I am DYING, folks. I have 18 days to get Attila polished and done before the contest. It's without a doubt my best and strongest contender. For some reason my samurai flick didn't have a saved version of my most recent edit, which is fucking weird. I was DAMN SURE I did it (I remember specific changes I made), but I have nothing to show for it. It may be on my old laptop, but part of me is certain this is the better choice. Attila has better characters, a weaving plot, several twists, and more skullduggery than I've ever put in any single script.
This is my flagship. But I have 18 FUCKING DAYS. This thing was rough-draft-finished four days ago. I usually take a couple months to write these. I mean, I took a lot of time to craft the plot, but this is a rush job. Thank whoever needs to be thanked that it's the holidays, or I'd never find the time.
So I'm going hard. Every spare hour. I give myself one hour alotted each day for myself. All of the rest of it is work or writing. But I'm confident. Shogun was a collective 6, and had no guidelines. It was just me having fun. This is me having fun with characters and using guidelines. I've watched what prior winners have had made, and this is at least on par. I'm kind of excited, because I'm hyperfocusing and I suddenly have a ton of edits to make. Not tough ones either. I'm not stripping or resetting this thing. Just changing things.
The alternative to this is to wait a year, and suffer another year of this going-nowhere crap. If the bus is driving by, I'm going to grab on and slip inside like the liquid metal man. Because I've been doing this obsessively for nearly three years. Saturn is returning, children, I have learned my lesson, and I won't trip at the finish line again. Not this time.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Thursday, December 24, 2015
How I found screenwriting.
I realize that the last post was confusing toward the end, so this is the part where I clarify. EXPOSITION TIME.
So, I went to college for eight years, and switched schools twice, as the second one I went to was going to destroy me. They compounded lies upon lies, and effectively wanted me to pay up or fuck off. So I did what I could, and ended up flunking out of a university, because I couldn't learn a language in one-hour intervals four times a week. Still confuses me how knowing French would help me better understand bone pathologies, but fuck me, right? So, I had 100,000+ tied up in student loans, nothing to show for it, and I was a thousand miles from home.
Naturally, I took up drugs. Because when you're down, may as well go out, amirite? In any case, I was a junkie for a couple years, and I really enjoyed it. I had girlfriends, I had friends, I had fun, I was invited to parties. I had a life, ostensibly! Then the people around me started having shitstorms. My brother (the good kid in the family) had issues with his dog, and it looked like he'd have to put his puppy down. A friend of mine that I had a huge crush on was looking at a similar thing for her cat. And I was still painfully single, drowning in debt, and had serious life problems. Drugs are bad, mkay?
I was hanging out in a buddy's basement one night, toking up, and he mentioned Celt, a free scriptwriting software. None of us had any interest in such things, and even he didn't know why he said it, but the words stuck with me more than any of our conversation.
I was drunk (no drugs, just booze at this point) and I was mad because my life can burn, that's okay. But not the lives of everyone else. So I went to this Episcopal church with big red doors and sat at the base of their big stone cross at 3 AM and went off. If there was anyone running this shit, they needed to account for their actions. Mind you, I was a big member of the secular student alliance, and had been an atheist for a decade. So I didn't really think anyone was listening. I just... went nuts, and tore into whoev er would be a god of this place. Non-denominational fury. God, Allah, Cthulhu, Captain Planet. If they were in charge, I hated them. It ended with me offering to make a sacrifice if these issues were fixed. Bonus points if they were fixed in the correct ways (the dog gets re-homed, and the cat thing was over quickly). I tossed out that if they could set me up with the girl, it would be a big thing.
They did, kind of. The dog thing was fixed two days later, so I buried a d10 I liked in the church garden. The cat lived and didn't need to be put down, so I buried my last septum ring. Just the one left to go, right? One night at work, I stepped out and had a smoke. Looked up at this cluster of three stars and asked whoever was listening if I should ask out the girl with the boyfriend. I was half-way done with the last word and saw a shooting star. That looks like a sign to me, but I couldn't work out if it was a yes or no. I kept talking to her in the mornings after work.
Later at work, after the clients were sleeping, I went on the work computer and dicked around, like I did every night. I looked up Joss Whedon, and found his net worth. It said he was only a screenwriter. He's worth enough to buy an island and put a supervillain lair on it, BTW. But it struck me that if I wrote a script and sold it, I'd be debt-free. And his credentials were good, but some of them were kind of lame. And he still got paid a shitload. But I had no idea where to start. Step one was a mystery.
The next day I went out to the wilderness and hiked way out. I cut wood and made a fire. Cooked lunch over the fire and spoke aloud to the thing that may have shown me the star. I explained that the sign was a bit ambiguous and I needed a firm yes or no. If I found a bone, it was a no. If I found a deer, it was a yes. I had never found a deer here, but I knew they were around. I also studied paleontology, so spotting bones is a thing my brain is attuned to. I walked back to my car after a while and went out of my way any time I thought I found one, but it was always just sticks. I got a hundred feet from my car and was dead convinced that the whole thing was a coincidence. I said it out loud, and again, as I said the last word, I heard a SNAP, turned, and saw a deer standing not twenty feet from me. It knew I was there before I saw it. It had to have, as I was not quiet.
The next day, I asked her over to ask her out, and I did. She politely declined, as she had a boyfriend. I respect that (now). But at the time, I went off, like a child, and effectively burned that bridge. So now I had no one to talk to in the mornings after work. A little voice in the back of my mind asked "What about that screenwriting thing?" I google-searched "How to write a movie script" and spent the next week absorbing everything I could about it. At first the basics, then I tried my hand at writing. I wrote a godawful script I'll leave chained in the basement until I die and society forgets it ever existed in the first place. But it was proof that I could do it.
That was two and half years ago. I've been writing nearly every day since, with few exceptions. I'm on my 10th script now. The people who write the books say they typically find success around 12, but I'm prepared to go to 20, because I like my stories. I like having stories in my head that I can pull out at any point. I like having a hobby that's free that does more than destroy myself. If they buy my scripts, perfect. If not, life will go on.
The little voice that first suggested it is back, telling me that it wouldn't have said it if it didn't think I could do it. If it's a deity, then I, a once-avowed atheist, believe in it 100%. If it's madness, then let me never go sane.
So, I went to college for eight years, and switched schools twice, as the second one I went to was going to destroy me. They compounded lies upon lies, and effectively wanted me to pay up or fuck off. So I did what I could, and ended up flunking out of a university, because I couldn't learn a language in one-hour intervals four times a week. Still confuses me how knowing French would help me better understand bone pathologies, but fuck me, right? So, I had 100,000+ tied up in student loans, nothing to show for it, and I was a thousand miles from home.
Naturally, I took up drugs. Because when you're down, may as well go out, amirite? In any case, I was a junkie for a couple years, and I really enjoyed it. I had girlfriends, I had friends, I had fun, I was invited to parties. I had a life, ostensibly! Then the people around me started having shitstorms. My brother (the good kid in the family) had issues with his dog, and it looked like he'd have to put his puppy down. A friend of mine that I had a huge crush on was looking at a similar thing for her cat. And I was still painfully single, drowning in debt, and had serious life problems. Drugs are bad, mkay?
I was hanging out in a buddy's basement one night, toking up, and he mentioned Celt, a free scriptwriting software. None of us had any interest in such things, and even he didn't know why he said it, but the words stuck with me more than any of our conversation.
I was drunk (no drugs, just booze at this point) and I was mad because my life can burn, that's okay. But not the lives of everyone else. So I went to this Episcopal church with big red doors and sat at the base of their big stone cross at 3 AM and went off. If there was anyone running this shit, they needed to account for their actions. Mind you, I was a big member of the secular student alliance, and had been an atheist for a decade. So I didn't really think anyone was listening. I just... went nuts, and tore into whoev er would be a god of this place. Non-denominational fury. God, Allah, Cthulhu, Captain Planet. If they were in charge, I hated them. It ended with me offering to make a sacrifice if these issues were fixed. Bonus points if they were fixed in the correct ways (the dog gets re-homed, and the cat thing was over quickly). I tossed out that if they could set me up with the girl, it would be a big thing.
They did, kind of. The dog thing was fixed two days later, so I buried a d10 I liked in the church garden. The cat lived and didn't need to be put down, so I buried my last septum ring. Just the one left to go, right? One night at work, I stepped out and had a smoke. Looked up at this cluster of three stars and asked whoever was listening if I should ask out the girl with the boyfriend. I was half-way done with the last word and saw a shooting star. That looks like a sign to me, but I couldn't work out if it was a yes or no. I kept talking to her in the mornings after work.
Later at work, after the clients were sleeping, I went on the work computer and dicked around, like I did every night. I looked up Joss Whedon, and found his net worth. It said he was only a screenwriter. He's worth enough to buy an island and put a supervillain lair on it, BTW. But it struck me that if I wrote a script and sold it, I'd be debt-free. And his credentials were good, but some of them were kind of lame. And he still got paid a shitload. But I had no idea where to start. Step one was a mystery.
The next day I went out to the wilderness and hiked way out. I cut wood and made a fire. Cooked lunch over the fire and spoke aloud to the thing that may have shown me the star. I explained that the sign was a bit ambiguous and I needed a firm yes or no. If I found a bone, it was a no. If I found a deer, it was a yes. I had never found a deer here, but I knew they were around. I also studied paleontology, so spotting bones is a thing my brain is attuned to. I walked back to my car after a while and went out of my way any time I thought I found one, but it was always just sticks. I got a hundred feet from my car and was dead convinced that the whole thing was a coincidence. I said it out loud, and again, as I said the last word, I heard a SNAP, turned, and saw a deer standing not twenty feet from me. It knew I was there before I saw it. It had to have, as I was not quiet.
The next day, I asked her over to ask her out, and I did. She politely declined, as she had a boyfriend. I respect that (now). But at the time, I went off, like a child, and effectively burned that bridge. So now I had no one to talk to in the mornings after work. A little voice in the back of my mind asked "What about that screenwriting thing?" I google-searched "How to write a movie script" and spent the next week absorbing everything I could about it. At first the basics, then I tried my hand at writing. I wrote a godawful script I'll leave chained in the basement until I die and society forgets it ever existed in the first place. But it was proof that I could do it.
That was two and half years ago. I've been writing nearly every day since, with few exceptions. I'm on my 10th script now. The people who write the books say they typically find success around 12, but I'm prepared to go to 20, because I like my stories. I like having stories in my head that I can pull out at any point. I like having a hobby that's free that does more than destroy myself. If they buy my scripts, perfect. If not, life will go on.
The little voice that first suggested it is back, telling me that it wouldn't have said it if it didn't think I could do it. If it's a deity, then I, a once-avowed atheist, believe in it 100%. If it's madness, then let me never go sane.
Close of a bad year.
I'm thankful for very little this year. The only truly good thing that happened, at least as far as I can see now (because who knows, things may change down the road) has been that I kept writing. I got fired, moved back with the folks, had my best scripts torn to shreds, was single the whole year, got a job I dislike with a horrible woman who can only be described as villain-fodder, and and had my car, computer, and two xboxen crap out on me. Hell, my online dating profile is even disappointing. So, see ya later, 2015. You were a thing.
This year looks better though. I found my consistent writing weakness and I'm hitting these next two with renewed vigor, specifically aiming to patch up my weak spots, like Smaug slipping armor over his missing scale. Meaning that, once these are done, people should be able to see these and think "This guy is a motherfucking dragon. Let's give him a mound of gold to sleep in!" But in all honesty, dragons are cliche, and 2016 feels good. At least the whiffs I get on the wind are promising.
I'm working on a pair of promising scripts that more-or-less fall in with what the readers told me they wanted. I have new people I can hang out with, and am considering moving to a nearby city. I have a new fighting helmet that should be coming any day now. And it looks like I'll be done with this script's rough draft tonight yet. There's booze in the garage and I just made a new Skyrim character based on my cat.
