rewrite

Did it before. Can do it again

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Made an interesting discovery this week.

My manager and I have been doing what is for the most part a line-by-line edit/polish of my western.

(A quick aside to note that it is quite a thrill to include that part about having a manager.)

We’re about halfway through, so I took it upon myself to go through the second half and then go over it with him. I like how it turned out.

But while I was reading, one thing that really stood out about it: there were a lot more scenes and sequences than I remember. It had more of an impact this time because I’m still working on the story of my new spec, and seeing all those little scenes in the western that enhance the characters and story make me think “this is what I need to do for this one”.

I’m still figuring out the story, so this may just be me getting ahead of myself. I’m not concerned, and know I’ll eventually figure things out. This may just stem from seeing how put-together a previous script is and wanting to a similar outcome for the new one. This happens a lot during this stage in the process.

Not that I’m looking to re-capture what feels like lightning in a bottle, but figuring out the story and all the supporting details is always a challenge. I come up with the major plot points and then start filling in the blanks between them. Sometimes I’ll create a list of all the ideas and possibilities that could be included, and then start picking and choosing. I already had a few set pieces, so I may work on expanding that.

This is all part of how it works – for me, anyway. I’m always amazed to see another writer just crank ’em out with what appears to be little effort. This just reinforces the idea that I’m a plotter, not a pantser.

I don’t mind having to go through all of this. I’m sure I’ll be happy with the end result; it’s working my way there that’s the challenging part.

That’s one out of the way…

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Hard as it is to believe, I can honestly say that my work on the animated fantasy-comedy has come to an end. I got some great notes from a new batch of readers (and one previous one), did a few passes on it, and there you have it.

I think it’s a very strong piece of work and at the very least makes for a fantastic sample/calling card.

Bonus – one reader really enjoyed it and offered to put out feelers for potential interest within their network of industry connections. There was no hesitation to say yes (and thanks).

When the year started, I had plans of what I wanted to accomplish in terms of writing and the writing-adjacent. With this rewrite officially in the books, I feel totally unencumbered to do that.

Things feel different this time around, like the air is rife with possibilities. It’s up to me to take advantage of that and be productive while also enjoying the ride.

A few more ideas jotted down for the new spec, work continues on getting things ready for the short film, lining up guests (and reading their work) for the podcast, and putting the finishing touches on the panels for the Writing For Hollywood track at the upcoming San Francisco Writers Conference.

And when I can find the time, reading scripts – both produced and specs.

There’s a lot going on. So far, so good.

Next!

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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…

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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

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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.