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

Energizer...writer?

Friends always tell me I have more energy than anyone they know because I do so much and that includes always writing. It doesn't feel like I have a lot of energy. I'm always tired. Writer friends tell me I'm the most prolific. I wish I had even more time to write! But I think what they're noticing is that I have this underneath energy that propels me to write no matter what is going on in my life. See, when you focus on what you haven't accomplished in your writing career, that's draining and that will pull you down, causing you to not have enough energy to write after a long day of work. But if you focus on how much you love writing, you'll be energized by the fact you get to do what you love. Plus, if you focus on just always sitting down to write, it doesn't matter if you have the energy or not.

I also don't worry how much time I have to write. Like I've said before, sometimes it's just squeezing in an hour, 30 minutes, whatever time I have. If I'm in the car driving long distances and my husband is driving, I bring my computer and write in the car. There are so many ways to squeeze in writing. Sure there were days when I used to have 4 hours, 5, or 6 hours. Those don't seem to be the norm right now.

Are there days when I'm just too tired to write? Sure, but that's not my usual. I write almost every single day. So even an hour here and there, by the end of the year can add up to several scripts!

Do some friends have more time to write than I do? Sure. A writer friend just told me she has to get 30 pages written in a couple days. Would I have the time to do that this week? Hell no. Am I jealous? Hell yes! But so what. We all have our own writing path. So don't compare yourself to any other writers. Just write! Find the time. Even if you're tired. I promise you'll never regret it.

Tell YOUR story

When it comes to writing your screenplay there are a million ways it could go. A love story could be Romeo and Juliet or Casablanca or Wedding Crashers. Each story is so different and each writer is very different. So when you get the chance to write a story, tell the story that YOU want. That's why when you get hired to write a story, you have to trust your own instincts. It can be scary when you know someone has the power to say yes or no to what you just wrote. But you have to trust there's a reason you want to tell this exact story. It came to you for a reason! So write that story. One of the worst things you could do is doubt yourself and then end up with a mediocre story. Go out with a bang! Write the story that's speaking to you. And if all goes well, the producer that hires you will see your vision and agree with it and want to get it made.

I read somewhere recently that Arthur Miller was given notes about Death of a Saleman and was told what an awful play it was. He used those notes and changed it so much that he hated it! That's when he realized he wasn't going to listen to anyone. He said something along the lines of, "I'm going to do what I want. And if it's no good, at least I wrote what I wanted." Then of course it went on to being the longest performing piece and most acted piece ever.

So that's what you have to do too! Trust that your vision of your story is what needs to be told. Sure take notes, listen to trusted friends. But if they don't see the vision that you are wanting to tell for your story, then ignore it all. How's a new writer to know when to listen to friends and when not? That only comes with experience. But as time goes on, you'll know who to listen to and what notes to listen to. In the end, it's your story and when a producer hires you, they're going to hire you for your style and story telling. So be sure that's what ends up on the page.

In honor of Syd Field

So there was news today of Syd Field passing this weekend at the age of 77. I never met the guy, but read his screenwrting books. And it wasn't till I heard he passed, that I realized I owe the man a lot. It was he and Robert McKee that taught me my very first steps in how to write a script. I remember sitting by my computer, with Syd Field's books open next to Robert McKee's as I typed what I thought would be the best thing ever written. LOL Okay, maybe I didn't. But I thought it might be worthy of something. Turns out it was only worthy of teaching me how to write a script. But we all have to start somewhere. And if it weren't for teachers like him, we never would have had something on the page to do our first rewrite, or to get comfortable enough in the craft to learn new styles, to learn our voice. So the news of Syd Field passing is a sad one for me. I wish I had thought of taking the time to thank him. I'm sure many will feel the same. RIP.

Writing is like getting your heart stomped on

So you finally see your career taking off. You get to the point where producers want meetings with you. They want to read pages of things you're working on. You're allowed on the set, without being chased off! It's happening! And it's all so exciting. Only the problem is, it's scary too! You're finally where you've always dreamed you'd be. But once you're there, your dreams are on the line. It's no longer just dreaming. It's seeing your dreams happen and possibly be even better than you ever imagined!

It's enough to make your skin crawl and make your heart feel like it's going to jump out of your chest! But it makes sense. Being a writer means you have a passion for what you do. And passion comes from your heart. So your heart is involved and pulled and tugged. And the things you create, are from your imagination. They are your babies, as we've heard many times. So if someone is going to critique our baby? Oh my god, look out! That's going to hurt. So that's why when you're seeing your dreams come true in this career, you can feel so vulnerable. Because it's as if you're like hi, here's my heart, now take it, stomp on it, rip it apart, pour acid in it, and then give it back so I can walk around with this battered thing. Ugh!