Strangely, I have this little reassuring voice too, telling me "It's all going to work, just keep going. Keep going until it's done. Trust me, this thing'll happen. I wouldn't lie to you." So either my subconscious has a budding alter-ego that's super positive, it's the thing (I'm hesitant to say deity, because I have no idea what it is.) that told me to do this initially, or I'm programmed to self-motivate. Who fucking knows.
This year looks better though. I found my consistent writing weakness and I'm hitting these next two with renewed vigor, specifically aiming to patch up my weak spots, like Smaug slipping armor over his missing scale. Meaning that, once these are done, people should be able to see these and think "This guy is a motherfucking dragon. Let's give him a mound of gold to sleep in!" But in all honesty, dragons are cliche, and 2016 feels good. At least the whiffs I get on the wind are promising.
I'm working on a pair of promising scripts that more-or-less fall in with what the readers told me they wanted. I have new people I can hang out with, and am considering moving to a nearby city. I have a new fighting helmet that should be coming any day now. And it looks like I'll be done with this script's rough draft tonight yet. There's booze in the garage and I just made a new Skyrim character based on my cat.
Strangely, I have this little reassuring voice too, telling me "It's all going to work, just keep going. Keep going until it's done. Trust me, this thing'll happen. I wouldn't lie to you." So either my subconscious has a budding alter-ego that's super positive, it's the thing (I'm hesitant to say deity, because I have no idea what it is.) that told me to do this initially, or I'm programmed to self-motivate. Who fucking knows.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Long-Ass Update
Okay, some things that I'll try to keep brief.
I did the Blacklist with my other scripts, but ultimately what I found out is that my pacing and action are on-point, but I need to tone down the set pieces, as everyone says they'd be absurdly expensive. Also, they say my characters are flimsy. That can be fixed, and I'm in the process of making the characters for my next two babies beautiful. That aside though, I got a 7 and 5 on Shogun and a 6 and 4 on Anabasis. (Though I think the 4 is undeserved, as he said it was comparable to Troy and 300, which each grossed half a billion dollars.)
The whole thing was a bit of a dick-kick, and I got a bit mopey for a week. Then I remembered that I came as far as I did in only two years, and I NEED actor-bait to get these bitches sold. So my goal for the next year is to master characters. So far, I think my current projects are better. Voice seems to come naturally for them, and they're a bit more...idiosyncratic. Certainly more memorable.
I'm also experimenting with rough-draft pacing. At one point I'd do one scene a day, which was insanely slow. Then I did two a day, and it worked, but was still slow. Now I write the whole thing out on Office, print it, and convert a page a day, so at 20 pages, I'm done with the rough draft in just under three weeks.
Also, the reason I was gone for so long was because my prior laptop gave up the ghost and my fans stopped working. It'd get overheated and straight die. So I got a new one and I'm loving it. It's an Envy. The only thing I dislike is the lack of disk drive and Microsoft Office. That's like selling a car with all the bells and whistles, but no stereo or wheels. Greedy fucks.
Also, I did the online dating thing and I have a date tomorrow with a lovely lady that I hung out with last week. Part of my is all "NO, you don't want to settle down," and another part of me is all "It's dinner, not a wedding ring." So, who fucking knows.
Well, that wasn't long at all. Hardly a disappointing thing though.
I did the Blacklist with my other scripts, but ultimately what I found out is that my pacing and action are on-point, but I need to tone down the set pieces, as everyone says they'd be absurdly expensive. Also, they say my characters are flimsy. That can be fixed, and I'm in the process of making the characters for my next two babies beautiful. That aside though, I got a 7 and 5 on Shogun and a 6 and 4 on Anabasis. (Though I think the 4 is undeserved, as he said it was comparable to Troy and 300, which each grossed half a billion dollars.)
The whole thing was a bit of a dick-kick, and I got a bit mopey for a week. Then I remembered that I came as far as I did in only two years, and I NEED actor-bait to get these bitches sold. So my goal for the next year is to master characters. So far, I think my current projects are better. Voice seems to come naturally for them, and they're a bit more...idiosyncratic. Certainly more memorable.
I'm also experimenting with rough-draft pacing. At one point I'd do one scene a day, which was insanely slow. Then I did two a day, and it worked, but was still slow. Now I write the whole thing out on Office, print it, and convert a page a day, so at 20 pages, I'm done with the rough draft in just under three weeks.
Also, the reason I was gone for so long was because my prior laptop gave up the ghost and my fans stopped working. It'd get overheated and straight die. So I got a new one and I'm loving it. It's an Envy. The only thing I dislike is the lack of disk drive and Microsoft Office. That's like selling a car with all the bells and whistles, but no stereo or wheels. Greedy fucks.
Also, I did the online dating thing and I have a date tomorrow with a lovely lady that I hung out with last week. Part of my is all "NO, you don't want to settle down," and another part of me is all "It's dinner, not a wedding ring." So, who fucking knows.
Well, that wasn't long at all. Hardly a disappointing thing though.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Marketing Report
Still waiting to hear back from the reader for Anabasis, and it's been 10 days. They said they'd get it back to me after 7, so I'm getting concerned. Maybe they're showing it to someone who might be interested. Maybe they're overworked and forgot. It could be either, or anything in between. I am not a patient man.
Also, Shogun's been getting some attention The reader said it was "wonderfully violent" and that Hollywood readers would love it. That it read well, and that the plot and characters were well done. So that's a thing. And at midnight an "industry professional" downloaded it. I have high hopes for it, as I think it's a worthy script, and has potential. Not the best ever, but with the right director, actors, and music, I think it has the potential to give a wonderful gift to our children. A gift of a Ferrari. I don't pretend to be the best, but I put months into that one, and the plot was carefully crafted.
Either way, at this point, it seems like both of my good ones MIGHT be getting attention. I have just enough information to hope for the best.
Also, Shogun's been getting some attention The reader said it was "wonderfully violent" and that Hollywood readers would love it. That it read well, and that the plot and characters were well done. So that's a thing. And at midnight an "industry professional" downloaded it. I have high hopes for it, as I think it's a worthy script, and has potential. Not the best ever, but with the right director, actors, and music, I think it has the potential to give a wonderful gift to our children. A gift of a Ferrari. I don't pretend to be the best, but I put months into that one, and the plot was carefully crafted.
Either way, at this point, it seems like both of my good ones MIGHT be getting attention. I have just enough information to hope for the best.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Captain's Log. Stardate: no clue.
They're up on the Black List. Already got the reads on the two I ordered going. No response yet. Fingers crossed and everything. They're my best two, in my opinion Turncloak is pretty good, and I set it up for a trilogy, so if it's a hit, it'll hits solid money. I didn't try to make it seem like one. It's a solid standalone, if it's not too big. Personally, I just feel like act 2 could use...different events. I can't think of them, but I definitely feel like a couple of the sequences could be diced up and split among the others. That would leave openings for other sequences. Maybe knowing there'll be wiggle room for alterations is a positive thing. I could do it. Make it better.
Also, watching Exodus. I like the ideas, not the execution. Christian Bale is good as Moses. Unfortunately, he's the only character. I mean, sure he has a wife and son, for a total of 3 scenes, and he has a mother for like, two half-scenes. But Ramses isn't a character so much as a plot device. Everything's cool until he decides to chop off some random woman's arm. "You're my buddy's mom? IMMA LOP OFF YER HAND, RAWR!" The beginning of this movie is fucking confusing.
But more grievous is Ramses' mother, who exists for like two scenes. And Aaron and no-pain-guy and old-guy, who all kind of act as random Hebrews. Just poor characterization. The events were epic as hell. They really brought the wrath of CGI god down on everyone. But the viceroy was just a corrupt guy who wasn't fond of Hebrews. Probably because he hated his job, and his job was to make Hebrews do things. I mean, not a good person, but not far enough over to through him over the moral event horizon. Ramses just seems to do whatever the story needs him to do, with not a lot brought to the character, other than their relatedness, and a kid who dies. They made him sympathetic, which I liked. They don't always need to be monsters, but there was no definitive "bad" guy in this story. Maybe God. Not a good moral for a religious flick.
In any case, I keep telling myself that this movie sold. And I really swung for the fences on these. I won't even show the first five scripts I wrote. They're not good enough to be shown. Even though the coverage I got for Space Zombies said it was going to be good with more work, I'm not terribly into it. Maybe later, if I get a career going.
Also, watching Exodus. I like the ideas, not the execution. Christian Bale is good as Moses. Unfortunately, he's the only character. I mean, sure he has a wife and son, for a total of 3 scenes, and he has a mother for like, two half-scenes. But Ramses isn't a character so much as a plot device. Everything's cool until he decides to chop off some random woman's arm. "You're my buddy's mom? IMMA LOP OFF YER HAND, RAWR!" The beginning of this movie is fucking confusing.
But more grievous is Ramses' mother, who exists for like two scenes. And Aaron and no-pain-guy and old-guy, who all kind of act as random Hebrews. Just poor characterization. The events were epic as hell. They really brought the wrath of CGI god down on everyone. But the viceroy was just a corrupt guy who wasn't fond of Hebrews. Probably because he hated his job, and his job was to make Hebrews do things. I mean, not a good person, but not far enough over to through him over the moral event horizon. Ramses just seems to do whatever the story needs him to do, with not a lot brought to the character, other than their relatedness, and a kid who dies. They made him sympathetic, which I liked. They don't always need to be monsters, but there was no definitive "bad" guy in this story. Maybe God. Not a good moral for a religious flick.
In any case, I keep telling myself that this movie sold. And I really swung for the fences on these. I won't even show the first five scripts I wrote. They're not good enough to be shown. Even though the coverage I got for Space Zombies said it was going to be good with more work, I'm not terribly into it. Maybe later, if I get a career going.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
They're up!
I got my portfolio posted on the Blacklist. I've had them up for a few days, but it seems that I'm having difficulty getting noticed. This is a setback. I've signed Anabasis and Shogun (the best two IMHO) up for coverage, and I'm excited to see what they have to say. But the lack of views is discouraging as hell. It took a bit of work, but I've convinced myself to just have faith that this will work while I get it going.
I mean, Exodus is a movie, and it only had two characters with story arcs. Hell, one of the arcs WAS about having faith. I mean, respect to the movie-makers, as the visuals were stunning, and the story was done in a refreshing way. But the writing was disappointing. So here I am, offering my services to fix that problem, and hopefully make a mark on the genre.
Still though, it might be a good thing that it's like this. If they're poking and prodding in the dusty recesses of the website, then the good shit must not be too good. In any case, it seems I may yet have to sign up for some contests. *shrug* Forging a new path will always mean setbacks. I just wish they were faster.
I mean, Exodus is a movie, and it only had two characters with story arcs. Hell, one of the arcs WAS about having faith. I mean, respect to the movie-makers, as the visuals were stunning, and the story was done in a refreshing way. But the writing was disappointing. So here I am, offering my services to fix that problem, and hopefully make a mark on the genre.
Still though, it might be a good thing that it's like this. If they're poking and prodding in the dusty recesses of the website, then the good shit must not be too good. In any case, it seems I may yet have to sign up for some contests. *shrug* Forging a new path will always mean setbacks. I just wish they were faster.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Got my flow on today, and I'm spent.
I've been working on my most recent project, just trying to ensure that each scene is as good as it can be. I don't believe in filler scenes. I mean, there are scenes that aren't as powerful or moving as others, but if the characters are good, the subject matter is significant, the setting is intriguing, and/or the action is diverse and strong, there should never be a problem with a scene being boring.
And this morning at work, I had so damn much documentation to do, it was pretty much all I'd do. So, when it became too much for me, I'd take time off and work on an action sequence. The one I'm planning has all kinds of ingredients, and I really like the direction it's going, but act two was definitely fucked. So I worked through the sequences individually, and they actually fell into an order on their own. I found some that I didn't need, and I scrapped them. Too similar to each other. I mean, I could turn this into a constant action movie, but there would be ZERO valleys, and the valleys make the peaks stronger. I mean, a roller coaster that never dives is just a train on stilts.
And I worked out some stronger bits for the valleys. They make more sense, they do the characters more justice, and they're just fucking cool. So I'm hoping to get that outline in order by the time my current project is ready for down-time. I need each one to rest for a week after the rough draft, so I can work out what I think are the weakest bits, and start on the rewrite draft fresh. But I've never juggled projects before, so it's a new thing for me.
