienced and novice writers alike.

If you know of any great contests and would like to share them, please leave me the info in the comments and I’ll be sure to add them to the list!

So let’s get crackin’! Let’s get our work in order and show them what we’re made of! 😉

Happy Sunday!

14Jan2015

Writing Prompt Challenge Accepted #9

Posted in Writing Prompt by Rachael C Marek

I have to admit that the few times I’ve actually had the chance to sit in front of my computer, I lollygagged. It was refreshing to be able to sit and do what I wanted.*

I have been desperate to get back to writing, and although I have found myself easily distracted, as I recently stated, this non-writing thing is nonsense, so…Writing Prompt Challenge Accepted!

It’s never too late to join in the fun! 🙂

The first one is inspired by Pride & Prejudice: Unworthy

He felt he had been riding for hours. His legs burned and the poor animal beneath him had finally slowed its pace as it drew nearer to the familiar landscape of his home. Taking a deep breath he dismounted and walked the horse at a leisurely pace towards the stone bridge he had always found solace upon. His father had stood there with him in his youth, regaling him with stories of their family and their duty. He now stood upon it alone, and he needed his father’s counsel more than ever. It was hard for him to admit that he knew he was unworthy of her love; he had done nothing to encourage her affection, but he had been foolhardy enough to believe his title and income would be enough to entreat her to consider his proposal. Her affection would grow over time. Wasn’t that the way it happened? He knew there was something different about her; it was what had drawn his attention in the first place, and he had surprised even himself with the depth of his regard for her, but now he had to consider the possibility of a life without her, and that was something he hadn’t been prepared for.

The Lock

They had immediately been drawn to one another, despite their circumstances. The flirtation had started innocently enough, but with each subsequent encounter their passion grew. There were too many opportunities to be thrown together, and it wasn’t long before the lingering glances across the crowded ballroom, the brushes of hands in passing, and even the stolen kisses in dark corners became insufficient to satiate the consuming hunger. It was then that war came, and their separation became inevitable. The pang that ripped at their heart strings was enough to compel them to enjoy whatever moments they could together in the hopes it would bond them eternally and bring them back together at some point in the future, of this life or the next.

They met in secret in an unused room, away from prying eyes, surprised at the ease of their deception. She arrived first, her breathing staggered in anticipation. When the door slowly opened and he appeared, they were in each other’s arms in an instant, his hand lingering on the lock as he enveloped her in passionate embrace.

Intrigue

Despite the lingering fog, the night was warm. The river’s silent invitation persuaded her to peel off her hose and take off her shoes to dangle her toes in the cool water while she waited. She sat there in the eerie silence watching as the fog continued to roll in and eat the end of the bridge until it disappeared into nothing. A wasteland could lie beyond, and it did, but on a night like tonight it was impossible to know.

She recounted every time they had met here while a faint smile full of fond memories tugged at the corners of her mouth. It wasn’t supposed to have been like this. She would probably be branded a traitor, but war was a funny thing to those on the ground. His large frame cracked the veil, the golden glow from the lights enveloping him as he moved forward. She should leave, but found herself rooted to the spot, the fog moving in closer even now – perhaps it was an omen. The thought caused a lump to form and she swallowed hard.

I hope you are all well and continuing towards your goals!

Don’t forget to share your writings if you’ve been inspired.

*This is a reference to my sweat-shop inspired job. That’s a story for another day.

8Jan2015

Look at this!

Posted in Posts, Tips by Rachael C Marek

Hello, my fellow creatives!

If you’re not following Aerogramme Writer’s Studio yet, here’s their latest post, and probably a big incentive as to why you should. I have found a great deal of helpful information on their site, and this is an especially good one.

A residency in France? Scotland? Denmark? Yes to all, please!

Give it a look and Good Luck!

6Jan2015

Writing Prompt #41

Posted in Writing Prompt by Rachael C Marek

So in keeping with my goals of getting back on track, I offer you the following image for this week’s Writing Prompt. I have really missed these…and I can’t wait to see what you create!

For those of you unfamiliar with the purpose of the prompt, I find what I think are interesting pictures, post them, then ask you to share whatever you create from the inspiration I hope you find in it. I also share my own writing; short stories that I like to call flash fiction – under 200 words with little thought or editing. And I fully plan on writing a few this week, because this non-writing thing is nonsense. 😉

Happy Writing!

16Nov2014

Writing Prompt #40 & A Little Reflection

Posted in Posts, Writing Prompt by Rachael C Marek

It’s been a while, I know, and I have missed this part of my blog. I like finding images I hope you’ll find inspiring, and when I decided to take up the Writing Prompt Challenges myself, I was encouraged to continue…and here we are, No# 40.

I’ve been doing some soul searching the past few days as I lost one of my dearest friends on Thursday. We had been friends 25 years and since my moving back to Las Vegas, we had talked about getting together and reuniting our old group of friends, but just hadn’t made it happen. I was taken aback on Friday morning when I popped on Facebook for a quick minute before doing work and the top post was in regards to his passing. It hit me hard, and really got me thinking about life in general. I suppose that’s natural when someone dies unexpectedly.

Tomorrow isn’t promised. We shouldn’t wait to do the things we want. Everyday is a new beginning to make changes. Appreciate the ones you love. Find your passion.

