A screenwriter's secret weapon

I haven't been writing my blogs lately. Twitter seems to be taking over the need to do a lot of blog posts for me. But recently Suzanne Gundersen, an inner story coach and founder of Screenwritetnow.com, interviewed me for her youtube posts on screenwriting. I was so impressed with how she helped writers, I knew I had to do a blog post on her. So here's who she is and how she may be just what you need to become a better writer.

How she helps writers

Suzanne helps writers destress and naturally get focused, build confidence, and deepen their world view into wisdom and truth. That way they can be in alignment with who they are to hook their audience. The three areas she helps: 

1. Helps them to get focused, to get into alignment with inspiration, so they can access creativity. She helps them clear distractions so they can get into their own natural rhythm and flow. 

2. Helps them to build their own worthiness. For a lot of writers they are actually writing themselves through their own stories. So she helps them build confidence so they can share their writing with other people, be true to themselves, and know their value so they can express it out into the world. 

3. Helps writers deepen their emotional goal post. A lot of writers submit a script to many contests and can't understand why it's not advancing. Or they can't narrow down how many characters they have in a script. She helps writers go through life experiences in their past, or the symptom of their limitations in their writing, and clear unresolved memories, to connect with their own vulnerabilities. Once they do that and process them using her techniques, the emotional traumas are dealt with much more peacefully. This helps their writing deepen because they've done the emotional work, so they can really grab their audience. 

What kind of distractions are there that she works through with writers? 

• Personal 
• Professional 
• Creative 

Symptoms of distactions can turn into feeling like: 

• You can't write 
• The writing is flat 
• You have many projects and don't know which one is most important 
• And many others! 

Sloppy thinking and how that affects writers 

We sometimes allow the world to influence us and that puts us in reactive mode instead of getting ahead of that so that we can respond with the choice to say on a busy day, today isn't the day I'm going to write, but tomorrow I will. Maybe today is a chore day and by doing that, we don't feel guilty when we have a non-writing day on purpose. That gives us peace of mind so we're not distracted by the pressure we put on ourselves. Then when we sit down to write, we're more present in our body then we can push noise out that would keep us from not being our most focused selves to get the best pages out. 

What is the disciplined writer? 

It's a writer who knows how to get focused, clear out the distractions, so even if there are any, they don't stop your writing. This writer is connected with their creativity. But without the right tools, most writers sit down and then can't focus and don't know why they can't write. Many writers sit down to write, but the writing doesn't flow and that causes more panic, which keeps the writing from flowing even more. It can be a vicious cycle. 

Being an in alignment writer

What does it mean to be in alignment? Being able to clear out distractions and be focused with creativity. These writers are able to connect with inspiration on command and the voice with which they want to write in. 

A sloppy thinker writer 

This writer can maybe write one sentence at a time, or one scene, then stops after that because they don't have the discipline of being able to keep in alignment with themselves. They allow external forces to break their focus. So if you are this kind of writer, what are you to do to become a writer in alignment? 

Energy tapping technique 

This is a self-used acupressure technique that shifts your experience of stress in your body, your emotions and your thoughts. When you tap on certain points it sends a calming message to your brain, that it's okay to calm down, and relaxes the body. It harmonizes the brain and body so they are more integrated. Because when we're stressed, our mind is not focused. Tapping allows whatever you are stressed about, maybe blank screen syndrome, or "I don't believe in my work", "I can't write", whatever it is, then you can take that information and tap on those exact words you're thinking, (using your fingertips to tap on specific energy points of the body) and the tapping releases that fear. It sends a message to the brain that you're really safe, conscious or unconscious. In those calm moments, we can connect with the higher levels of the brain which stores the creative, imaginative thinking. 

How our energy affects writing 

Think of our energy flowing in a figure eight. If we as writers have any stress, anything that feels stuck, it's like a clog in the pipe that won't let our creativity flow. When you're tapping, you're opening that clog. It calms the mind and the body, and you can get out of the tornado of your own stress, so you can get to the peace and connect with your creativity. 