And at this point, I must say, my brain is FRIED. Like, if my brain were a fried egg because I were on drugs, at least it would be edible. But now it's so fried, a zombie would think it too crispy. Needless to say, I'll sleep like the dead tonight.
And this morning at work, I had so damn much documentation to do, it was pretty much all I'd do. So, when it became too much for me, I'd take time off and work on an action sequence. The one I'm planning has all kinds of ingredients, and I really like the direction it's going, but act two was definitely fucked. So I worked through the sequences individually, and they actually fell into an order on their own. I found some that I didn't need, and I scrapped them. Too similar to each other. I mean, I could turn this into a constant action movie, but there would be ZERO valleys, and the valleys make the peaks stronger. I mean, a roller coaster that never dives is just a train on stilts.
And I worked out some stronger bits for the valleys. They make more sense, they do the characters more justice, and they're just fucking cool. So I'm hoping to get that outline in order by the time my current project is ready for down-time. I need each one to rest for a week after the rough draft, so I can work out what I think are the weakest bits, and start on the rewrite draft fresh. But I've never juggled projects before, so it's a new thing for me.
And at this point, I must say, my brain is FRIED. Like, if my brain were a fried egg because I were on drugs, at least it would be edible. But now it's so fried, a zombie would think it too crispy. Needless to say, I'll sleep like the dead tonight.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
This one feels good.
So far I'm on page 7 and this one feels great. It had a rocky start during the planning stage, but the first 7 pages are just dynamite. And this is the rough draft. I know it's normal for me to think that my projects are pretty good. Bad projects never get out of the planning stage. In all honesty, Turncloak is GOOD, don't get me wrong. It just doesn't feel like it's the same caliber as my previous two works had been. I think this one has far more potential.
It was kind of a rope bridge over lava, as both groups are still alive, and either could be terribly offended if I portrayed them like I did in the previous couple movies. I had to get back to my Anabasis-style villainy, which I genuinely liked. Good people on both sides, and no one is really safe. And this one took a page out of Turncloak, in that a lot of characters are maimed. Done right, a maiming can be a good plot element. And people fear for their favorites, provided they're done even remotely well. I'm really trying with these characters.
Overall, outlook is distinctly hopeful.
EDIT: I got my scenes done for the day, and it's still pretty damn good. Like, if my other projects were half as cooperative, I wouldn't have had such a struggle writing them. I hit my ten page mark exactly like I wanted to, and everything before that is magnificent. I have zero doubt in my mind that this one will sell. If nothing else does, this one fucking will. I am absolutely certain about it.
Call it cocky if you want. But it will be a GREAT script.
It was kind of a rope bridge over lava, as both groups are still alive, and either could be terribly offended if I portrayed them like I did in the previous couple movies. I had to get back to my Anabasis-style villainy, which I genuinely liked. Good people on both sides, and no one is really safe. And this one took a page out of Turncloak, in that a lot of characters are maimed. Done right, a maiming can be a good plot element. And people fear for their favorites, provided they're done even remotely well. I'm really trying with these characters.
Overall, outlook is distinctly hopeful.
EDIT: I got my scenes done for the day, and it's still pretty damn good. Like, if my other projects were half as cooperative, I wouldn't have had such a struggle writing them. I hit my ten page mark exactly like I wanted to, and everything before that is magnificent. I have zero doubt in my mind that this one will sell. If nothing else does, this one fucking will. I am absolutely certain about it.
Call it cocky if you want. But it will be a GREAT script.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Wave Two and Disappointments
Bad news first: The account I had set up for my check to be deposited in was closed out in June. So I need to wait for Wells-fucking-Fargo to sacrifice a virgin, summon a teller from the fourth circle of Hell, and send the funds back to my employer, so THEY can give me a paper check. Then I have to set up an account, but in the Midwest, banks open and close while you're at work, so I have one night a week to get this shit done. It is as maddening as snorting lines of Cthulhu's steaming shit. I mean, if the process is automated, why does it have to be on business days? Is their computer program unionized? Fuck's sake, it's no wonder banks have no friends.
And one of my co-workers (who may or may not be a supervisor) was riding my ass today. She does from time-to-time, but she's kind of a massive bitch. I held my tongue, and doubled down on converting her behavior and mannerisms into a villain for an upcoming project. I also learned that she makes heavy use of tattle-tails. I get the impression she was popular in high school. With the lunch-ladies, and the school nurse, and the principal. But not with the other kids. In any case, fuck her. Her character is going to die horribly. And her cry-baby toadie is going to get his too. SHOULD BE FUN.
However, with each rain cloud, comes new life. One of my scripts is all-but ready to be typed out in format. I'm damned excited to do it too. My character currently seem alright. Not enough to WOW me, but they never are until, like, the third draft. And some of them seem really good. By my own standards. In any case, that's the plan for tonight. And, as an added zest to this story, I got to immortalize two incompetent douchebags from real life as two incompetent douchebags on screen! They say to write what you know, amirite?
My other script has all of the ingredients for a good movie there. They're just not coagulating on paper well enough for my liking. However, I DID prioritize this one, as it's the closest to being ready to type, and I got to get my fix. So the other one will come when it comes. I'll work on it on days when this one is pulverizing my soul. And it's not like I can't work on it when I give this one down-time. So it's a win-win.
All-in-all, it seems like my marketing is being forced back due to misfortune and poor-clerical work. But I have no fear that it'll happen. Probably THIS weekend.
So, looks like I'm going to type and keep my head down until then.
And one of my co-workers (who may or may not be a supervisor) was riding my ass today. She does from time-to-time, but she's kind of a massive bitch. I held my tongue, and doubled down on converting her behavior and mannerisms into a villain for an upcoming project. I also learned that she makes heavy use of tattle-tails. I get the impression she was popular in high school. With the lunch-ladies, and the school nurse, and the principal. But not with the other kids. In any case, fuck her. Her character is going to die horribly. And her cry-baby toadie is going to get his too. SHOULD BE FUN.
However, with each rain cloud, comes new life. One of my scripts is all-but ready to be typed out in format. I'm damned excited to do it too. My character currently seem alright. Not enough to WOW me, but they never are until, like, the third draft. And some of them seem really good. By my own standards. In any case, that's the plan for tonight. And, as an added zest to this story, I got to immortalize two incompetent douchebags from real life as two incompetent douchebags on screen! They say to write what you know, amirite?
My other script has all of the ingredients for a good movie there. They're just not coagulating on paper well enough for my liking. However, I DID prioritize this one, as it's the closest to being ready to type, and I got to get my fix. So the other one will come when it comes. I'll work on it on days when this one is pulverizing my soul. And it's not like I can't work on it when I give this one down-time. So it's a win-win.
All-in-all, it seems like my marketing is being forced back due to misfortune and poor-clerical work. But I have no fear that it'll happen. Probably THIS weekend.
So, looks like I'm going to type and keep my head down until then.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Subplot stuff.
So the girl from work who was "into" me is no longer so. She got a boyfriend and she keeps trying to get me to quit flirting. I'm not, and I never was. That's just how I respond when people rip on me. Fight or flight of the wits, and mine is adequate. So she tried to get me set up with a coworker. Not particularly interested. She seemed more eager to date someone interested in getting married, so she could "catch up" to her younger sister who's getting married. That's not a thing I want.
The one she was trying to set me up with showed me pictures of herself from "when [she] was hot." It seems like she has confidence issues. So I'm torn. On the one hand, I've got too much going on in the near future to justify a relationship in this area. Because I don't intend to stay in Iowa if they sell, and I'm going to attempt to do so in two days. However, I'd hate to knock her self-confidence down further by rejecting her.
BLARG BLARG HONK, life is full of confusing dilemmas. No wonder the ancients studied divination so thoroughly. If I could just haruspex out the right path, life would be far easier. As-is, I generally default to no. So, thinking that's going to happen again.
In a completely unrelated story, the ex who's back from the dead is considering moving to Arizona. In the grand scheme of things, I'm far more interested in her. Even if it's an absolutely insane prospect.
The one she was trying to set me up with showed me pictures of herself from "when [she] was hot." It seems like she has confidence issues. So I'm torn. On the one hand, I've got too much going on in the near future to justify a relationship in this area. Because I don't intend to stay in Iowa if they sell, and I'm going to attempt to do so in two days. However, I'd hate to knock her self-confidence down further by rejecting her.
BLARG BLARG HONK, life is full of confusing dilemmas. No wonder the ancients studied divination so thoroughly. If I could just haruspex out the right path, life would be far easier. As-is, I generally default to no. So, thinking that's going to happen again.
In a completely unrelated story, the ex who's back from the dead is considering moving to Arizona. In the grand scheme of things, I'm far more interested in her. Even if it's an absolutely insane prospect.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Done.
Despite infinite setbacks, I'm done with my third portfolio project. Now to get it registered and SELL THAT BITCH. As soon as I get paid. And in the meantime, I've got two more projects to work on. But they've got to be planned yet. One of them is pretty damn close though. I like what I have. I just need to keep working on it. I foresee that I'll be close enough to start writing by Monday.
My one regret is that it's ANOTHER male protagonist. My next one is a female protagonist one, which will be exciting. And SO FUCKING MANY VILLAINS. It'll be exciting to write if nothing else.
My one regret is that it's ANOTHER male protagonist. My next one is a female protagonist one, which will be exciting. And SO FUCKING MANY VILLAINS. It'll be exciting to write if nothing else.
The Lancer, Part 2
This is the kind of shit I FUCKING HATE. If it were a person, I'd have it run down with a combine. I do not understand why every damn thing is a yelling match. I know me. It took years for me to figure this out, but when I'm being yelled at, I escalate. It's who I am, so I try to minimize instances where I'm being yelled at. But this shit right here is likely to get me to move far far away once this pays off.
Situation: My cat put his paw in the door and my closed it. He wasn't injured, just scared. But I got yelled at because I didn't hear them initially yelling at me, since I had my headphones on. I'm doing my shit. In three hours, I've gotten 30 pages of editing done, and a full page knocked off. But we FLIPPED THE FUCK OUT because I didn't hear them. He knew that, because he saw me wearing them. Twice. But no, when I asked him to stop yelling, he yelled harder. Like a fucking child having a temper tantrum.
This is my current personal struggle. This family doesn't discuss. It screams and yells like fucking apes. They asked me for my help. I'm holding a scared animal with claws and teeth, and when asked kindly, they can't not scream. I'm told "fuck you" and "bite your fucking tongue." I have to fix this situation, but they won't not fuck up a thing they started more.
And my anger tends to turn inward, flare, and eventually turn into a little hate-star that radiates fury. I guess they call it a grudge, but I like hate-star better. I use that to write fight sequences. It sort of siphons it out. Writing a battle where thousands die is enough to sate my bloodlust most days. But I'm in editing. I have nothing to write. And no other projects on the back-burner. I have no way to vent this outside of this. And the anger is making my editing quality drop through the floor, because I'm not thinking straight.
This kind of shit is absolutely maddening. Why not just hold me down and shriek at me while I hold a freaked-out animal to my chest? Or better yet: just stab me at random for asinine reasons. "YOU'RE WEARING GREEN TODAY! GRAAWWWRRGGH!"
On Friday I get to market. On Friday I get to market. A mantra of calm and tranquility....
Situation: My cat put his paw in the door and my closed it. He wasn't injured, just scared. But I got yelled at because I didn't hear them initially yelling at me, since I had my headphones on. I'm doing my shit. In three hours, I've gotten 30 pages of editing done, and a full page knocked off. But we FLIPPED THE FUCK OUT because I didn't hear them. He knew that, because he saw me wearing them. Twice. But no, when I asked him to stop yelling, he yelled harder. Like a fucking child having a temper tantrum.
This is my current personal struggle. This family doesn't discuss. It screams and yells like fucking apes. They asked me for my help. I'm holding a scared animal with claws and teeth, and when asked kindly, they can't not scream. I'm told "fuck you" and "bite your fucking tongue." I have to fix this situation, but they won't not fuck up a thing they started more.
