Month: October 2024

Next!

Maximum Z determination, feedback, notes, perseverance, persistence, productivity, progress, rewrite, screenplay, screenwriting, script, time management, writing , , , , , , , , , ,

That’s that. The latest edit/polish has wrapped up and been sent to readers.

No time to sit around and wait to hear what they have to say (although I will admit to hoping for notes and comments of a positive nature) – I got too much other stuff to do.

Although it can be a bit taxing at times, I like having all these different projects. It’s not just productive, but also helps establish a hearty work ethic.

There’s always something that needs your attention. The challenging part is how much and how often.

I try to do a little each day on several fronts, which may slow down finishing it, but I eventually get stuff done, which is the important part.

Everything will get done at its own pace, so I’m not stressing. I don’t need to add that kind of pressure.

Plus, I’m really enjoying all of it, which is very important. If it felt too much like work, then I wouldn’t be as driven to get it done.

A few more hurdles to go…

Maximum Z action, animation, Buster Keaton, comedy, contests, dialogue, draft, editing, fantasy, notes, reading, rewrite, screenplay, screenwriting, script, writing , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Several days and a lot of pages marked up with red ink later, the latest draft of the animated fantasy-comedy is complete.

But no resting on the laurels for this guy.

I have a few other pending projects that need my attention, and then it’s one more read-through to fix any new issues. That draft will then go to some readers, most likely resulting in another draft. After that, maybe a contest or two.

There weren’t a lot of major changes for this round; more like lots and lots of little ones. A changed word or phrase here, the reorganizing of action lines or dialogue, that sort of thing. Nothing too drastic, but just enough to make a difference.

Additionally, after all the time I spent on a potential new title, I decided to stick with the original one. For now, at least. If a producer wants to buy it and then change it, who am I to say no? Once the check clears, of course.

And a huge shoutout to all the readers whose notes made a big difference.

Overall, I’m quite happy with how it turned out. I’m glad I took my time and didn’t rush it. It feels more put-together than before, and hopefully the end result will be as rock-solid as it can be.

Fingers crossed.

My industrious red pen

Maximum Z animation, comedy, determination, draft, editing, encouragement, fantasy, perseverance, persistence, reading, rewrite, screenplay, screenwriting, script, writing , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Another shorty today, but worth mentioning.

Wrapped up a rewrite of the animated fantasy-comedy. Implemented a good deal of changes and suggestions from several sets of notes. Really liked the results.

Printed it out, and am now going through through it line by line for additional edits, tweaks, etc.

After that – sending it to a handful of readers. Still deciding who to ask – those who saw a much earlier version, or potentially somebody new.

I was also feeling somewhat bothered regarding how long this whole process is taking. A LOT of time has been spent on this script.

But then I see comments on social media from friends who are also completing their latest draft, including some that have been working on it just as long, or even longer than I have.

Which makes me feel not so bad.

IT TAKES AS LONG AS IT TAKES.

I’ll get there.

Giving the brakes a little tap

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My list of “Stuff that needs to get done” seems to have grown exponentially – especially over the past few weeks.

A rewrite, developing a new story, reading the books of upcoming guests on the podcast, then recording & posting said podcast, lining up guests for the podcast, working on the crowdfunding for the short film project, and not to mention all the regular duties around the house.

It keeps a guy pretty busy.

There’s always that ongoing thought of “I need to work on this”, which eventually leads to “Oh, and I also need to work on this other thing, but I don’t want to forget about this other other thing.” Repeat ad infinitum.

Great as it is to check off stuff for that day’s list, there’s always a few other something elses (somethings else?) requiring my attention.

It can get a little overwhelming, so it’s important to be careful about pushing myself too hard so as to avoid some major crashing and burning.

But if slowing things down a little helps me feel a little more in control, then that’s what I’ve got to do. I’d rather it took a little longer than feel totally spent, and therefore non-productive.

I’m allowing myself the luxury of *GASP* not writing and doing something else, like reading or watching something. Cooking/baking also does wonders for me.

I might even go so far as to get out of the house and indulge in some kind of non-writing-related activity. An outrageous notion to entertain, I know.

But a mind at ease tends to yield better results than one under constant stress and self-imposed pressure.

Besides, it’s not like the writing and all the other stuff’s never going to get done. It just won’t happen as fast.