So you may be wondering what this has to do with my writing prompt. I’ve been slacking. I’ve lost my passion for my writing, and I’m blaming a job, and the fact that we’re still staying with my friend because we haven’t found a place to live. I don’t have my normal routine, things are sort of chaotic, and hence my writing has been relegated to the furthest recesses of my mind. I don’t even think about it most days, and that is sad. I’m not going to get philosophical, but my friend’s death did put some things into perspective for me, and (more) changes are coming.

So in my continuing effort to get back on track it’s time to start writing again and rekindle my love! Here is this week’s prompt that will hopefully inspire –

I wish you all well, my friends!

11Nov2014

Quote of the Week

Posted in Posts, Quotes by Rachael C Marek

After posting my last ramble, I realized I didn’t really like it, and thought of deleting it all together, but then I had this thought…

Not every post can be perfect. Life is not perfect. It is what we do and how we try and anyway, it was just a ramble about Captain America. Not exactly a topic to be overly concerned about.

So here’s the quote for the week, yep, I’m going to try to get back on track!

And to those of you who have served, Happy Veteran’s Day! Thank you!

25Oct2014

I (Finally) Got a Job?!

Posted in Posts by Rachael C Marek

Life can be funny sometimes. After two years of struggling to find a job in Los Angeles, any job, applying for any film related position I was even half qualified for and those I was overqualified for – 200+ resumes later, I only ever received two calls. A week back in Vegas and I had two interviews, thanks to a friend with contacts. To be honest (and hopefully my friend doesn’t ever see this), I didn’t really want either, but who was I to complain? So I sucked it up and decided which of them would be the lesser of two evils. After two promising interviews, a week passed without any word. Again I was faced with the prospect that I might continue to be jobless, and although yes, I was new to this market, I wasn’t sure how much more rejection I could take (especially when it’s not in reference to my screenwriting for which I know I’ll have to develop a thick skin).

I started another round of job hunting and ground my teeth in silence. I won’t go into the recent economic downturn and how so many people lost their jobs and homes, because this isn’t about that, but the thought that you might have to take any job for any pay is neither encouraging nor appealing.

I want to be a writer. I want Hollywood to come calling and for studios to get into bidding wars over my scripts, but that’s still a little ways off. 😉 So I figured I could try to find something within the realm of creativity and crossed my fingers as I searched the employment sites yet again. And then there it was…content writer wanted. I completely rewrote my cover letter, scoured my blog for a couple decent writing samples (one of which was my insight into Doctor Who which I would later discover was probably one of the best choices I made), and sent it off a little excited by the prospect.

And then I saw them.

Using my sister’s computer, so I could remain in the vicinity of my crazy dogs who are still not comfortable because they don’t have any of their own things (we’re still in my friend’s living room), for some unknown reason, her computer did not recognize two misspelled words. Not big errors, two missing “i’s”, but there it was, strike one. I had one friend try to reassure me by saying I probably didn’t want to work there anyway, but what an idiotic mistake. I should know by now to never send anything off without another pair of eyes taking a pass. As writers we all know we never see our own errors.

The following day, I received an email saying that they liked my samples and wanted to meet with me. Score! (I don’t know why I just said that. I promise to not use it again.)

I called the office and asked to speak with the woman who had sent me the email, and had misread her name so I said it wrong, like really wrong…strike two. I shook my head for some time after that one.

Set up the interview for the same day, and I was not prepared for that so I was running a few minutes late…strike three.

I was pretty sure that was it for me, but the interview was with the two heads of the department, and they’re fellow geeks, so my interview questions were not only based on my writing and capabilities, but who I thought might win in a battle between Godzilla and some weird hybrid of a terminator-like being made up entirely of crocodiles that had hive mentality. When I sighed and said, “Why couldn’t you ask me about Captain America or Buffy?” they laughed. I quickly discovered they were fellow Dragon Age enthusiasts, and that was it for me. I knew I wanted to work with them.

A half an hour later I received a phone call, I got the job. Seriously?! I just got a job? A real job, writing? YES! The only catch, I had to start the following morning at 8:30 am. In the morning?

A few things – I hadn’t been up at 8:30 except if it was from the night before, and I had absolutely no clothes for an office environment. I hadn’t worked in one in some 15 years, so it was off to every store in a 5 mile radius to find at least one pair of pants. Besides the fact that about 75% of all my clothing is in storage, I really didn’t have anything to wear. Luckily after four stores I found two pairs of pants and they will now be my staples until I can afford to buy a few more. I forewarned those I work with about my limited attire, I know, such a girlie thing to be concerned about. I doubt anyone will even notice as I’m seated at a desk for 8 hours a day.

So there it is. I am now being paid to write. How strange is that?

Now if only I could find a place to live, get settled in, and get familiar with this new routine, then all would be right in my world…well, almost. 😉 I have to figure out how after spending all that time in front of a computer writing I will want to write my own stuff? Any tips are welcome and appreciated!

I wish you all well and hope you are working towards your goals! Best wishes, my friends!

28Aug2014

Writing Prompt #39 & An Apology

Posted in Writing Prompt by Rachael C Marek

Hello, my friends!

As the pressures of moving and all things associated set in, I find myself a little scattered. So I will apologize in advance for the sprinkling of posts over the next few weeks. Of course this all occurs after celebrating blogging for a year, when I’d like to keep up the momentum, but you know how life can be funny like that sometimes…

To tide you over in the interim, here’s this week’s Writing Prompt. This image inspires a few different ideas for me, so hopefully I’ll be able to find some time to write. Wanna join me?