And my anger tends to turn inward, flare, and eventually turn into a little hate-star that radiates fury. I guess they call it a grudge, but I like hate-star better. I use that to write fight sequences. It sort of siphons it out. Writing a battle where thousands die is enough to sate my bloodlust most days. But I'm in editing. I have nothing to write. And no other projects on the back-burner. I have no way to vent this outside of this. And the anger is making my editing quality drop through the floor, because I'm not thinking straight.
This kind of shit is absolutely maddening. Why not just hold me down and shriek at me while I hold a freaked-out animal to my chest? Or better yet: just stab me at random for asinine reasons. "YOU'RE WEARING GREEN TODAY! GRAAWWWRRGGH!"
On Friday I get to market. On Friday I get to market. A mantra of calm and tranquility....
Friday, September 4, 2015
My Very Own Lancer
It's probably not a well-kept secret, but this endeavor is desperation-based. I have over $100,000 in student loans. It's absolutely insane to think that this mountain be taken out by simple attrition. Working regular hours to beat this will break my body and spirit before it'll break my foe. So this is my out-of-the-box idea. And I personally think it has potential. A LOT of potential.
But I have my very own lancer in this situation. The Gollum to my Samwise (who is also me). My dad has no faith in this idea. I'm concerned that he'll demand that I put all of my marketing money into my loans. A low-risk, high-reward endeavor, truth be told. But he's never been a creative type. He's all about doubling down on the way things have always been. I've been about the back-door strategies.
However, I've found that naysayers give me extra OOMPH, as I'm just spiteful enough to double down on an idea if I think it'll work. Also, what the fuck does HE know? He watched TV. I plan to MAKE TV. And I could write the pilots for some of these half-assed shows in a day. "Zoo?" Fucking really? It's like Planet of the Apes, but broader. "Vikings?" The dialogue is perpetually godawful. I could punch that up effortlessly.
In any case, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. And a week from today, I finally --FINA-FUCKING-LLY-- get to throw my babies into the writing ring.
And I'm procrastinating. So, back to work.
But I have my very own lancer in this situation. The Gollum to my Samwise (who is also me). My dad has no faith in this idea. I'm concerned that he'll demand that I put all of my marketing money into my loans. A low-risk, high-reward endeavor, truth be told. But he's never been a creative type. He's all about doubling down on the way things have always been. I've been about the back-door strategies.
However, I've found that naysayers give me extra OOMPH, as I'm just spiteful enough to double down on an idea if I think it'll work. Also, what the fuck does HE know? He watched TV. I plan to MAKE TV. And I could write the pilots for some of these half-assed shows in a day. "Zoo?" Fucking really? It's like Planet of the Apes, but broader. "Vikings?" The dialogue is perpetually godawful. I could punch that up effortlessly.
In any case, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. And a week from today, I finally --FINA-FUCKING-LLY-- get to throw my babies into the writing ring.
And I'm procrastinating. So, back to work.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Doldrums < Rowing
As I have no idea how to get out of the doldrums, I'm putting a lot of effort into getting these projects going. I've made significant progress on two of them. I'm excited, because one is moving along at a breakneck pace. The other has been slowly coming along for weeks. In any case, both should be ready to write by the end of the month. And with labor day weekend coming up, I'll have a full three day weekend to progress. I should be able to get my fix soon.
The current sequences are fresh, full of horrific sequences, and I don't feel like either one is forced. I HATE watching something that's forced. On rewatching, the quality is just... disappointing. If I feel like I could have thought of that, then I probably could have. And if that's the case, then either I'm awesome, or they're lazy. And laziness shows.
So that's a thing.
Also, the girls have both disappeared. One has fallen off the grid, which is fine. She's got her own life, and even if we were hopelessly in love, there would be not a god damn thing I could do. So this is probably for the best.
The other has been texting some other guy and froze me out, which is fine. It's shitty when guys treat women differently because of dashed romantic aspirations. But it's equally shitty when women treat men differently due to dashed romantic aspirations. It wasn't MY crush, in any case. But whatever. If nothing else, this is a lesson is what I'm not looking for. And one who wants to force get married instead of, say, getting to know me, certainly is not for me. I imagine falling in love organically, where it just happens, is more my speed.
So that's NOT a thing.
The current sequences are fresh, full of horrific sequences, and I don't feel like either one is forced. I HATE watching something that's forced. On rewatching, the quality is just... disappointing. If I feel like I could have thought of that, then I probably could have. And if that's the case, then either I'm awesome, or they're lazy. And laziness shows.
So that's a thing.
Also, the girls have both disappeared. One has fallen off the grid, which is fine. She's got her own life, and even if we were hopelessly in love, there would be not a god damn thing I could do. So this is probably for the best.
The other has been texting some other guy and froze me out, which is fine. It's shitty when guys treat women differently because of dashed romantic aspirations. But it's equally shitty when women treat men differently due to dashed romantic aspirations. It wasn't MY crush, in any case. But whatever. If nothing else, this is a lesson is what I'm not looking for. And one who wants to force get married instead of, say, getting to know me, certainly is not for me. I imagine falling in love organically, where it just happens, is more my speed.
So that's NOT a thing.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Lack of Progress
It feels like I'm in the doldrums right now. My third story is sitting out for a bit yet, to be completed this weekend, after it's had time to age a bit. If I forget the little strokes, I can find the ones that suck and fix them.
But for right now I'm planning out four stories. Some scenes are pretty damn good, not going to lie. And I like where the two I'm pressing out are going. But I don't feel like I've WRITTEN in a while. And that sucks. I like the writing. I miss the writing. It sucks not having access to my secret weapon. Because this was the one step where I always needed it.
At least I'm planning on getting more soon. In the meantime I want to get the ingredients together, so at least the potential for greatness is THERE, I just have to work out the puzzle. The puzzle is the biggest bitch in the process. No joke. If you can put a compelling scene synopsis together, you can do it. The rest is study and practice. The scene synopsis is seriously the worst. That's where most of mine either fly or go all Icarus.
Eh. I got work in the morning, and I'll work out some story problems there.
Bye Felicias!
But for right now I'm planning out four stories. Some scenes are pretty damn good, not going to lie. And I like where the two I'm pressing out are going. But I don't feel like I've WRITTEN in a while. And that sucks. I like the writing. I miss the writing. It sucks not having access to my secret weapon. Because this was the one step where I always needed it.
At least I'm planning on getting more soon. In the meantime I want to get the ingredients together, so at least the potential for greatness is THERE, I just have to work out the puzzle. The puzzle is the biggest bitch in the process. No joke. If you can put a compelling scene synopsis together, you can do it. The rest is study and practice. The scene synopsis is seriously the worst. That's where most of mine either fly or go all Icarus.
Eh. I got work in the morning, and I'll work out some story problems there.
Bye Felicias!
Monday, August 31, 2015
Bad Damn Day
I had a great weekend. I recharged a ton, and I walked into work energized and refreshed. But reality was hellbent on bringing me down. My supervisor was dead-convinced that I, a poorly-trained newbie, was incompetent, and had to spread it to everyone. I tried my damnedest to prove it wrong, or at least take her abuse with a smile on my face. Then my client was a lazy dick today, tipping over an oil drum before making me do the work he was getting paid to do. It was some shit. And he wandered off with nary a word. He's deaf, so I can't just call out for him. I have to run after him and physically find him. I couldn't, because he was just GONE. So they were collectively convinced that I suck at what I do. And because of the after-work talk regarding this, I was unable to cash my check AGAIN. If you can;t tell, I'm upset about this.
So now I'm trying to get some progress on this story. It's turning out rough. It just needs more time put into it. But I have another one that's fleshing itself out day by day. So I may just put that one on the cooker and have this one on the backburner for however long it takes to flesh it out. Either one will be good, I think. They're both epics from the dark ages, but totally different. So I'm confident, but I won't force the story to happen if it doesn't want to happen just now. My muse will sing that tune when she sings that tune.
That's all I've got to say about that...
So now I'm trying to get some progress on this story. It's turning out rough. It just needs more time put into it. But I have another one that's fleshing itself out day by day. So I may just put that one on the cooker and have this one on the backburner for however long it takes to flesh it out. Either one will be good, I think. They're both epics from the dark ages, but totally different. So I'm confident, but I won't force the story to happen if it doesn't want to happen just now. My muse will sing that tune when she sings that tune.
That's all I've got to say about that...
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Countdown.
Four more movie ideas to plan out. I need an outline for each. So that'll be the big project this week, as I have literally nothing on the cooker next. And I won't start without a plan. No sense in wasting my efforts. Perhaps my creative juices will get flowing again.
Three scripts in my portfolio so far. Seven planned out. Shit, if even one sells, my student loans die horribly. This is my Mass Effect, and I am my own Commander Shepard here. But three scripts is a modest portfolio already. Hashtag confidence.
Two weeks until I can market my scripts. I don't have a bank in this area, and my first check will apparently be paper. It would spend too much of it to be financially feasible if I started marketing with this check. All others will be direct deposited. So there's a deadline.
One more draft and then I'm done with this script, and it's ready to sell. With Friday as my goal to be done, I think I made it. It's good. I like it. This next draft is going to have to wait a bit, but it'll be short and sweet to do. Just a tweaking draft.
Zero other people believe in me, and that's okay. When they get crazy notions, I don't believe in them either. But I'm doing this for me. So I can finally live my god damn life. And it'll happen. Even if millions have to die (on paper) for it to happen.
Three scripts in my portfolio so far. Seven planned out. Shit, if even one sells, my student loans die horribly. This is my Mass Effect, and I am my own Commander Shepard here. But three scripts is a modest portfolio already. Hashtag confidence.
Two weeks until I can market my scripts. I don't have a bank in this area, and my first check will apparently be paper. It would spend too much of it to be financially feasible if I started marketing with this check. All others will be direct deposited. So there's a deadline.
One more draft and then I'm done with this script, and it's ready to sell. With Friday as my goal to be done, I think I made it. It's good. I like it. This next draft is going to have to wait a bit, but it'll be short and sweet to do. Just a tweaking draft.
Zero other people believe in me, and that's okay. When they get crazy notions, I don't believe in them either. But I'm doing this for me. So I can finally live my god damn life. And it'll happen. Even if millions have to die (on paper) for it to happen.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Done with compression draft.
Damn, that took a while. But I managed to get 8 pages knocked out without changing the plot much at all. Now to handle dialogue and then leave it. It's got to stew some more. But I'm glad that everyone has their own voice at this point. The dialogue draft is just a punch-up for every character. Then I do one more pass for quality assure and it's off to market with this puppy. My goal was to be done with it by payday, and that's Friday.
Also, my client didn't want to do a damn thing today. It was maddening, so instead I research another project. That brings me up to four that have research done. This weekend, I'm going to a Renaissance Festival, next week I'm going to an SCA event (probably), and the following weekend I'm taking a road trip with some friends. So it'll be a busy few weeks. But the first two weekends should help with inspiration, and the last should help with my structure. The hope is to get all four planned out in detail before going. Then, when I put one project on the back-burner, I can switch to another and keep production up. I'm certain my quality is fine for Hollywood, I just need my production to improve.
And things with either girl are going nowhere. And that's fine. This progress is more important. Reproduction is a thing that motivates deer, squirrels, and salmon. I would hope I'm more evolved than that. The thought has gotten me through relationship doldrums for years. I guess I'd rather be one WORTH dating than one who NEEDS dating.
Also, my client didn't want to do a damn thing today. It was maddening, so instead I research another project. That brings me up to four that have research done. This weekend, I'm going to a Renaissance Festival, next week I'm going to an SCA event (probably), and the following weekend I'm taking a road trip with some friends. So it'll be a busy few weeks. But the first two weekends should help with inspiration, and the last should help with my structure. The hope is to get all four planned out in detail before going. Then, when I put one project on the back-burner, I can switch to another and keep production up. I'm certain my quality is fine for Hollywood, I just need my production to improve.
