community

Helping > hindering

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I got an email earlier this week from a writer I’ve never met or interacted with asking for some help/guidance in getting their script out there.

My first thought was “Why me? I’m pretty much in the same position as you are.” But decency won out and I offered up some suggestions of paths they could take, along with asking that very question.

They appreciated what I had to say, and explained they reached out because “I saw that you had interviewed people in the industry and wrote books about it, impressive! I watched you on a podcast and perceived that you were a sharp guy….”

I don’t know about sharp, but it was still nice to hear (along with a shoutout for my books).

As I’ve written here many times, establishing and maintaining your writing community are truly invaluable resources. A key factor is that being open to helping others, especially when you’re not looking for something in return.

It’s just about being a nice person that people enjoy and appreciate interacting with.

Here are a few posts from the archives about that very topic.

Enjoy.

Happy to help

Still happy to help

That’s me – the human flying buttress

Still flying, still buttressing

My brain’s helping hands are ready to go

I despise this with the fiery intensity of a thousand suns

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No doubt many within the assorted writing communities have received at least one email of this nature:

“Hi there!

I found your book/project (TITLE) and was immediately captivated by what an amazing work it is on the subject of (WHATEVER).

1-2 PARAGRAPHS OF FLOWERY ASS-KISSING PROSE AND ASSORTED GENERALIZED COMMENTS BASED ON YOUR WORK AND ANY RELATED DESCRIPTIONS AND/OR WRITE-UPS FOUND ONLINE

I think the potential for the impact this material could have is huge! Just imagine readers having in-depth discussions about the complexities revolving around (SUBJECT).

I would love to discuss this more/have you on my podcast/social media. When would be a convenient time for you?”

You may at first think this is an honest and sincere email from somebody genuinely interested in your work.

To a certain extent, it is, but not from a creative perspective.

Because you know what’s coming next – and they’re never upfront about it. They shower you with praise and lofty expectations to reel you in, before the inevitable:

“I wanted to also let you know what the tier levels are for the varying packages we offer to help to promote your material.”

And there it is.

To paraphrase – “We want you to pay for the privilege of having us promote your work.”

Sometimes I respond to the initial email with lots of probing questions, seeking out at least an iota of truth. Getting even that is challenging.

No matter what, I wrap it up by writing “Thanks, but no thanks”, sending it and then deleting all of it.

Sometimes they come back with a “I’m sorry to hear that. We’re really interested in working with you. What can we do to help make this happen?”

I’m too polite to send my immediate thought of “fuck off and die, you bloodsucking leeches”; others may not be as reserved. I remain silent, delete that one, and move on with my life.

I get it. Some writers are so desperate that they’ll shell out the bucks to do this. That’s their choice. I prefer not to. Although I am curious how effective these campaigns are, or if at all. I’m inclined to think most writers regret having made the investment.

Would love to hear from anybody who’s had a positive experience with this sort of thing.

My inbox has seen an increase in these emails over the past few weeks.

Most of them stop sending, but the occasional note pops up after a few months to “just check in” and ask if I’d still be interested. That one also gets deleted right away.

There are A LOT of people out there more than ready to separate you from your money as part of their effort to “help you and your career”.

Do your research. Trust your instincts. If it feels fishy or seems too good to be true, it probably is. If somebody is genuinely interested in helping you, they’re not going to charge you for it or ask you to cover any “fees”.

Caveat emptor indeed, chums.

Bye-bye, blue birdie

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After 15+ years of existence, my Twitter account of @maximum_z is no more.

I got hacked. Somebody got in, took over, and booted me out.

A few days later, I got an email saying the account was suspended for “violating our rules against inauthentic accounts.”

Despite my efforts to fix it, Elon’s minions opted to deny any and all attempts.

And that was that.

I’d posted the news on other platforms, and was met with a lot of “Trust me. It’s for the best” and “I left a while ago. No regrets.” I imagine that’s how I’ll eventually feel about it, but for now, it’s still a period of adjustment.