I can feel it with the script I'm working on now with the producer I only dreamed of working with. And he's actually calling me back on a more frequent basis. For the longest time it felt like I had to remind him, hi, I'm still here, we're still working on this right? Now he actually has the time, and he's actually waiting for pages. But as I'm sending them, it's as if I were sending my kid on an overnight trip for a week! And believe me, I haven't even done that!

So what's a writer to do? Well, first thing, breathe. If you've got the attention of a producer, no matter what caliber, you're doing something right. So remember that! Then, remember, they want to make this film, they are looking to make something wonderful. And if they are placing their trust in you, it's because you showed them some sort of talent. Then, unless you had your cousin Sue write your script and you put your name on it, you obviously know how to write a script. Remember that! You know how to do this! You are in this place because you're supposed to be!

Even as I'm writing my script for this producer, I just keep telling myself, I'm just doing what I've been doing all these years. It's really no different. The only difference is that I care more what he thinks. But I can't let that psyche me out. I just do what I know how to do. And what I love to do! No more, no less. If I psyche myself out, I'll fail. So breathe, and write. And exercise! That always takes the stress off of me. And before long, you just may see your best script yet. With a producer who can actually get it made! Voila! Imagine that.

Sometimes procrastinating is a good thing

Okay, I'm not talking about watching TV every single night and forgetting that you're a writer. But when you're sitting down working on a script, and here and there you find your mind wandering, I truly think this is part of the process. Heck, I'm writing my blog to you right now as I'm writing my latest comedy. I think what it is, is that our little brains are doing a lot of work when we write. And every so often, our brain gets tired! It's like, hey, you've been squeezing out brilliance all day, do something else for a couple minutes!

So yes, I do find myself posting on Facebook or reading the headlines on Huffington Post or writing my screenwriting blog. I figure as long as I'm banging out pages that I'm happy with, then I'm doing what needs to be done. I'm not forgetting that my main job is to write. But by letting my story breathe, letting my brain focus on something other than the story, I'm actually coming up with the story.

The trick is making sure you're not letting other things get in the way of your writing. For me, I make sure I stay in my seat at my desk. I also make sure that I see my page count increase. If I haven't added any pages, then it would be time to worry. But we don't really know what goes on when we create magic on a blank page. And I really think that part of that magic, is letting our mind do what it wants. And sometimes that means procrastinating. Since I've just done some of mine, it's now time to go write a few more pages.

Writing genres that are not your own

Okay so we all hear as screenwriters that you have to be specialized in a genre. And I get that. Mine is comedy. I've studied, written tons, feel like I'm just always getting better and better. Feel like it's really my specialty at this point. But, I also seem to be getting all these opportunities in other arenas. So what's a writer to do? Well heck, I'm not one for looking a writing opportunity in the mouth. So if it comes my way, then I jump on it! So I've recently been concepting for a Cartoon Network producer. Luckily most of what they want these days is comedy, so it wasn't that far off my comfort zone. But, the new shows on there are really zany. Push the envelope. Don't even have to make sense, as far as a world, that is. So that was something new for me. I was working with a writer friend who loves animation, so that helped. But even he had to wrap his brain around the fact that we really had to push our ideas. If it made sense, then it wasn't pushed far enough. And it was a fun exercise. And we ended up coming up with a bunch of ideas we really liked! We're still waiting to hear from the producer on what she liked, but I can say that I'm really happy with what we came up with. And if I hadn't tried to learn a new genre, I never would have had this chance. And most recently, an opportunity to write horror film shorts has come into my life. A producer I had written something for years ago, I contacted recently and he said he needed horror shorts. Okay, horror movies are the ONE thing I won't go see because they scare the heck out of me. Yes, I know, that's the point. But I can't sleep if I see them! So I don't go. But, again, I am not one to turn down an opportunity to write for a producer and get something actually produced. So I told him yep, I can do that! And proceeded to watch all the horror film samples he wanted me to see. Sure, I didn't sleep that whole week because I was scared out of my mind! And then also, once I'm writing, I get so many ideas they come to me at all hours of the night. But I've sort of learned part of being a writer means having odd sleep patterns at times. But so far the producer has approved two of our ideas! And I plan to give him even more. The more produced, the better, in my opinion. And now I have this awful feeling I'm going to become an expert in writing horror movies! LOL Which would be so funny since that was so not my intention. But I don't know. I feel like being a screenwriter is a journey. And we don't always know where we will end up. And that's it not really our decision to figure out when and where our success will happen. Sure, we can guide it. We can study the craft we want to excel in. But screenwriting is all about story telling. If you learn the craft, you can learn to write almost any genre. You just may surprise yourself where your success comes from. Success in any form would be fine by me.