And things with either girl are going nowhere. And that's fine. This progress is more important. Reproduction is a thing that motivates deer, squirrels, and salmon. I would hope I'm more evolved than that. The thought has gotten me through relationship doldrums for years. I guess I'd rather be one WORTH dating than one who NEEDS dating.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Last-Minute Alterations
So, first off, today at work, my client didn't want to do ANYTHING. He wanted to lay on the floor and rock back and forth. Which is boring as shit for me, because then I sit in a chair and watch him. So I thought through the boring bits of my story.
There were a couple of repetitive scenes, and I looked into them. One of them, I wanted to repeat slightly. It compounds the danger of one of the antagonists, but they're delivered 100% differently. And I tweaked the other so that it works for me. It works better now. I'll do another run or two, just to make sure I'm not imagining it. And I found another scene that needed to happen. Since I've shed so much weight from this thing, I have plenty of room for a last-minute scene that ties the story tighter.
And then I managed to trim down the beginning so that the inciting incident comes right when I wanted it to. Overall, very pleased with today;s progress. I usually have changes around this time. Weak bits that need to be changed. Fleshed out. I'm hoping to finish by Friday. Let it sit, then go over it again before trying to sell it. This would be the third in my portfolio. And I have another three that I'm planning out. I suppose I'll take a break when this one's done. Just until I finish planning these ones out. More religion and more female protagonists, which will again be a huge change.
And I realized recently that I've been forcing things with the girl. It may yet happen. But I need to ease up. And I suppose it doesn't help that I met someone at work, and she's interested. She straight-up asked me if I was married or have a girlfriend. That's a big one, as it's effectively "are you single." She's cute. Very country, and a good girl, both of which are very different for me. But I have shit taste in women.
Lot of last-minute plot changes.
There were a couple of repetitive scenes, and I looked into them. One of them, I wanted to repeat slightly. It compounds the danger of one of the antagonists, but they're delivered 100% differently. And I tweaked the other so that it works for me. It works better now. I'll do another run or two, just to make sure I'm not imagining it. And I found another scene that needed to happen. Since I've shed so much weight from this thing, I have plenty of room for a last-minute scene that ties the story tighter.
And then I managed to trim down the beginning so that the inciting incident comes right when I wanted it to. Overall, very pleased with today;s progress. I usually have changes around this time. Weak bits that need to be changed. Fleshed out. I'm hoping to finish by Friday. Let it sit, then go over it again before trying to sell it. This would be the third in my portfolio. And I have another three that I'm planning out. I suppose I'll take a break when this one's done. Just until I finish planning these ones out. More religion and more female protagonists, which will again be a huge change.
And I realized recently that I've been forcing things with the girl. It may yet happen. But I need to ease up. And I suppose it doesn't help that I met someone at work, and she's interested. She straight-up asked me if I was married or have a girlfriend. That's a big one, as it's effectively "are you single." She's cute. Very country, and a good girl, both of which are very different for me. But I have shit taste in women.
Lot of last-minute plot changes.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
My lil fatty.
Been trimming my script down lately. My goal is to get all the way through it by Monday. I absolutely guarantee it'll be done by then. At least with that draft. Then it's only dialogue punch-ups and a quality draft, to ensure that I didn't accidentally remove something that made something make sense. It happens on occasion.
The dialogue draft is mostly to ensure that each character's dialogue sounds like them. And both drafts are an opportunity to fix character descriptions. They're honestly the toughest part of the process for me. I know who's who, but to describe them briefly is rough.
In any case, I'm probably procrastinating. Back to the grind.
The dialogue draft is mostly to ensure that each character's dialogue sounds like them. And both drafts are an opportunity to fix character descriptions. They're honestly the toughest part of the process for me. I know who's who, but to describe them briefly is rough.
In any case, I'm probably procrastinating. Back to the grind.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Productive Weekend
I'll admit it. Though my progress on my current project has been solid, I was stuck on my next one. This weekend I went fishing with the family, and it changed entirely. I came back knowing how to fix an older story (about Ireland) so that it works, and knowing which parts of my French one needed help. I've since fleshed the next one out nicely, and I intend to do the next one tomorrow. I've even got another one on the cooker. So my idea is to plan these two out while I finish up this one. Then I plan to rough draft out the French while I work out the innumerable kinks in the Irish story. If it all goes well, I'll be able to rough draft out the Irish one while my French one is taking a necessary time-out.
And I'm working now, which is good. I'll be able to market them soon enough. Some of the stories have little issues here and there, but they're nothing extreme. Nothing story-breaking, near as I can tell. So it's exciting to get the next wave of them out there. I feel like having a fountain of solid marketable ideas is a boon, and if even one of them is "great," I should be good to go. Either way, I'm putting everything into each story. They're each unique and I try to make each as good as it can possibly be.
Who knows? But in any case, I have faith that it'll work.
And I'm working now, which is good. I'll be able to market them soon enough. Some of the stories have little issues here and there, but they're nothing extreme. Nothing story-breaking, near as I can tell. So it's exciting to get the next wave of them out there. I feel like having a fountain of solid marketable ideas is a boon, and if even one of them is "great," I should be good to go. Either way, I'm putting everything into each story. They're each unique and I try to make each as good as it can possibly be.
Who knows? But in any case, I have faith that it'll work.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Other draft DONE.
Spot edit draft is also done. It took less than an hour, because I've got Ctrl-F worked over. It's my bitch, and it does what I say. I think my process is pretty refined by now. I have a method that produces scripts reasonably quickly, and lets me dote on every thing and every character. Sorry, I'm a bit drunk right now. Also, listening to the ewok celebration song. That's my "that'll do, pig" song. Means I done good.
So, for tonight, I celebrate progress made. Ten pages of solid steamroller editing. All scenes evaluated. All considered rewrites and edits evaluated and dealt with accordingly. Tonight, I was victorious.
Also the girl, who lives forever away, posted a thing to me about how "All men should learn from Mario. Even if their princess is far away, they should go after her." Pretty sure that makes it mutual, if not still inconvenient as fuck.
I'm not great with goodbyes. So... that'll do pig.
So, for tonight, I celebrate progress made. Ten pages of solid steamroller editing. All scenes evaluated. All considered rewrites and edits evaluated and dealt with accordingly. Tonight, I was victorious.
Also the girl, who lives forever away, posted a thing to me about how "All men should learn from Mario. Even if their princess is far away, they should go after her." Pretty sure that makes it mutual, if not still inconvenient as fuck.
I'm not great with goodbyes. So... that'll do pig.
It's DONE! ISH!
I finished my second draft just now. It's the toughest one to do, usually. I usually write the first one half-drunk, and it shows. But it makes the empty page less intimidating. This is my clean-up/rewrite draft. Anything that changed between drunk writing and sober editing a couple weeks later needs to be implemented. So this thing had roughly 40 pages added to it, and not much of it was vamping. A lot of scenes were changed, and all of my second-stringers were fleshed out. I established the interrelationships more/better. It was a lot of fucking work, if you'll pardon the colloquialism.
So next is the spot-edit draft, which is little tweaks here and there, where I add bits that I think are necessary to make the story more coherent. Then I do my fat-trimming draft, which is 1000% necessary, as this thing is like 122 pages right now. But it's best if it starts off a fatty, because it gives me room to compress, work out (AND BRUTALLY CRUSH) the weak bits, which I find ultimately leads to a good final product.
I did a lot of my analysis in my off-time, as the amount of new scenes meant that I had to go ANOTHER week without looking at it. But it was for the best. It let me distance myself, so rather than perfect scenes as I had first written them, I changed them around in my mind a bit. They're better this way. They make more sense. The pacing is more natural, and I have a solid ending. I like it far better than the original ewok-celebration one. Not that this is a Star Wars or anything. It was just a similar ending.
This one leaves a sequel available, despite being a complete movie. I mean, if it gets made and bombs, no one's sitting there wondering when the next one comes out. But if it blows up, they wouldn't have to cobble together another one, like 300: Rise of an Empire. It was so forced that it felt like a brain shart. But now's not the time and this ain't the place.
In any case, roughest draft is DONE. I'm off to do a fun thing. I've earned it.
So next is the spot-edit draft, which is little tweaks here and there, where I add bits that I think are necessary to make the story more coherent. Then I do my fat-trimming draft, which is 1000% necessary, as this thing is like 122 pages right now. But it's best if it starts off a fatty, because it gives me room to compress, work out (AND BRUTALLY CRUSH) the weak bits, which I find ultimately leads to a good final product.
I did a lot of my analysis in my off-time, as the amount of new scenes meant that I had to go ANOTHER week without looking at it. But it was for the best. It let me distance myself, so rather than perfect scenes as I had first written them, I changed them around in my mind a bit. They're better this way. They make more sense. The pacing is more natural, and I have a solid ending. I like it far better than the original ewok-celebration one. Not that this is a Star Wars or anything. It was just a similar ending.
This one leaves a sequel available, despite being a complete movie. I mean, if it gets made and bombs, no one's sitting there wondering when the next one comes out. But if it blows up, they wouldn't have to cobble together another one, like 300: Rise of an Empire. It was so forced that it felt like a brain shart. But now's not the time and this ain't the place.
In any case, roughest draft is DONE. I'm off to do a fun thing. I've earned it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Never piss off a writer.
One of the reasons I like screenwriting, aside from the length matching my attention span, is that audiences are far more willing to give a movie a shot than a book. If the book sucks, you lost roughly a day of your life. If the movie sucks, you lost a couple hours. So it's no loss if it sucks. But that means that the audience tends to be larger. So it pays to be nice to a screenwriter, because if you appear as a character, they determine the frame you're cast in.
The reason I bring this up is that two more people I know have been cast as characters in my next project. I have a couple people I know in each script I write. My SCA buddy Hammar is in this one, and Oni and Ryu are in my samurai flick. So this one has the guys responsible for my unjust firing. It occurred to me while planning this that a couple cocky dudebros with an "everyone but me is expendable" mentality are JUST the people you want to see leading an army just before it's annihilated. And it felt therapeutic, not going to lie.
Also, an army is annihilated in this one. :P
The reason I bring this up is that two more people I know have been cast as characters in my next project. I have a couple people I know in each script I write. My SCA buddy Hammar is in this one, and Oni and Ryu are in my samurai flick. So this one has the guys responsible for my unjust firing. It occurred to me while planning this that a couple cocky dudebros with an "everyone but me is expendable" mentality are JUST the people you want to see leading an army just before it's annihilated. And it felt therapeutic, not going to lie.
Also, an army is annihilated in this one. :P
Monday, August 10, 2015
Update
Today I made excellent strides in planning my next script. My prior one has been tinkered with, but there's some serious plot problems that involve rewriting some scenes. So I'm trying to push further, but I'm not pushing too hard. Push too hard, you make shit movies. And I refuse to attach my name to something that sucks. There is no brass in my golden legacy.
That being said, I effectively came up with the lion's share of the plot for my next bit. It'll explore the complex interplay of religion in the dark ages. So that'll be fun to explore. And my main character should be fun to write. I know I can do this too. And it might sell. Worst case scenario, it's more portfolio padding. But yeah. I really pushed forward, and came up with some solid sequences. And a list of characters to add into the story. I had plenty of first-stringers, but this is an addition of several second-stringers. Necessary ones too. I think they add a lot of depth to the story. And they should make it tighter too. More characters, less nobodies. They killed Townie #1? Suck. They killed Francisco the friendly barkeep? THOSE ANIMALS!
Also, I'm waiting to start at the job. But I need to do some TB test or something first. I spaced on the prior one and had to go in again. So my goal of being done with this current script about the time I get paid is looking pretty damn attainable.
And today I confirmed that the girl is at least flirty. In the past, she'd been having questions focusing on things I'm interested in. But today we discussed VERY personal things. And she knows the kind of person I'm interested in. She's been making herself into (at least ostensibly) that kind of person. And I AM interested. But I hate long distance, and I'd rather be single than do it again. If we want it to happen, one or more of us would have to make some facilitative life changes. I know she hates where she lives. And I don't intend to live in Iowa either. But we're both poor and living on opposite ends of the country. We may very well be revisiting our doom...
