Monthly Archives: March 2010

Why Do I Write?

Last week I received a request for my screenplay “A Thousand Miles to Freedom”, (now titled “A Beautiful Thing”).    Of course I signed the release and sent them the screenplay.  And then I promptly put it all on the “back burner” and got back to work on my current project.

A couple of years ago,   I would have lost myself in such a request.    It would have always been on my mind, interjected into conversations, part of every breath I took.

Now, reality has taken hold and reality tells me that  someone will find a reason to say “no”.  This is not my time.   But, of course, I can hope I’m wrong.

This is the reality of writing.  So, why do I write?

I have asked myself this question, pondered it.  Sure, I like being creative.  I like the process of taking nothing and making it into something.

But, bottom line, is  I want to leave something behind for future generations, something that will shed light on our lives so, future generations can  make some sort of sense of their lives.

Is it possible to do this?  I think so.

The question is, will I ever write a feature that someone wants to put on the silverscreen?

Watch “Churhi” Today

If you are interested in watching the film that goes with my second “produced”  screenplay, it is now on this site.   For your convenience, here’s the link to watch “Churhi”.

I got my first IMDB credit from this film and it was my first paying gig, too.  So I’m making progress.  Even though, sometimes, it doesn’t feel like it.

This film was made by Ubaid Seth in Houston.    I just finished writing another screenplay for Ubaid and we’re hoping it will be filmed soon.  It is titled “The Beginning”.

Remember, It’s a Process

When I finish a draft of a screenplay, it feels good, right, all those wondrous feelings that motivate me to continue writing.

This is when I ship the SP off to a friend to read.  And I ask for comments, asking readers to tell me the good, bad, and ugly.  Because without the comments, how the heck will I know what needs changing?

Believe me, I have learned the hard way that I don’t want to send e screenplay to agents and/or filmmakers before it’s perfect.  Because, once an agent or filmmaker reads a version that needs rewriting, they aren’t going to want to read the next version I write.  I get one chance.  And one chance only!

So why, when I get  a review that gives me what I want -  the good, bad, and ugly – do I panic?

Why do I ask myself, what am I doing?  Who am I to think I can write a blockbuster screenplay?  Why am I wasting my time and energy?

When I get these feelings, I remind myself that screenwriting is a process.     I have to work on each story, over and over, until I get it right.

I have written some screenplays that I may never go back to, but some are worth the effort, over and over and over.    “A Thousand Miles to Freedom” deserves my attention.  So does “Unbelievable”.  I am working on a couple of ideas that may or not be worth it.  I won’t know until the first draft  is written.

I have faced the fact that each screenplay is NOT going to be a home run.  And I will gladly accept the “good, bad, and ugly” from the audience!  So, thank you, readers.  I depend on your help.

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

I Decided, They Decided…

Yesterday I had to make a decision…  write the feature for Ubaid or pass.  After hours of contemplation I decided to jump on board.  This was a big commitment for me because Ubaid wants the finished script in 2-3 weeks, something that is very difficult to do.

I told Ubaid that I would accept the challenge but then he told me that the producer of the film had found someone else to write it.  Ubaid was not sure if the writer was fully commited to the project so he suggested I write out a couple of pages.   So, I did that.  We’ll see what happens…  I’m not spending any more time thinking about this.

On to the next project…  Whatever that might be!

Every Day is Different!

When it comes to writing, every day is different.

Yesterday, I received an email request from an agent, asking to read my screenplay  “A Thousand Miles to Freedom” which is now titled “A Thing of Beauty”.  I was surprised because it’s been months since I sent out any query letters on this.  Of course, I emailed a copy.  I always hope for some serious interest but, in truth, I probably won’t hear a thing.  But, you never know…

I finished the second draft of “Unbelievable” and sent it off to three of my writer friends to read and review.  I’m waiting for their comments,  and hope they don’t find too many things wrong with it.  But, there are always problems and I need “fresh eyes” so I can fix them.

I’m considering writing a feature based on a story idea by Ubaid Seth.  If I do this, it will be the first time I write a feature based on another person’s  idea.   It might be fun and I’m leaning towards doing it.    Ubaid and I have worked together on two “shorts” and I think we work well together.   And, since I just finished writing a feature, I need a new project.

So, what will today bring?  Who know?  Every day is different!