Script writing

Today was an exciting day. All of my semester work is now done for school and I had time to work on a little research for the script before I got into actually writing it. Here at midnight, I have 5.5 pages done. Excellent for day one. It feels good creating a story, telling a story and determining how these character's lives will play out.

Stay tuned.

Metaphysics of Screenwriting

I am a new student of metaphysics. That's not to say I buy into everything that some make it to be, but that I buy into a philosophy, a way of thinking. The introduction last year was merely an introduction to the word, for much of what is in the realm of metaphysics was already a part of my thinking, already evident in much of my "doing" or at least the foundation of my belief system.

I don't speak for everyone who believes in or practices metaphysics, but I do believe in this:

• Thoughts create.
• Positive and constructive thoughts create positive and constructive things.
• You can choose your thoughts.
• You can choose what you create.
• I create. Everyday.

Applied to screenwriting, or anything else for that matter, visualization is a powerful tool to create something out of nothing. By creating a visual that is so intensely real of whatever it is I am striving to achieve helps in creating that reality. It's different than just dreaming about something, it's more like seeing it and feeling it as if you had no doubt it were true right now and a part of your lived experience at this moment. You imagine how you would feel, how you would be dressed, the sensations you'd be feeling along with the scents and sounds you'd hear as well.

What I am aiming to do here, write my screenplay, is the perfect project for regular visualization. See it and live it. I am posting this as a reminder to myself -- as is this entire blog -- not to convince you to do the same. The mindset is that my thoughts become my reality. I'm living that future right now, it's vivid and it's exciting.

I'm completely onboard.

The writing schedule

I have to look at my summer as a full-time job: particular tasks to be done at particular times. Without some structure to the days, I may wake up and find that it's August and what will I have to show for the 12 weeks? A thesis draft? NO. A feature film script? NO.

I will have nothing else to fill my weekdays and a few weeknights so to make the most of the time, I'm working on a schedule. Not a schedule that leaves me working 16-hour days, but one that allows for play and relaxation but also squeezes in a lot of productivity that I cannot do during the school semester. Grad school is difficult enough without the pressure of accomplishing much more than the class/teaching requirements. With the fall semester being my last, a few added requirements are tossed in such as a thesis and comprehensive exams (yeah, the easy requirements).

My movie needs to be written. I have to get it OUT of my head and plugged into Final Draft. Summer is my time. I'll wrap some travel into that, watch some movies and play with my kiddo...but I'll figure it out to get done what I want to get done. The easy part is that the script is something I want to do, as well as something I feel I have to do. I won't feel "right" until I have it completed. It's a story I need to tell and one that I believe people want to see.

Thanks for your support, thanks for reading and keep in touch.

Busy day @ the social network

Wow...lots of new friends on Facebook and getting started on Twitter. The support network is growing of people who support writers. Thanks to all the new readers who popped onto the blog today. I appreciate your time, any comments you want to leave and your encouragement.

Only a few days until I can get to work in earnest. There's just one little final exam in the way, and a paper to edit. Maybe a little wine to enjoy during the transition.

Having a group to vent with and share little triumphs with along the way will be priceless. Thanks.

There's reading, and then there's writing.

Lew Hunter's Screenwriting 434: The Industry's Premier Teacher Reveals the Secrets of the Successful Screenplay
This is probably my favorite book for the screenwriting. I have other books, but this is the one I turn to most often. Frankly, I don't want to read too much about screenwriting, I just want to know enough to get by but I don't want to lose my voice or change my style too much to conform in ways that would make me too much like the pack. I want to DO screenwriting, not worry about what others are doing or what they think.

Learning the mechanics is like learning grammar.

Yet at a certain point, you either write the screenplay or become paralyzed because of too much screenwriting advice. I can't afford that. I may have technical issues with my screenwriting, but no one can tell my story like I can. No one else has my distinct voice.

Ah...It's coming alive

During my massage this morning, I was intentionally focused on letting my mind wander through my story in hopes of bringing a few areas of my story to life. What more could have been achieved than naming one of my key players. Names for me are not just accidental, meaningless configurations. For this character, I wanted his name to "fit" in more than just an identity, but with a name that was filled with multiple connotations.

This works. Suddenly, there's new excitement for my story...as if individuals are coming to life, becoming breathing beings. Something about naming -- it makes a difference. This character now has a substance and a "nature" that he didn't have yesterday. Creating a "being" is about the ultimate creative endeavor.

Days like today...being a writer feels powerful.

Massage = Creativity

As I'm planning out my summer and writing/study schedule, I'm now adding "massage" to the list of "things that promote good writing and creativity," joining the usual suspects: coffee, chocolate, tiramisu or a walk around the block.

This morning I had a massage and it was probably the most creative 60 minutes I've had in weeks. I was able to think about the characters and the big events. Not only did I end up relaxed, but also excited about the progress.