A majority of the screenwriters and the screenwriting-adjacent I know were people I’d met/discovered on Twitter, so it’s a shame that those connections are no more. Especially since many had already voluntarily left – either to other platforms or off social media altogether.

It’ll be very strange not seeing updates from people I’ve known for such a long time – most virtually, with the occasional real-life encounter.

My account was also a strong marketing tool. It was great for announcing news of any sort, including progress on scripts, touting contest victories (and the occasional defeat), being part of self-promoting opportunities like ScreenPit, boosting the work of other writers, updates about my short film (coming soon!), and spreading the word about the Maximum Z Script Showcase.

Even with the loss of @maximum_z, this blog will endure and I’m still on other platforms, so feel free to connect with me on those – if you haven’t already.

Blue Sky – @pezscreenwriting

Instagram – @pezscreenwriting

There’s still the option of trying to re-establish the cancelled account, but that just seems like more trouble than it’s worth. Same goes for attempting to set up a new one.

It was fun while it lasted. Moving on and getting back to working on scripts.

Still happy to help

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A few years ago, I wrote about some then-recent interactions I had within the screenwriting community. A lot of the sentiment still resonates, and this week saw a few more examples on display.

Last Friday was the San Francisco Writers Conference, and I was the coordinator/moderator for all of the panels for the Writing For Hollywood track. A good time was had by all, including panelists and attendees. It’s also why there was no post last week. (Want to go next year? Just click on the link in that first sentence.)

I didn’t get much of my own writing done because two writing colleagues asked for notes on their scripts, each saying “Don’t hold back. Be as brutal as necessary!” And I was. Well, maybe not brutal; let’s call it “critical, but in a positive way”.

I read each script twice, jotting down notes when needed. Both ended up jam-packed with sticky notes on almost every page with a comment, question, or suggestion.

Both writers were very enthusiastic about their notes. Maybe they didn’t agree with everything; at least a large percentage. Best of all – they were both eager to use those notes and start on the next draft.

And in the middle of all this, a friend referred me to a writing group interested in a screenwriting presentation. A few emails with the coordinator later, I’ll be running an all-day workshop later this year.

I’ve always said this is one of my favorite parts of the screenwriting community – lots of people helping others in one way or another, and that sentiment still rings true.

Writing is already a solitary experience, so when you get the chance to help somebody or somebody asks you for help, you should take it because not only is it good for both of you, but it’s a great reminder that you’re not alone in this.

Not much time left…

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Just under one week to go for the crowdfunding for my thrill-omedy short film SHECKY.

The good news is the initial goal was achieved, so post-production is covered, and everything that comes in between now and the end will contribute to covering any unforeseen expenses plus potentially entering the film in some festivals. As of this writing, that’s only $419 away. Fingers crossed a few generous souls join the cause.

Tier rewards are still available, including:

– What’s the buzz? – $10 – social media shoutout

– Flavor of the Month – $25 – shoutout, copy of the script

– In the Spotlight – $50 – shoutout, copy of the script, copy of the film (after its festival run)

– The Punchline – $75 – shoutout, script, film, personalized video of me telling you a terrible joke

-On the Red Carpet – $100 – shoutout, script, film, video, 30-minute Zoom call for your choice of script notes, director’s reel notes, or acting reel notes

-Box Office Blockbuster – $250 – shoutout, script, film, video, 60-minute Zoom call, 1 ticket to screening of SHECKY in your area (if applicable)

-A-lister – $500 – shoutout, script, film, video, 60-minute Zoom call, 2 tickets

For those who’ve been following along, this project has been in the works for a long time. I’m thrilled that it’s THIS CLOSE to being done and can’t wait for people to see it.

I’m hoping all supporters of indie filmmaking, connoisseurs of terrible jokes, and the screenwriting community can find it in themselves to step up and chip in a few bucks. Every dollar really does make a difference.

Thanks, and donate if you can.