BUT, the distance between Babylon and Athens is finite, right? If the stars aligned, and both parties were equally enthusiastic, we could maybe make it work.
That being said, I effectively came up with the lion's share of the plot for my next bit. It'll explore the complex interplay of religion in the dark ages. So that'll be fun to explore. And my main character should be fun to write. I know I can do this too. And it might sell. Worst case scenario, it's more portfolio padding. But yeah. I really pushed forward, and came up with some solid sequences. And a list of characters to add into the story. I had plenty of first-stringers, but this is an addition of several second-stringers. Necessary ones too. I think they add a lot of depth to the story. And they should make it tighter too. More characters, less nobodies. They killed Townie #1? Suck. They killed Francisco the friendly barkeep? THOSE ANIMALS!
Also, I'm waiting to start at the job. But I need to do some TB test or something first. I spaced on the prior one and had to go in again. So my goal of being done with this current script about the time I get paid is looking pretty damn attainable.
And today I confirmed that the girl is at least flirty. In the past, she'd been having questions focusing on things I'm interested in. But today we discussed VERY personal things. And she knows the kind of person I'm interested in. She's been making herself into (at least ostensibly) that kind of person. And I AM interested. But I hate long distance, and I'd rather be single than do it again. If we want it to happen, one or more of us would have to make some facilitative life changes. I know she hates where she lives. And I don't intend to live in Iowa either. But we're both poor and living on opposite ends of the country. We may very well be revisiting our doom...
BUT, the distance between Babylon and Athens is finite, right? If the stars aligned, and both parties were equally enthusiastic, we could maybe make it work.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Nate's trip was a success.
On a non-writing note, this weekend I took my bestie to Colorado. He has these violent grand mal seizures caused by anxiety, and most states prescribe medicinal marijuana for them. Iowa governor Terry Brandstad has vetoed all attempts to make medical marijuana more accessible. Nate went through a full page of medications, and none of them did anything but give him side-effects he would medicate to offset. So we went to Colorado to see if it worked. I guess the idea was that if it did, he'd move out of Iowa, to a state where he could live a normal functional fucking life. Pharmaceutical profits shouldn't get between a person and their ability to live their life.
So we took the trip this weekend. And he had a full uninterrupted night's sleep for the first time in over six months. In this case, the law is a red tape to strangle a person more than an instrument of public good. I didn't have to poke and prod him to wake up either. A tap on the arm and a "let's get breakfast," and he was up.
So, I think the plan is for him to move out of Iowa, to a state that cares more about its citizens than its dogma. I get the impression that the law is less about public good than it is about maintaining the status quo. Ensuring that the people in power get what they want and the rest of us are kept in our place. If the law is corrupt, does it not invalidate its original purpose, of maintaining public good? That feels like a theme that could be explored. If you want it, it's yours, free with this also-free blog post. :P
And it was good for me too, because I needed to step away from this project for a few days. I have too many new scenes, and I haven't forgotten about them. New scenes that allow my second-stringers to have their moments in the Sun, escalate the plots, and add a lot of excitement (see also: quality). So I'd be trying to tweak them, rather than evaluating them from a fresh vantage point. It eliminates a lot of bias. And I think that, first thing tomorrow, I'll dive back in again. So that's going to be fun.
And I got the job I was wanting. I begin training fairly soon, I think. I'll talk to them tomorrow, probably. Then we'll get things started. And I imagine that, about the time I get my first paycheck, this project should be about done. So I think I'll hit my goal! :D
So we took the trip this weekend. And he had a full uninterrupted night's sleep for the first time in over six months. In this case, the law is a red tape to strangle a person more than an instrument of public good. I didn't have to poke and prod him to wake up either. A tap on the arm and a "let's get breakfast," and he was up.
So, I think the plan is for him to move out of Iowa, to a state that cares more about its citizens than its dogma. I get the impression that the law is less about public good than it is about maintaining the status quo. Ensuring that the people in power get what they want and the rest of us are kept in our place. If the law is corrupt, does it not invalidate its original purpose, of maintaining public good? That feels like a theme that could be explored. If you want it, it's yours, free with this also-free blog post. :P
And it was good for me too, because I needed to step away from this project for a few days. I have too many new scenes, and I haven't forgotten about them. New scenes that allow my second-stringers to have their moments in the Sun, escalate the plots, and add a lot of excitement (see also: quality). So I'd be trying to tweak them, rather than evaluating them from a fresh vantage point. It eliminates a lot of bias. And I think that, first thing tomorrow, I'll dive back in again. So that's going to be fun.
And I got the job I was wanting. I begin training fairly soon, I think. I'll talk to them tomorrow, probably. Then we'll get things started. And I imagine that, about the time I get my first paycheck, this project should be about done. So I think I'll hit my goal! :D
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Frustrating Draft
This draft is dragging it's ass. My rough draft usually takes a bit of time, and the next one is my rewrite draft, which takers longer. This one is frustratingly long. Yesterday, I did 15 pages of editing, most of which was scene splicing and rewriting. Today I did most of a sequence and then wrote 5 scenes. They fleshed out my second-stringers pretty well, and they escalated the action. And this one needed more mass anyway, but still. It feels like all I did was patch holes in the story. And it's part of the process, I know. But still, it added about 15 pages more to edit. But I'd need to let these scenes sit for a bit if my rewrite is to be any good. And that means putting it off.
Instead I'm trying to be very deliberate in my writing goals, and knock out bits of the spot-edit draft along the way. I mean, the spot edit draft is pretty much just going through things and changing bits. Like using "dominus" instead of "sir." It's more busy work than actual work.
So I guess I have the next hour off. Looks like it's Disney music and Family Guy. Anything to offset the horrors I've been writing for the past day. Act 3 is an escalation, and this is a very Game of Thrones-esque story. Horrors aplenty. Makes me pretty certain it'll work out in the end, but still. Too much murderous thinking takes a toll on you.
I need a drink. ANOTHER drink.
Instead I'm trying to be very deliberate in my writing goals, and knock out bits of the spot-edit draft along the way. I mean, the spot edit draft is pretty much just going through things and changing bits. Like using "dominus" instead of "sir." It's more busy work than actual work.
So I guess I have the next hour off. Looks like it's Disney music and Family Guy. Anything to offset the horrors I've been writing for the past day. Act 3 is an escalation, and this is a very Game of Thrones-esque story. Horrors aplenty. Makes me pretty certain it'll work out in the end, but still. Too much murderous thinking takes a toll on you.
I need a drink. ANOTHER drink.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Morality in Writing
Watching Narnia right now because nothing good is on. People say that this is one of the "best fantasy stories ever told." I find it boring as paint. The morality is black-white. There are good characters and there are evil characters, and the distinction is so glaringly obvious, a child could have written it. Granted, I don't disagree with having clear heroes and villains. But the witch is the epitome of evil. She couldn't be more villainous if her name was "The Antagonist." The lion, conversely, could legitimately be called "Jesus-Allegory Lion," and it would be equally ham-fisted. The good guys live in sun-dappled meadows with flower-petal people, while the bad guys congregate in G-rated Mordor. Such clear lines of distinction make thinking about the themes unnecessary. Because the theme just struck you like a bus.
Black and white morality is the worst, in my opinion, because there's no tension. There's no thought. Frankly, it's boring. The good guys wear white hats, speak in Bible verses, and don't eat meat (not that I'm knocking that lifestyle). The bad guys laugh maniacally, stroke their Snidley Whiplash mustaches (even the women), and eat babies. I mean, the protagonist was knighted for killing one thing, and now he's riding a unicorn. It's enough to make me root for the villain, except that they're doomed by virtue of opposing the good. Because the good cannot be harmed. There are no consequences for YOU, because you're nice. Everyone will be on the right side, so the bad guys get what's coming to them.
And the reason this bugs me so much is that you don't fear for anyone. You have your favorite character or whatnot, but their peril isn't truly perilous, because you know they'll get out of it unscathed. In a world where the good aren't defended by plot armor, and the evil are not merely obstacles to be overcome, but beings with motives and purpose and brains, I think it makes your character's peril more real. They may NOT get out it. So-and-so didn't, and we liked them too. And even if they do survive, they may be broken, mentally, emotionally, or physically. That doesn't mean a writer should kill characters for the sake of killing off characters. That's trying to pull emotion out of your ass, and it generally makes me cut all emotional ties to characters. But a well-placed death or maiming can be a beautiful thing, and give the sense that your characters aren't sitting at the kids' table.
Black and white morality is the worst, in my opinion, because there's no tension. There's no thought. Frankly, it's boring. The good guys wear white hats, speak in Bible verses, and don't eat meat (not that I'm knocking that lifestyle). The bad guys laugh maniacally, stroke their Snidley Whiplash mustaches (even the women), and eat babies. I mean, the protagonist was knighted for killing one thing, and now he's riding a unicorn. It's enough to make me root for the villain, except that they're doomed by virtue of opposing the good. Because the good cannot be harmed. There are no consequences for YOU, because you're nice. Everyone will be on the right side, so the bad guys get what's coming to them.
And the reason this bugs me so much is that you don't fear for anyone. You have your favorite character or whatnot, but their peril isn't truly perilous, because you know they'll get out of it unscathed. In a world where the good aren't defended by plot armor, and the evil are not merely obstacles to be overcome, but beings with motives and purpose and brains, I think it makes your character's peril more real. They may NOT get out it. So-and-so didn't, and we liked them too. And even if they do survive, they may be broken, mentally, emotionally, or physically. That doesn't mean a writer should kill characters for the sake of killing off characters. That's trying to pull emotion out of your ass, and it generally makes me cut all emotional ties to characters. But a well-placed death or maiming can be a beautiful thing, and give the sense that your characters aren't sitting at the kids' table.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Lame Weekend was Somehow Eventful
I'd been disappointed with this most recent story. It wasn't what I wanted it to be. It had plenty of good character options, but I was utilizing none of them. I've just kind of slogged through this editing draft though, and it's turning out damn good. All of the characters are getting their scenes now. I'm going as far with each character as I can, and I'm absolutely thrilled by what's going on. I have no doubt in my mind that it'll make a good addition to my portfolio. But we'll see yet. I'm really pushing for this to be one of my best. There is no prize for second place in the history books.
Also, I did the job interview. It went super well. I interviewed for two jobs at once, and I thought I nailed the interview pretty well. There was none of the negative body language Survival Frog gave me. I'm pretty confident. And I want this job, despite the lower wage. It feels good to go to work, come home, and know you've actually made a difference in someone's life, rather than become a sycophant to pad out some out-of-touch billionaire's wallet, like I was while working for Airbnb. And I hope the job thing picks up quickly, because I'd really love to begin marketing. My goal is to be done with this one about the time that first paycheck rolls in.
And the girl has broken up with her boyfriend of three years. I definitely got the vibe that she was looking around for other options. But we're in the same place again. Long distance didn't work last time. I don't see how it could this time. But I keep asking the divine about my love-life, and this one slowly becomes more available. Maybe things are working out as they should. Maybe these scripts will fly from the shelves, and I'll be able to visit her, and things won't explode like last time.
Or maybe leprechauns will colonize the inside of my butt. Who knows? I got typing to do.
Also, I did the job interview. It went super well. I interviewed for two jobs at once, and I thought I nailed the interview pretty well. There was none of the negative body language Survival Frog gave me. I'm pretty confident. And I want this job, despite the lower wage. It feels good to go to work, come home, and know you've actually made a difference in someone's life, rather than become a sycophant to pad out some out-of-touch billionaire's wallet, like I was while working for Airbnb. And I hope the job thing picks up quickly, because I'd really love to begin marketing. My goal is to be done with this one about the time that first paycheck rolls in.
And the girl has broken up with her boyfriend of three years. I definitely got the vibe that she was looking around for other options. But we're in the same place again. Long distance didn't work last time. I don't see how it could this time. But I keep asking the divine about my love-life, and this one slowly becomes more available. Maybe things are working out as they should. Maybe these scripts will fly from the shelves, and I'll be able to visit her, and things won't explode like last time.
