So how’s 2014 been going for you so far, writing-wise?
Even if you’re not the type who makes New Year’s resolutions, you probably promised yourself this would be the year you were going to definitely…
-Write every day!
-Read more scripts!
-Connect with more writers!
-Have the script ready for the Nicholl days, even weeks before the deadline!
-Not surf the internets when you’re supposed to be writing! (tough, but not impossible)
Have you done any of this? If so, good for you! It doesn’t matter how much you accomplished; the important thing is you still did it.
Feels awesome, doesn’t it? Keep at it!
If not, why not?
Sure, it’s easier to procrastinate than to do the actual work, but if you want to call yourself a writer, then you kind of have to, you know, write. Even if it’s just a page a day.
So consider this the digital equivalent of a motivational, well-intentioned kick in the pants to get yourself going.
There’s still time to start the year right, so as soon as you’re done reading this (which should include hitting the ‘like’ button and leaving a comment of praise/gratitude), go and do any or all of those things listed above.
Like the saying goes, this thing ain’t gonna write itself.
When exactly are the days of auld lang syne again?
Things definitely changed for me during 2013, happily for the better.
-My script DREAMSHIP got me a manager, was a semifinalist in a high-profile contest and placed in the top 15 percent of the Nicholl. While I hope more things happen with it this year, I’m also pretty excited about the potential of the western spec and the two still in the rewrite/development stages.
Most importantly, I’d say I finally realized the true meaning of “write what you know”. A lot of what I write could fall squarely into the category of pulp material. A high-flying adventure guaranteed to buckle anyone’s swash. A western where you can practically breathe in the dry and dusty air and hear the thundering hoofbeats. A noir-style mystery that makes you want to hang on to your fedora as you toss back a shot of cheap rotgut.
I live for this kind of stuff, and strive to convey the same kinds of sensations and experiences in my work. It took a while to really understand this, but it’s made a significant difference for me and how I approach writing.
-Through this blog, assorted networking websites and writing forums, I’ve connected with a lot of extremely talented people from all over the world. Pleasantries, experiences and script advice have been exchanged, and I’m looking forward to continuing all of them (when possible, regarding the latter).
-Absolutely nothing happened with relaunching the podcast, mostly because I never found the time. Will do my best to change that.
-I ran 5 half-marathons, including two where I finally managed to break the 1:55 mark and set a new personal best – 1:51:10. I don’t know if I’ll do as many this year, but would like to try and at least hit 1:50.
-The running and bike riding definitely helped me stay in shape, and I attempted to maintain a semi-regular regiment of upper body work. Not as fit and toned as I’d like to be, but it’s helped a little. This will continue.
-The great baklava experiment was a smashing success. It’s been requested I make it again, this time with pistachios instead of walnuts. No reason that can’t happen. Still undecided about what new concoction to attempt this year, but baked alaska currently holds the frontrunner position.
As always, I’d like to thank you for coming along with me on this thrill ride of an experience, and hope you stick around because 2014 holds bigger and better things.
Last week, I had the good fortune of having a “getting to know you” lunch with a working writer I’d connected with via Done Deal Pro.
We discussed numerous things, almost of all which were about our writing. Hearing about another writer’s experiences never gets old, especially one that’s had some success.
As our time started to wrap up, he offered to read one of my scripts. “But,” he added, “don’t send me any big-budget tentpoles. There are six people who could actually make those happen, and I don’t know any of them. On the other hand, there are about three thousand who can work with a small, low-budget script, and I know a lot of them.”
As much as I wanted to send him one of those big-budget tentpoles, I decided it was better to go with an older one that would be considered small budget and only has a few locations. (Since it was an older script, I added that my skills have improved since then)
Another point he made was that there are a lot of writing assignments available (TV movies, small indie films, etc), and a small script could show you’ve got the chops to handle this kind of work. He admitted it may not be the most glamorous, but I totally understood when he talked about the thrill in seeing his name with a “Written By” credit on TV.