How Suzanne began helping writers 

Suzanne worked in NY in a corporate job during 9/11 and because of the stress, she needed to get out of the city and moved to Florida to emotionally heal. She found hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming, energy methods, neuroscience, and spiritual practices, which helped her get back to herself, and actually even stronger. Because she was able to enjoy a slower paced life in Florida, she was able to emobdy the tools she now had. She began all of this over 15 years ago, she didn't know anyone else using these tools, so she created a website to let people know about them, starting meetup groups, then eventually through word of mouth she started to help people. It began with women transforming themselves, helping them through mid-life crises, divorce, etc., anything that was self-empowerment. Then about 5 years ago, a published author approached Suzanne because she was under contract to write her second book. Her daughter had died, and she came to her saying she had writer's block. Working with Suzanne worked out so well not only did the author finish one book, but finished a second book right after. So then that writer referred her to another writer. And that writer introduced her to an executive in a writer's room. They brought Suzanne into help a writer's room that was having too much conflict. It worked so well that she kept being referred to writers. That's when she quit her full-time corporate job and helping writers became a full-time job. The rest is history. 

If you are interested in finding out more about Suzanne here is her website again Screenwritetnow.com and you can follow her on twitter @screenwritenow1

Squirrel!

There's a joke amongst some of the writers and creative types I work with that we are all ADHD and if one thing distracts us we're like a dog on a walk who is happily about to piss on a tree, when we see a "Squirrel!" and completely forget what we were about to do. The fact is I think most creative types have some form of ADHD. I think it's what makes us talented creatives. And writers are no exception. We're constantly coming up with new ideas, new stories, new things we want to write and create. So what's a writer to do when they actually want to finish something we've started? I'm not exactly sure sometimes.

But I think the best plan of action is to make a plan. For instance, I'm contacting new producers and querying about some of my new pieces I've written, which is like a full time job. I just got notes on my latest comedy script that I need to implement. Plus I have two show bibles due to a manager so she can pitch my shows. Plus I found some really great ways to fix some past scripts. Plus I'm working on a new script with one of my writing partners. Plus I have a new idea I want to write. And of course, more ideas I want to write. Plus I actually want to enter some contests this year, which I never do. So keeping up on what's due and when it's due is enough to drive a writer batty. Argh! It's enough to make my mind spin! I almost feel like I could have a panic attack thinking about it all. So, here's how I handle it and hopefully it can help you too.

1. What's the most important thing on the list that has to get done. Do that first. If it's a contest with a due date, then send that in. Gather all the pieces you need and enter.

2. Which script really needs to be written first. Yes as writers we always want to be writing new pieces. But we're only one person. So don't write too many at a time. Otherwise you just might not end up with anything!

3. For me, I never send out queries. I must admit it's my downfall as a writer. But if I don't do that, then no one's going to know I even exist. So that's a huge must on my priority list. It might not be on yours. But I'm trying to put that before writing scripts right now.

4. Is there anything that's more pressing than others? Like for instance, the piece I'm writing with the partner, she's super excited we're working on this so that makes that something I need to work on. It forces me to put some time in it every week. Sure there are other pieces I could write too, but this one is calling her name, so it's calling mine.

5. Don't get distracted by things that don't matter! Clean laundry on the couch? It's clean, does it have to get put away instead of writing those pages? Not really. Do you really need to update your Facebook every time you go somewhere instead of writing a query? Not really, people don't have to know you got a cappuccino today. The more you lessen non-important distractions the less they become distractions. Only you have the power of what to focus on. Make your writing career your priority and the universe will join you.

So those are my tips. I hope they help. Now I need to go send out some queries and maybe take a walk to fend off my panicking! Oh yeah, which is my next tip, go for a walk when you need to destress!

