Monthly Archives: July 2010

Monday, Monday…

So, it’s the start of a new week.

Current word count on the “Windfall” novelization:  4,412

Right now, I’m reading the book Make a Scene, Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time by Jordan E. Rosenfeld.  It is a good book for me, at this point in my “writer’s journey”, reminding me of some of the powerful tools available when writing a novel versus writing a screenplay.

I have started to do a step outline for my newest screenplay endeavor, mostly in my head, but it is being blocked and progress is being made.  I expect to be in the middle of this project by the fall.

Two main goals for this week:   First I need to finish the reviews for the “More of Less is More” competition at Moviepoet.com.  Then I need to decide on something to write for MoviePoet’s next competition, “White Out”.  I have one idea, an adaptation of a short story, and I’m waiting to hear from the author.  If the author doesn’t give permission, then I have another idea up my sleeve!

I have paid the entry fee to enter “Windfall” in the ScriptSavvy contest, and have until July 30th to make last minute changes.  The thing I like about this contest, is I can get feedback from it, so even if I don’t win, I get something in return for my $$.

The novelization of “Windfall” is progressing.  Some parts seem to write faster than others.  Returning to this medium has been fun but I am grateful that the plot has already been worked out so I can concentrate on the actual writing.

All About Bart Vader and Me!

I heard from Margaret, the filmmaker who is turning my short screenplay “Bart Vader” into a short film.  They have done most of the filming and are waiting for an actor to return home from vacation to film the final scene.  So, soon, my friends…  Anyway, if you are interested in learning more about “Bart Vader” click here.

This week, I started to put “Windfall” into the novel format.    So far, a total of 3,561 words.  I know, not much, but it’s a start.  I am enjoying the return to writing prose.

Still researching my next screenplay.  At this point, I don’t know what I will do first – draft the novel, or draft the screenplay.  Don’t have to make that decision yet…

I only have two weeks to come up with an idea for the July MoviePoet.com contest.  I will enter, I just have to give it some thought.   I will admit that I have been distracted this month since I finished the “Windfall” screenplay.  Between the new research and the decision to write the novel I have been busy.  Still, I have managed to complete about half the reviews for the entries in last month’s  MoviePoet.com contest.   There are 64 entries.  Thank goodness they are all one-page scripts!

I spent a few minutes, today, and updated my “About Me” page.  If you are interested in learning more about me, click here.

Attending the Susquehanna Writer’s Guild Meeting

I attended my very first Writer’s Guild Meeting last night.  Light attendance, but a good thing for me since I don’t do well in crowds.

My suspicions were confirmed… there is a huge difference between writing a screenplay and writing a novel.  But, I’m not discouraged.   Afterall, I have the rest of my life to write something that will outlive me.

One thing I picked up at the meeting is the belief that if you’re going to be a serious writer, one needs to attend conferences and workshops.  But these cost $$.  In screenwriting, we are advised to enter contests to get noticed.  And that costs $$.  Since I don’t have any $$, I must continue to hold on to my belief that if I write something fantastic, it will get noticed.

Eventually.

Hopefully, while I’m still alive.

At the meeting, we all presented four pages of our writing for comments/review by the other attendees.  I wasn’t surprised to hear that I need to work on POV (point of view).   It is encouraging to discover what I’ve been doing wrong so I can make it right, can make it better.

I will attend the next Susquehanna Writer’s Guild meeting.  I have a lot to learn by attending and,  I think I can contribute to other writers,  too.  Seems to be a win-win situation.