As much as I enjoy writing the stuff I do, just about all of it does fall into the big-budget tentpole category. I’m not an established writer, which makes it that much harder to move forward with it. Having a manager helps, but it’s still an uphill climb.
It’s smart to take this kind of realistic approach. You may love working on that effects-heavy epic extravaganza, but don’t count out the potential of that low-key dramedy you haven’t looked at in years. A little touch-up work may be all it needs.
It never hurts to have more scripts in your arsenal of material, and a smaller one may end up being the one that gets things started.
I got a very interesting email the other day, with the subject of “Want to get your script into shape?”.
How could I resist such a persuasive sales pitch?
What followed was a lengthy diatribe about what an almost insurmountable task it was to write not just a good script, but a great one with the potential to open all kinds of doors and really get my career going.
If I wanted any of that to happen, then I should seriously consider the services of a script consultant. Specifically, this person.
It was a foregone conclusion I wasn’t interested, but I was intrigued to know more about them. Exactly who is this, and why should I invest the time and money to work with them? So I clicked on the link to their website.
Let’s just say it was not encouraging.
A very early-2000s look to the whole thing. Generic descriptions of what a script consultant is, how they can help me and lots of pie-in-the-sky descriptions of what could possibly happen with my script. No details about cost. Totally anonymous testimonials (which didn’t even sound true to begin with).
Did I mention this email showed up in my junk mail folder?
Just to seal the deal, I looked them up on IMDB Pro. Exactly. Nothing.
We all know this is an incredibly tough business to break into, and take all the help we can get. Using professional feedback can really benefit your work and help develop your skills. The tough part is figuring out who actually is a professional and gives you your money’s worth.
Utilize the tools at your disposal and do your homework. Ask questions of your peers via emails or Twitter. Check the numerous blogs and forums. There’s no reason you can’t find the information you need. And don’t be afraid to price-check and comparison shop. This is your time and money we’re talking about.
There will always be people who claim to be experts or professionals with all the answers, looking to take advantage of your desperation to succeed and ready to take your money.
Fortunately, you can go into this prepared and not let them.
Thanks to the wonder of living in the digital age, I’ve connected with an incredible number of even more incredible writers. Not being the pushy sort, I always wait until we have a bit of a rapport to ask if they’d be willing to read my script and maybe give a little feedback. And a lot of the time, they ask for the same thing, of which I’m more than happy to oblige.
But there are those who respond along the lines of “I’m not comfortable with letting somebody I don’t know that well see my work.”
A perfectly legitimate response, but also raises a few questions:
-Do you think I’m going to steal your work? No disrespect, but I don’t want it. At all. Just like you, I’ve put in an immense amount of time and effort so I can take a certain pride in claiming “Yes, I wrote this.” Why would I want to risk everything for your script? There may be some unsavory characters out there, but I’m not one of them. I’ve made no effort to hide who I am from you or anybody else and stand by my reputation.
-Is it because I can’t advance your career? Just because I’m not in the industry now doesn’t mean I won’t be in the future. I try to help my friends out when I can. Act like a jerk to me now and that’s how I’ll remember you.
-Am I not professional enough for you? I may be unsold and unproduced, but I’ve got a manager, have had some moderate success in contests and what I would call a pretty solid grasp of what good writing is. Maybe my notes could even make your script better, and most importantly, they’re free.
-Do you think your script is already perfect, doesn’t need any more work and any criticism on my part is just me being jealous of your superior writing skills and trying to sabotage it? Good luck and I wish you all the best.
We all need whatever help we can get, and most people are pretty accommodating.
Don’t be afraid to make connections and get your work out there. It’s been my experience that everybody’s already wrapped up enough in their own work to make becoming more than involved with yours not much of a possibility.
*Rewrite update: about 1-2 details away from having the first act done. Really like how it’s shaping up, but still a long way to go.
**A big congratulations to the Nicholl finalists. Won’t deny being jealous. Now back to work for the rest of us already focusing on next year.
Maximum Z 