Or maybe leprechauns will colonize the inside of my butt. Who knows? I got typing to do.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Update
Today I have an interview for a new place. I'm pretty confident. I mean, I was last time, but this time it's something I liked to do, that I was good at. So it should be just fine to keep me alive while I market my scripts. I would gladly accept this. And they desperately need workers. So it sounds like we need each other. This can be great for both of us.
My script in editing is going well. I've been plowing through a rewrite draft, and it has much more punch this way. It's also plumping nicely, as I'm adding in the conversations and events that I wanted to in the beginning. I guess my previous scripts had been initially bloated, so it's just adapting to the project. I have no doubt in my mind that this will be a good spec script. If nothing else, it should display my talents.
New project planning is coming along well too. I'm skipping the plot synopsis and going straight to scene synopsis. So far so good. I just hope this gravy train doesn't derail, because this has the potential to be a kickass movie script.
That's it for now.
My script in editing is going well. I've been plowing through a rewrite draft, and it has much more punch this way. It's also plumping nicely, as I'm adding in the conversations and events that I wanted to in the beginning. I guess my previous scripts had been initially bloated, so it's just adapting to the project. I have no doubt in my mind that this will be a good spec script. If nothing else, it should display my talents.
New project planning is coming along well too. I'm skipping the plot synopsis and going straight to scene synopsis. So far so good. I just hope this gravy train doesn't derail, because this has the potential to be a kickass movie script.
That's it for now.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Keeping Pace
Lately, I've been a bit troubled with my work. I didn't have another one lined up after my current one. (Usually I have one in planning and one in execution.) And the one I was working on was too short. Today I broke both. I found the perfect sequence to add length to my current one. After writing it, I need only one more sequence to get it up to-length. Which is GOOD, because I had some bit characters, and some that desperately needed more screen time. So I'm doing pretty well, all things considered.
Also, I came up with ten new projects to pick through, I don't like projects that are 100% me. I feel like you need a strong skeleton, and then good everything else. And I do the everything else well with what skeletal bits the original stories leave me, but coming up with that skeleton is pretty rough. I feel like I'd need more time to let my own ideas truly blossom.
However, I came up with a new one. I'm super pleased with it, because the planning bits are my favorite. That's the best part. The editing is a close second place, with rough drafts being my least favorite bit. By such a large margin. I suppose that means I'd likely be good at rewrites. So here's hoping.
So that's how the writing is going right now. Tomorrow I intend to get back to the editing in-full, but this is a rewrite draft, and this needed to happen. At some point, I have to do another sequence. It'll come to me. I mean, this one was mostly a few points that I tethered together in my sleep.
I would request luck, but luck is for those without talent or skill.
Also, I came up with ten new projects to pick through, I don't like projects that are 100% me. I feel like you need a strong skeleton, and then good everything else. And I do the everything else well with what skeletal bits the original stories leave me, but coming up with that skeleton is pretty rough. I feel like I'd need more time to let my own ideas truly blossom.
However, I came up with a new one. I'm super pleased with it, because the planning bits are my favorite. That's the best part. The editing is a close second place, with rough drafts being my least favorite bit. By such a large margin. I suppose that means I'd likely be good at rewrites. So here's hoping.
So that's how the writing is going right now. Tomorrow I intend to get back to the editing in-full, but this is a rewrite draft, and this needed to happen. At some point, I have to do another sequence. It'll come to me. I mean, this one was mostly a few points that I tethered together in my sleep.
I would request luck, but luck is for those without talent or skill.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
SUB-PLOTS!
Backstory first, but I'll try to keep it brief.
I dated this girl about 6 years ago. It didn't pan out (and that's cool), and she's married now (also cool). However, after we broke up, I tried to get some perspective from her friend. We spoke for a year online, got along famously, and ended up briefly dating before she cheated on me a couple times. Distance is a bitch. We ended it (poorly). We kept in touch, and she would have these waves of depression. Suicidal tendencies and all. I opted out of the whole equation (in a douche move). When I went to check up on her, all I found was a suicide note. It was rough, and I blamed myself, and I ended up beating that demon to death in a merciless fashion. I did so in a script. It was cathartic as hell. Recently, I learned that she was alive. Apparently I blocked her on everything while fucked up on god-knows-what.
SO, here we are. We've been talking, and there were mutual apologies. I was a monster back in the day. She was sorry for her part, though in my opinion, she was blameless. I went through a big drug period between the break up and the screenwriting. It was a dark period of my life, and I'm not thrilled about it. But the bitter tonic of failure is incentive enough to avoid it for the future. And today we really got to talking. Just like we used to do. She was kind of my best friend for a while. My confidant. She just GOT me, you know? And when we met in person. It was a disaster, and I was awful.
This leads to the problem bit. I think the feelings are perhaps coming back. I mean, I would break my no-dating-exes rule for this one (and only this one), assuming we could be in the same location. But Iowa and New Jersey are no closer than they were before. And this time she has a boyfriend. I'm concerned because these feeling ultimately pushed me into my drug phase. And now the same person is back. She's different, I assume. Four years will change someone. But it seems significant that we wouldn't quit thinking of each other. And she went out of her way to find me. I simply didn't remember that I had blocked her.
And, I keep trying to think of a non-insane way to say this, but I asked (the apparent powers that be) how much longer this...me being single thing...was going to continue. It's been quite a while... And like, two days later, this started. Could be a coincidence. It absolutely could. But we just clicked like there was no big gap where we didn't talk. I tossed out all kinds of new jokes and references, and she got me, just like old times.
I'm a bit paranoid that the same thing will happen again, with the same person. But everything was exactly like it was. It's bad to have presuppositions. I know this. But it's a weird coincidence to have the one who died come back and find you just after you confess that you're tired of being single...
Life is the strangest thing that has ever happened to me...
I dated this girl about 6 years ago. It didn't pan out (and that's cool), and she's married now (also cool). However, after we broke up, I tried to get some perspective from her friend. We spoke for a year online, got along famously, and ended up briefly dating before she cheated on me a couple times. Distance is a bitch. We ended it (poorly). We kept in touch, and she would have these waves of depression. Suicidal tendencies and all. I opted out of the whole equation (in a douche move). When I went to check up on her, all I found was a suicide note. It was rough, and I blamed myself, and I ended up beating that demon to death in a merciless fashion. I did so in a script. It was cathartic as hell. Recently, I learned that she was alive. Apparently I blocked her on everything while fucked up on god-knows-what.
SO, here we are. We've been talking, and there were mutual apologies. I was a monster back in the day. She was sorry for her part, though in my opinion, she was blameless. I went through a big drug period between the break up and the screenwriting. It was a dark period of my life, and I'm not thrilled about it. But the bitter tonic of failure is incentive enough to avoid it for the future. And today we really got to talking. Just like we used to do. She was kind of my best friend for a while. My confidant. She just GOT me, you know? And when we met in person. It was a disaster, and I was awful.
This leads to the problem bit. I think the feelings are perhaps coming back. I mean, I would break my no-dating-exes rule for this one (and only this one), assuming we could be in the same location. But Iowa and New Jersey are no closer than they were before. And this time she has a boyfriend. I'm concerned because these feeling ultimately pushed me into my drug phase. And now the same person is back. She's different, I assume. Four years will change someone. But it seems significant that we wouldn't quit thinking of each other. And she went out of her way to find me. I simply didn't remember that I had blocked her.
And, I keep trying to think of a non-insane way to say this, but I asked (the apparent powers that be) how much longer this...me being single thing...was going to continue. It's been quite a while... And like, two days later, this started. Could be a coincidence. It absolutely could. But we just clicked like there was no big gap where we didn't talk. I tossed out all kinds of new jokes and references, and she got me, just like old times.
I'm a bit paranoid that the same thing will happen again, with the same person. But everything was exactly like it was. It's bad to have presuppositions. I know this. But it's a weird coincidence to have the one who died come back and find you just after you confess that you're tired of being single...
Life is the strangest thing that has ever happened to me...
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Change in Plans
I got there and immediately realized what a mistake it was. My room was snaked from out from under me, which made the pet thing difficult. Their cats would seek out and gang up on mine. Had we had a room, there would have been no problems. But as it was, they were immediate and non-stop. I moved home. The deal kept changing. It changed day by day. And then I realized that everyone but Cloud was smack-talking me. Which figures, because her girlfriend is exactly like her mom, and her mom is a waste of space on planet Earth. She exists for no reason other than to party. Fifty, and she parties with kids because she has no friends and does nothing else.
And I remembered what Les Brown says: You have to get the losers out of your life. Cloud is a good person. But she's mired in the center of a horde of losers, and I doubt she will escape. I, however, have an out.
I am currently working on mentoring Nate some. He's devoted to this, and he's trying very hard. I believe he can do it, provided he keeps working. And I KNOW I can do it. Some of the scenes I was working on in my final run on both portfolio scripts gave me goosebumps, because the emotion in them felt...raw. And I'm still letting my most recent script simmer. It needs time to ferment in my head.
I have chosen to take it. I am ousting those people from my life that are not like me. People who only want to know where their next bottle will come from, or who will bang them next week. Childish people. I have killed the boy. And now the man will live.
Now I just need a job to fund my marketing.
And I remembered what Les Brown says: You have to get the losers out of your life. Cloud is a good person. But she's mired in the center of a horde of losers, and I doubt she will escape. I, however, have an out.
I am currently working on mentoring Nate some. He's devoted to this, and he's trying very hard. I believe he can do it, provided he keeps working. And I KNOW I can do it. Some of the scenes I was working on in my final run on both portfolio scripts gave me goosebumps, because the emotion in them felt...raw. And I'm still letting my most recent script simmer. It needs time to ferment in my head.
I have chosen to take it. I am ousting those people from my life that are not like me. People who only want to know where their next bottle will come from, or who will bang them next week. Childish people. I have killed the boy. And now the man will live.
Now I just need a job to fund my marketing.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
My Scripts
Not that I'm attempting to pimp them out from here. (That would be sad as hell.) But I think I should talk about them some, as I ultimately began this journey from literal step 1: How do you write a screenplay? It's been a couple years, and it's been a time of learning everything and anything on the topic I can. I've had the foresight to see that anyone who claims to have the ultimate secret to screenwriting but has yet to make a fortune selling their own scripts is so full of shit, they should legally change their name to Septic Tank. But I figure I should document my own journey to some degree.
Script number one was an attempt to turn the Second Punic War into a movie. It was always one of my favorite stories, and I was always disappointed that I couldn't SEE the elephants crossing the alps, or the battle of Lake Trasimene, or the rage on both Roman and Carthaginian as the other makes infuriating decisions. I tried and failed. But there was an end product. A godawful one, even after the editing runs. But it proved to me that I have what it takes to finish what I began. Not just to write a damn script, but to edit one too. I had stamina.
Script number two was a prequel to the Predator franchise. I had no illusions about selling it, but I constructed a story with depth, character, and a cool concept. Again, it was godawful, but I still want to see a Predator hunting conquistadors... It proved to me that I could write a story. Though I still had so much ground to cross. It was rather like crossing Nebraska on a coast-to-coast roadtrip: way too long, inspiring when it was behind me, but ultimately I was still nowhere.
Script number three was a further attempt to explore the genres that interest me. I was hunting for where I would plant my roots and grow. So I tried horror. I even entered this one into a screenplay contest (with feedback), to see if I wasting my time. And I credit this with my continued success. The story was godawful. I was wrestling with some demons at the time, so I put them on the page in physical form, and gave my main character the tools to kill my demons. Despite this, when I entered into the contest, they said that I was "good," but that my story was a "pass." And I fully agree, except the assessment that I was good. I still sucked. I have forgotten more since then than I ever knew.
Number four was another historical epic. I've just completed the rough draft of my own remake of it, because it too was godawful. Too short, too simple, and frankly not the level of quality that I would be comfortable putting my name on. But I am convinced the concept is gold. This one came with two lessons. 1) OUTLINES ARE ESSENTIAL. Before that, I was winging it with the story, and I got where winging it will send you. 2) You may pause while writing a script, but keep the pause short. I set it down for months at a time, and as a result, it's disjuncted. Like several writers picked it up and tried a handful of scenes. I could probably have saved it, but what was the point? I had other projects coming up.
