Working on the Feature

I've decided to build my story around my characters, but I was really having a hard time getting a bead on them. I could see them but not clearly, like perephial vision in the corner of my mind.

Finally, yesterday in the midst of doing chores (my least favorite - dishes) I got a great idea for a scene and let it play out in my head. It lead to scene after scene after scene. Suddenly I had a fuzzy blueprint for my second act. More importantly my characters told me what I needed to know by their actions (as the second act of most films tend to be less expository than the first and actions always speak louder than words).

It helped me get a grip not only on my main characters but also gave me a hefty amount of info on two others in the supporting cast.

The setting should be easy to come by and low budget so far. But I am not writing within a budget. If it fits, that's great. If not, no problem. I am writing to sell, not shoot. That really opens up the possibilities.

Update on the story front

A day (or two) late on the writing front but essentially a dollar richer. I actually came up with a great idea, was putting it together with the help of my husband when I mentioned there wasn't much of a climax. He essentially said "it's a short, the climax is appropriate" and that clicked in my head. What I was writing could not only be a short, but be better as a short and, he was right, the climax was just right for the time length.

I think that's one of the moments in writing that really opens you up as an author. When you realize that your story would be better suited in a different medium... and that doesn't stop you short. You actually go for it.

Also I have a basic story idea (a little vague) for the feature length screenplay and a cool basic skeleton for the main character. I would like to lay down the idea/character here but when writing, things change so I'll wait just a little bit before posting it.

Wow, did things ever go ary

Okay, so most of my writing goals didn't get done. It was a horrible mess in my world this month. So. Starting anew and not allowing the messes to get in the way. There will always be messes. If you're serious about writing (about anything, really) you need to work with and around the issues in your life.

My goal: to write and sell a screenplay from scratch. Not using any previous characters or story/scene ideas. Start completely new.

I have written and finished stories, screenplays (feature and short - and even had a finished short screened) and even novels. Its high time to get serious, buckle down and start doing with my life what I want to do.

So, with the goal in mind, I need to set out a plan. Today I am putting together that plan (how much to write a day, what to have by what dates, what the BASIC story is and possibly what to research).

I shall report on my successes tomorrow.

Okay, so update for Screenplay, April First

I've done my allotted pages for the day. 3. That's cool, even though they suggest you do 3.5ish. I'm moving on to the novel now.

When I came up with the idea I wanted it to be a hero story with powers but not really mystical, magical, unexplained stories. So I've looked into quantum physics for this bunch of characters. They have powers that are extraordinary but not impossible for us as beings of energy.

Also, this story is not told from the heroin's perspective, but from a rather nasty, selfish and antagonistic anti-hero.

Wish me luck on the novel, guys!

It's Been Really Hectic

Wow, man, things have been nuts. But even as crazy as they have been I've been trying to focus on the important things: the love of my life, making money, my hobbies (writing) and my friends, including these guys:



The last few days I have spent writing down ideas and coming up with plot twists and funky characters. All from scratch and all for Script Frenzy.

I will be writing every day (hopefully, omg) and trying to do at the very least three and a half pages in screenplay format. This doesn't sound like a lot but remember I blog and also have a novel that I'll be working on, not to mention jewelry to make and sell and some other homemade, handmade projects I'm working on.

The script has things I know nothing about, is absolutely nuts and characters I created from off the wall suggestions and word association games. My only goal is to finish it before May 1st.

So when I post my word/page count I'll also post something about the coming together of the script or characters or tips. Whatever I can think of that might be useful, interesting or provide entertainment.

Anyway, this is bound to be crazy fun! If you join, lemme know. Follow me here and I'll follow your blog and we'll have a great time.

New Layout

The older look of the blog was a bit ugly. So I've updated it a bit. I might be moving this around again, personalizing it a lot more.

I didn't have much time yesterday to write, but I didn't do too poorly considering:



Also, Holly Lisle is up to something new, something called Rebel Tales. It's something where you as a writer could be making money writing an ongoing story. If it's good enough people will tip you and you can continue writing it.

Don't know too much about it, just what Holly has written in her online diary.

Ooops!

Forgot to update yesterday!

New project:



I have only worked on this project for three days. I have been using Holly Lisle's amazing, in depth Think Sideways Course and she has soooo undervalued her own teachings.

It's amazing the blocks and problems I have been able to break through!!

Also, anyone up for Script Fenzy?!

Just a quick update!

Got another 1250 today in one hour and 30 minutes.

Also kicking ass on the plots. I'm having break-thrus and refusing to take no for an answer from my brain!

I cannot wait to do the next lesson.

Think Again!!!

Think I am the only one singing Holly's praises?

Think again!!

"Whatever you think you'll get out of the course, you'll end up getting a thousand times more. Invest in your career, it's worth every penny."

-Lacey Savage
http://www.laceysavage.com

This lady is a professional author with over 40 novels published at houses like Ellora's Cave, Loose Id, Amber Quill and Changeling Press.

Get your butt over there and treat yourself to the most in-depth, challenging writing course out there!!

I Know I Mention Her A Lot

I know. A lot of the posts I make are based around Holly Lisle in some way or another and I'd like to apologize that I don't get 'out more' as far as writers-helping-writers go.

All I can say in my defense is that I have been a member of Forward Motion for a long while and have found no other writer giving away so much help for free. She used to do whole workshops for amateur writers for free. LONG, weekly workshops. She's written hundreds of thousands of words in articles and forums, all with the intention of helping writers.

And now I am taking her class.

Check out this report on her class.

I cannot stress enough how much Holly has helped me in the past. I have even made money off of my writings and it's thanks to her encouragement.

If its your dream, she'll help you the best she can. It's amazing how much her simple help has done for so many.

But I digress. It's my goal to find other writer's and other help too. I want to see the full spectrum.

Okay, Back Again

A lot of stuff has been going on in my personal life, but all is better now :D Actually, all is freaking fantastic.

I am even currently working with Holly Lisle's 'How to Think Sideways Course': Career Survival School for Writers. I have to say, it's amazing so far. But more into what changes I've made later. All I can say is that the first lesson - if you're truly open-minded and willing to take responsibility for why you're not the writer you should be - is a real eye-opener. It was hard for me to accept at first but then I realized it was partially that unwillingness to accept fault that has been holding me back.

NO MORE!!

So, anyway, I am back and I am hyper and I am ready to kick butt with my new writing project.