On The Page, again!

So about two years ago, me and two other writers, Mike Martin and Aydrea Walden, were asked to be on On The Page podcast by the wonderful Pilar Alessandra for our first time. She calls us the "Go Getters" which is really cool! Then recently, she asked us back again as returning guests. So since it had been a while since I chatted with these two other wonderful writers, it was really nice to be back on the podcast with them and see what they were up to. I will say, that I know I was super nervous the first time I did the podcast. I can't speak for the others. But I will say is we had a really nice relaxed energy together this time. Or maybe it was because I wasn't as nervous this time! haha Who knows. All I know is I hope it's as fun to listen to as it was for us to record. And of course, it's always wonderful spending time with Pilar. Please listen and hope you enjoy!

http://onthepage.libsyn.com

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-page-screenwriting/id262077408

http://podbay.fm/show/262077408

A screenwriting website worth checking out

There are a lot of screenwriting websites out there, yes. But not all of them have the wonderful knowledge coming from Christopher Lockhart. He's worked at ICM for probably most of his career and now he produces films. But besides that, the guy just cares about the craft of writing and helping writers get ahead. He spends much of his own free time on the twoadverbs website giving newbies guidance on their loglines and ideas. I'm not sure when he sleeps, because he always seems to be doing more and more for fellow writers. Going to twoadverbs.com in my opinion can save screenwriters years of wasting time on screenplays that will never end up going anywhere because of the lack of it being commercial. If it wasn't for Christopher, I'm sure it would have taken me even longer to start seeing my success unfold. So that's why I'm writing a blog and giving a shout out to twoadverbs.com The writers on there are pretty helpful too. You get to know which writers hang out the most and have the most to offer. Sure, like any screenwriting website with a forum there can be people that make you scratch your head and wonder, "where did they get that opinion?" But most of them are really helpful and care to guide you towards the best idea possible. Occasionally CL even has contests. Not sure if he has lately. I haven't had as much time to peruse the site. But check it out when you have a moment. I think you'll like stopping by.

Up and coming screenwriters don't need to watch Oscars

So this is the first year in my life where I didn't go out of my way to watch the Oscars. No, I'm not bitter. I don't hold any contempt towards the movies that do well or the writers who have made it. In fact, I wish them all the best luck possible and hope that someday if I write something Oscar worthy, I too could be there. But, the real reason why I didn't watch it, is because I am devoting so much time and energy and passion into my own writing, that I didn't think I should spend that much time watching TV when I could be writing on my own stuff. So write is what I did.

Like I've said in other posts, this is really the year where I put my writing first. Even if it means not watching the Oscars. And because of that, for the first time ever, I've barely seen anything that was nominated. Usually I'm the one who can tell you what deserved to win and what doesn't, and if someone was ripped off or slighted by the Academy. But this year, because I am truly focusing so much on my writing, I have no idea what deserved to win. And I kind of like that I didn't know this year. Because it means, I'm not using my only free time to watch other people's stuff, but to write my own things.

I remember years ago a writer I knew hadn't seen anything out in the theater. And I thought it so odd. I thought, how in the world will he learn what is out there or what is good if he's not watching other things? Well, you can. And you should. But watch what's in your genre. Or movies similar to what you get hired to write. We can't spend all our time watching every movie. So pick and choose what you have time to watch. And perhaps that means, not much at all.

I did watch the opening scene with Billy Crystal. I thought it was super cute. I did look on the internet today to see who wore the best dresses. And of course what actually won. But last night, while most of the world was captivated by who was going to win, I was writing and working on my latest comedy. So instead of being excited by the winners. I was excited by new pages that I wrote that I loved. I think that's way better than any Oscar any day.