Then I tried my hand at comedy, with a superhero comedy. I found that, while I enjoyed it, it was not my thing. I was halfway through the rough draft when I began to plan my next project, which constantly nipped this one on the heel. Far from writing this one like it deserved, I was ultimately eager for it to be behind me so I could jump into my next one. And seeing that comedy was far more difficult than I had assumed, I opted to forego editing. But I realized halfway through this one where my genre was.
Anabasis. It's the one where I developed my voice, and I know, factually, that it has movie potential. The action sequences were designed to be the best I could conceive. I hate Hollywood tactics with a passion. A stupid move doesn't become less stupid because the story demands it. But movies forgive stupid moves. This one does not. It was my first portfolio piece. I legitimately cried when I was done, because I knew that this one was PROOF that I had what it took. The long nights of reading scripts while watching movies, playing games of ancient tactics (For lack of anything else to do.), and reading books on classical warfare. My pitiful attempts at SCA combat. The years studying history and biology and geology. It was all in here. I felt the pride I imagined a mother dragon would feel, knowing that the cruelty, violence, and spite held in its pages would prove my ability.
My most recent completed project was a Game of Thrones-inspired piece. They manage to have plotlines running all over, and after dissecting each scene from each episode from each season, I had the pattern worked out. So I put it into a movies about the Gempei War. I was utilizing the pattern along with the assumption that people didn't go to see The Last Samurai for Captain Algren's drinking problem so much as to see samurai fighting, So I filled it to the brim with samurai fighting, war tactics, and the interesting characters who already fought in the first major samurai war. Again, my portfolio grew. I learned so damn much from this one. The big take-home message was that weeks of planning will cut months of editing. I am convinced that I would not have been able to finish this without patience. The final product was worth those months of my life, and even if it never sells, I'm thrilled to be able to picture the movie in my head whenever I want.
It's been a really strange trip from the first night in a basement in Laramie, Wyoming, when a friend ranted about screenwriting software to a man on the bottom of the world. And I'm convined this odyssey will be successful. I only need to remember one thing: The distance between Babylon and Athens is great. But finite.
Script number one was an attempt to turn the Second Punic War into a movie. It was always one of my favorite stories, and I was always disappointed that I couldn't SEE the elephants crossing the alps, or the battle of Lake Trasimene, or the rage on both Roman and Carthaginian as the other makes infuriating decisions. I tried and failed. But there was an end product. A godawful one, even after the editing runs. But it proved to me that I have what it takes to finish what I began. Not just to write a damn script, but to edit one too. I had stamina.
Script number two was a prequel to the Predator franchise. I had no illusions about selling it, but I constructed a story with depth, character, and a cool concept. Again, it was godawful, but I still want to see a Predator hunting conquistadors... It proved to me that I could write a story. Though I still had so much ground to cross. It was rather like crossing Nebraska on a coast-to-coast roadtrip: way too long, inspiring when it was behind me, but ultimately I was still nowhere.
Script number three was a further attempt to explore the genres that interest me. I was hunting for where I would plant my roots and grow. So I tried horror. I even entered this one into a screenplay contest (with feedback), to see if I wasting my time. And I credit this with my continued success. The story was godawful. I was wrestling with some demons at the time, so I put them on the page in physical form, and gave my main character the tools to kill my demons. Despite this, when I entered into the contest, they said that I was "good," but that my story was a "pass." And I fully agree, except the assessment that I was good. I still sucked. I have forgotten more since then than I ever knew.
Number four was another historical epic. I've just completed the rough draft of my own remake of it, because it too was godawful. Too short, too simple, and frankly not the level of quality that I would be comfortable putting my name on. But I am convinced the concept is gold. This one came with two lessons. 1) OUTLINES ARE ESSENTIAL. Before that, I was winging it with the story, and I got where winging it will send you. 2) You may pause while writing a script, but keep the pause short. I set it down for months at a time, and as a result, it's disjuncted. Like several writers picked it up and tried a handful of scenes. I could probably have saved it, but what was the point? I had other projects coming up.
Then I tried my hand at comedy, with a superhero comedy. I found that, while I enjoyed it, it was not my thing. I was halfway through the rough draft when I began to plan my next project, which constantly nipped this one on the heel. Far from writing this one like it deserved, I was ultimately eager for it to be behind me so I could jump into my next one. And seeing that comedy was far more difficult than I had assumed, I opted to forego editing. But I realized halfway through this one where my genre was.
Anabasis. It's the one where I developed my voice, and I know, factually, that it has movie potential. The action sequences were designed to be the best I could conceive. I hate Hollywood tactics with a passion. A stupid move doesn't become less stupid because the story demands it. But movies forgive stupid moves. This one does not. It was my first portfolio piece. I legitimately cried when I was done, because I knew that this one was PROOF that I had what it took. The long nights of reading scripts while watching movies, playing games of ancient tactics (For lack of anything else to do.), and reading books on classical warfare. My pitiful attempts at SCA combat. The years studying history and biology and geology. It was all in here. I felt the pride I imagined a mother dragon would feel, knowing that the cruelty, violence, and spite held in its pages would prove my ability.
My most recent completed project was a Game of Thrones-inspired piece. They manage to have plotlines running all over, and after dissecting each scene from each episode from each season, I had the pattern worked out. So I put it into a movies about the Gempei War. I was utilizing the pattern along with the assumption that people didn't go to see The Last Samurai for Captain Algren's drinking problem so much as to see samurai fighting, So I filled it to the brim with samurai fighting, war tactics, and the interesting characters who already fought in the first major samurai war. Again, my portfolio grew. I learned so damn much from this one. The big take-home message was that weeks of planning will cut months of editing. I am convinced that I would not have been able to finish this without patience. The final product was worth those months of my life, and even if it never sells, I'm thrilled to be able to picture the movie in my head whenever I want.
It's been a really strange trip from the first night in a basement in Laramie, Wyoming, when a friend ranted about screenwriting software to a man on the bottom of the world. And I'm convined this odyssey will be successful. I only need to remember one thing: The distance between Babylon and Athens is great. But finite.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Good News Everyone!
HAHA! The puppeteer pulls the strings. I know this faith is madness, but it is consistently rewarded. I got a call back from a very interested job, doing customer service for a company that sells survival gear. They wanted to hear from me today, but after explaining my situation, they pushed it back to Friday. So Friday I've got a job interview doing customer service for a company I have genuine interest in. I've cleaned and cooked a rattlesnake over an open fire. This is a thing I am really happy about, guys. It's kind of perfect for me! They let it slip that I'm a top contender. No jinxing it, but still...
Good news number two. I guess I'm a mentor now. My high school bestie Nate has expressed interest in screenwriting. But he's on step one. And I believe in him already. He's got adequate support, and he has plenty of time in his day, as his seizures put him on permanent disability. But he sees this as the potential to provide for his family in the way he's wanted to all along, and I respect that mentality. I was motivated by desperation as well. But I found the breadcrumb trail on my own. I've come a long way. I'm on screenplay number eight, and I think I may be good enough to contend with the greats. But this is good for forcing me to keep on. I thought Cloud would be my padawan, but she's got her own plan. And if this can bring good things to the lives of good people, it is MY privilege to be involved. So today, we got him set on that. But he's doing horror, and I'm doing epics. Potential overlap (and we have some overlap ideas planned for the years ahead), but not direct competition. It's beautiful, really.
So now I'm working toward this in hot-blooded earnest. I'm done with the first draft of my new script, and it SUUUUUUCKS. But every other one did too when I first started, and this one has the potential to enter into my portfolio. It's a solid stand-alone, but I've set it up for trilogy potential. I think that's exactly what they want. So I plan to be back in Colorado in the next few days. And when I get there, it's going to be epic. I'm going forward in earnest with the editing on this, hoping to end the summer with a complete portfolio. Three scripts, one genre, and they're all 100% different. Showing my diversity and talent. I can do a war movie, an intrigue movie, and an odyssey, and I can make them all shine.
So we burn the boats. Go to this job, pay off my bills, do what I must, and once me and Cloud move in September, I'm marketing in earnest. The days of being unable to date for lack of gas money are at an end. The days of washing my clothing in the shower are over as well. I'm done rationing out my food to ensure that I eat every day. I'll never sleep on a mattress on the floor of a roach-infested apartment for a day in my life. And I'm never discussing student loans EVER AGAIN.
It's almost time to save my world!
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Mike is a screenwriter.
Not professionally. Cue sad trombone. However, it's what I want to do, and I know this.
Screenwriting was not my idea. It was the beginning of the trail of breadcrumbs I've been following for the past couple years. Curiously, it was sort of a direction from something I cannot comprehend. You can call it a god, or whatever. I don't know what it is. It caught me when I was at rock-bottom, reassured a passionate officer in the Secular Student Alliance that it was real and there, and put me on this path. And it likes art.
And I think I see it's pattern. I studied history, biology, and anthropology in college. All of them lend themselves well to this. I was active in the Society for Creative Anachronism. Well enough to know what a battle feels like, but not too involved in the group. A strange skill-set, that makes writing the historical epic natural. And that's what I want to do. That's my genre and my passion, and I know it's my destiny.
My portfolio is looking pretty sexy, and I'm really pleased with the skills and know-how I've developed in the past year. After reading so many scripts, dissecting so many movies, and putting in so much effort, I know I'm taking a breath right now. The breath before the plunge. I know the beast I intend to conquer, and I respect and admire it.
It's just so hard to be patient, you know? When I have student loan collections blowing up my phone, telling me to hand over my food budget to them for something that didn't put me anywhere close to where they promised they would. And I see my super-marketable scripts collecting dust because I can't afford to pimp them out at all. I'm perpetually a few dollars away from salvation, and it's a kick in the gut every time the thought crosses my mind.
So I'm trying to remember to have faith. I know I'm good enough. I had script #3 coveraged, and he said I was "good, but the story sucked," and it DID. But my marketable ones are pure dynamite. I've seen the movies that set the bar, and I aimed so far above that, while remembering the basics. But damn, does it not suck to have someone call and ask for money I don't have, knowing that the very same money could get rid of all of their bills in one fell swoop.
So again, the mantra is: Just breathe. And have faith.
Screenwriting was not my idea. It was the beginning of the trail of breadcrumbs I've been following for the past couple years. Curiously, it was sort of a direction from something I cannot comprehend. You can call it a god, or whatever. I don't know what it is. It caught me when I was at rock-bottom, reassured a passionate officer in the Secular Student Alliance that it was real and there, and put me on this path. And it likes art.
And I think I see it's pattern. I studied history, biology, and anthropology in college. All of them lend themselves well to this. I was active in the Society for Creative Anachronism. Well enough to know what a battle feels like, but not too involved in the group. A strange skill-set, that makes writing the historical epic natural. And that's what I want to do. That's my genre and my passion, and I know it's my destiny.
My portfolio is looking pretty sexy, and I'm really pleased with the skills and know-how I've developed in the past year. After reading so many scripts, dissecting so many movies, and putting in so much effort, I know I'm taking a breath right now. The breath before the plunge. I know the beast I intend to conquer, and I respect and admire it.
It's just so hard to be patient, you know? When I have student loan collections blowing up my phone, telling me to hand over my food budget to them for something that didn't put me anywhere close to where they promised they would. And I see my super-marketable scripts collecting dust because I can't afford to pimp them out at all. I'm perpetually a few dollars away from salvation, and it's a kick in the gut every time the thought crosses my mind.
So I'm trying to remember to have faith. I know I'm good enough. I had script #3 coveraged, and he said I was "good, but the story sucked," and it DID. But my marketable ones are pure dynamite. I've seen the movies that set the bar, and I aimed so far above that, while remembering the basics. But damn, does it not suck to have someone call and ask for money I don't have, knowing that the very same money could get rid of all of their bills in one fell swoop.
So again, the mantra is: Just breathe. And have faith.
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