writing

Time unintentionally taken

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When I started working on the new spec a few months ago, I was hoping to have a solid outline done by the end of the year.

But the story is proving to be more complicated than I originally thought, and I’ve come up with some ideas that would help not only the story but to also showcase the “different” in the Familiar But Different aspect when it comes to the films that inspired it.

And on top of that, I’ve been busy with other stuff, so development on this project has really slowed down. I’m still working on it, but slightly annoyed that this is happening in the first place.

Part of it is my strong desire to get this thing written. I’m really psyched about it, but I also want to do as much outlining and figuring stuff out before moving onto pages.

There’s also the previously-alluded-to going for “familiar but different”. There are scenes and sequences in this story that require a strong sense of originality so as to avoid being interpreted as me being a lazy writer and just ripping off stuff from those other films. That is something I definitely want to avoid.

Thus, my continuing struggle to put this one together.

I initially felt embarrassed and a little ashamed about being so far behind schedule, but this is what putting this story together requires. When I expressed this to other writers, I was reminded that everybody makes progress at their own pace (“As a runner, you know how true that is.”), and it was also pointed out that several other writers in our community spend a lot of time writing and even more time rewriting their stuff.

I was told I shouldn’t feel bad about not being as productive or prolific. I’m doing the work at the pace that works best for me, and that’s the important part.

I also have to keep in mind that my animated script began several years ago as just jotting down ideas, and then gradually evolved into what it is today – including countless rewrites and polishes. Even today I’m still waiting on notes that will be applied to the next draft.

I know I’ll get this one done, and of course wish it wasn’t taking so long, but that’s just the way it is. I’m still enjoying putting it together, and confident I’ll be happy with the end result (and all the subsequent drafts that follow it).

From the archives: May I be of some assistance?

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“Be with you folks in a minute.”

Not the first time I reposted this one, but was reminded about it after a great chat with a screenwriting colleague earlier this week asking for some help in promoting her FREE class on writing a Christmas movie. Details down at the bottom.

In the meantime, please once again enjoy this post from July 2019.

For the most part, working towards making it as a screenwriter is a solitary effort. You’re the one who has to write the script and get it out there. It’s a tough journey, but you don’t have to go it alone.

Hence – networking.

Making that initial contact is great, but you should also strive to make it worth the other person’s while as much as you are for yourself.

Once you start to build up your own personal community of Other Writers, and those relationships gradually develop beyond the “Hi. Nice to meet you” stage, you’ll naturally seek out some help in the form of feedback – your latest draft, a query, a logline, what have you.

And that’s all well and good, but it’s equally important, if not more so, for you to return the favor. Rather than just popping up and saying “Hey, would you read my script?”, try “Hey, we’ve known each other a while, and you seem to know what you’re talking about, so would you be open to reading my script? And I’d be more than happy to reading one of yours.”

Helpful tip #1 – don’t be the person who asks for notes but isn’t willing to give them.

Helpful tip #2 – even if you don’t like what their notes say, you still need to hold up your end of the bargain and give them notes – especially if you’re the one who asked in the first place.

Sometimes the best kind of help is when it’s unexpected – either from you or from somebody you know.

A few years ago, a producer friend of a friend was looking for a certain kind of project. I didn’t have anything that met their criteria, but offered to post the listing on a few social media platforms. At least 20 writers responded. I sent their info to the producer, who then contacted a few of them (as far as I know).

What did I get out of it? Just being happy to help and the appreciation from all the writers – even the ones the producer didn’t follow up with.

I’ve also been fortunate to be on the receiving end, with friends sending me emails and messages about listings seeking scripts like mine.

A little effort really does go a long way – anything from forwarding a script or job listing to a few words of encouragement, or even offering congratulations for somebody achieving some kind of accomplishment. Don’t you like when somebody does that sort of thing for you?

As much as we’re all working towards our own individual success, we’re also part of a community; one where each member should help support the others in whatever way they can.

-Screenwriter Isabel Drean has a new online course called “Break Into The Industry With A Christmas Movie“. It’s free and only runs for 28 minutes. There are also links to other online courses Isabel offers. She’s a veteran screenwriter, including selling five scripts which were all produced in an 18-month span.

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.