How to write when life hits you a blow

I don't know about you, but when I'm going through something sadly huge, like the death of a loved one, I just can't write to save my life. Now, I write comedies. So maybe that's why. I can't be funny when I'm crying my eyes out. Call me crazy! But, as a writer, I always feel like I should be writing almost every single day. So, what is one to do when life is too tumultuous to write? Well personally, I give myself that breathing room to go through whatever sad or bad event that has been thrown my way. I look at it as, well, maybe I'm supposed to take a break from my writing. The universe has knowingly put me through this emotional event, so it must not want me to write just right now. But being someone who never likes to feel like I'm not pushing forward in my writing career, I have to do SOMETHING to help my writing. So those are the times when watching movies in your genre are good. Or reading the latest screenplay books, if you have the mindset for it. Or reading scripts. Believe me, there have been times when none of that even matters, and whatever I'm going through just gets in the way. So I just watch as many comedies on Netflix that I can get my writing hands on. I always know when it's time to start writing when I actually care about writing again. I might not have all the emotional energy to do it. So I use a contest as a goal to inspire myself. I remember last year after my younger brother passed, I did that. I knew my script wouldn't be in the perfect shape to enter the contest. But just being able to use the deadline as a goal really helped me at least finish the first draft. Today I'm waiting to hear that my mom has safely come out of her exploratory surgery. I'm hoping for only the best of news. Luckily I have a concert to go to tonight to take my mind off of things. Because maybe I wouldn't have the emotional energy to write after this whole day of patiently waiting. So I'll watch my favorite artist as he inspires me. And reminds me that being creative and sharing it with the world, is a truly awesome thing. By tomorrow, I know I'll be ready to do just that myself.

Make money or do what you love?

I stumbled upon an article on Harvard Business online. Yes, that's how I roll. And I was struck by the article because it's surely a question we artists deal with often. Do we choose to make money or do what we love? And can they become one eventually? We always hear that if we do what we love, we'll make money from it. But is that so? And as we wait for that to happen, is it something we want to endure?

Well the article on Harvard Business brought up a nice point. That as we are working, making a living, that if we do what we love in our off hours, that's not a bad thing at all. We're at least working towards something that maybe will be a career we can do instead. And if that never happens, that at least we're doing something we love. That's a win-win! They found that people who had something they loved were happier overall. Makes sense.

They say pretty much, don't give up your day job if it means you can't pay your bills. But having that creative output means a happier life, and that's a good thing. A great thing! And by being happier, then it just means you're aligning yourself for more opportunities that will open up for you in that direction. Whether you think it's energy, or just by your attitude, who cares! If doors are open for you because you've got a great attitude about life, then that's a good thing too. Because people want to be around people that are happier. Don't you?

So take those steps towards doing what you love. If it doesn't make you money someday, it will at least make you happier. And truthfully, I have a feeling, it will one day make you money. But that's me.

Here's the article if you'd like to read it in full.
http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/03/choosing_between_making_money.html

Writers on the move

So sometimes writers have to do things to make a living until their careers have taken off. You know that pesky thing called paying the bills can get in the way. And sometimes writers have jobs they like, other times not so much. And then sometimes writers use their creative mind to come up with some really cool way to express themselves and make a living. Well, that has happened with two very talented writers I know. One is a talented screenwriter who has sold somethings to Sony and HBO. Her business partner is a talented creative writer who I can't wait to see her work published somewhere wonderful someday.

So they put their minds together and came up with an organic ice cream truck called The S'cream Truck. They have partnered up with Beachy Cream Ice Cream, an organic ice cream store on the westside in Los Angeles, to help them create their delicious ice creams.

Their signature products are something called S'cream balls, with flavors like Vanilla Chocolate Madness or Peanut Butter Chocolate Nuttiness. They also have ice cream sandwiches with flavors like Bitchen Chocolate Chocolate, which is the one my son wants to order, because he laughs every time he says it, because he knows he's not allowed to cuss! haha. I guess this time it's okay!

Now, I don't know about you, but there are so many times I have come up with really interesting inventions or unique business ideas. But to actually see it through and actually launch my idea, is a whole other story. So I'm so impressed that these two ladies had the idea to not only come up with the idea of a revamped and way cooler ice cream truck than we had as kids, but actually turn it into a business! They even plan to do parties, events, Bar Mitzvahs, anything where ice cream would add to the fun. Gosh, if only I can think of a reason to host a party!

Wednesday, Feb 7, is their first launch day/grand opening. And I for one, am sure to head over there and try these awesome sounding ice creams. I'm sure it will be a huge success. If you think you're up for delicious ice cream, then head over there too.

They will be at San Vicente between Gorham and Montana. Brentwood, 90049, from 12:30-4:30. But if you are not fortunate to make the launch, don't worry. If you live in LA, be sure to keep an eye out for the ice cream truck we wish we had as kids. Forget nostalgia. Our kids are going to have it way better with The S'cream Truck!

Oh, and if you aren't already, be sure to follow them on twitter and facebook!