writing genres that don't go together

So years ago I wanted to write a superhero story. This was before the resurgence of the superhero movies, mind you. But mine wasn't like Spiderman or Superman. No. It was a comedy of a superhero. And since this was before the resurgence of superhero films, it was also before anyone had ever thought of combining comedies with superheroes. So when I asked a fellow writer, one who was actually writing for a TV show, what he thought. His opinion was, "You can't combine genres!" And it was fact, as he put it. That no one would EVER do that. Yeah, well, flash forward a couple years and there were tons of comedy super hero movies. Meanwhile, I'd seen a few that had stronger concepts than mine. So okay, maybe mine wasn't the right kind of comedy superhero film. But I will say what I learned from that, was to trust my judgement. Don't listen to other writers or producers say, "You can NEVER do such and such" and "Such and such type of movies are totally out!" Because believe me, someone will do it, and it will work. And someone will write a type of movie that might have been out, but do it so well, they can bring it back. Write what you love! Write what YOU want to write. But do it well. And if you do it well, you can never go wrong. Trust that if you feel the need to write it, it needs to be told. Of course, if you're trying to make a career in Hollywood, it does need to be commercial. So I'm not saying every single story will get made. But if you make it high-concept and you write it well, it will get the attention it deserves. And if you go against what Hollywood thinks you should do, you just may get even more attention for breaking the rules.

Looking back

So I started this blog almost a year ago exactly. It was November last year, but on the 28th. I was home in bed sick with my son. Today I write, home in bed, sick with my son. Only today he's sick playing video games and I'm the one stuck in bed. So, hmmm...is there a theme here? Or just flu season? Any way, it's been a great year for my screenwriting, all in all. I just went to a movie screening last week for the big film producer I worked with all year. As of last year this time, I hadn't started working with him. But starting last December, our business relationship kicked off. It's not as fast as I'd like, but alas, we're working together. He's got about four films that he's producing as we speak, so that's keeping him pretty busy. Last week he invited me to a friends and family screening of his current movie that will be coming out next year. The year before, I would not have been invited to that. So that shows, it's definitely been a great year and moving things forward. I also just wrote a TV spec and am getting it to the creators of Up All Night. Turns out I have a friend who is best friends with the creator. Who knew?! I've also finished the script for the indie producer that is supposedly getting produced soon. This year soon? Early next year soon? Who knows. It's done at least. After five years of writing, rewriting, other writers coming on, coming back to me, I've finally finished the latest draft that has made it filming ready. So now the rest is up to the producer. I've also been in talks with a management company to rep me. They're reading my scripts and we'll see what happens from there. So to sum it up, that's not a bad year. I guess sometimes being forced to lay in bed and rest is a good thing for me. Especially this year, I feel like I am burning candles at six ends, not just two. So sometimes the only thing that will get me to slow down is when I am sick and forced to relax. I keep thinking one of these days I'll learn how to rest before that happens. It hasn't happened yet. I've got two weeks before my next writer's group. We're taking a holiday break. I am in dire need of some rewriting of my first draft of my latest comedy and I think the holiday might be a good time to do that. As we move towards the new year, ask yourself where you are in your writing. Have you reached the goals you set for yourself? And if not, then are you getting closer? What else can you do to reach those goals? Believe me, my goals haven't been met yet. But I am getting closer, and as they do, I see that I am inching closer to seeing my dreams realized. And it's nothing short of awesome!!!

How to not go crazy waiting!

So if you get lucky enough to have a big producer actually interested in working with you, part of that means they are busy and you are NOT going to be the first thing on their list of things to do that day. Or that week! Or even that month. So, there's only one thing you can do. Pull your hair out! Okay, no, not really. That's what you may think of doing, but in order from yanking head hair on daily basis, there are a few things you can do while you wait to hear back from said big-time producer. Yes, we all know we should write another script. At least I think we all know that, right? That's kind of one of those things I heard early on in my writing career. But that only takes up part of the day. The rest of the day, in between when you're being brilliant, of course your mind is going to wander and get stuck on, "Why hasn't said producer called me yet?" So, you need more things to keep busy. For me, I'm a freelance ad writer. So I've decided to revamp my advertising website. In fact, why don't I share it here? www.denisesbook.com That might even give you something to look at instead of pulling your hair out while you're waiting for said producer. But for me, I used this week to work on my website and then once that was done, I contacted old ad contacts I hadn't contacted in years! It's a good time for me to get reconnected. As luck or hard work would have it, I've gotten really great response to my latest website and it looks like I'll be picking up a lot of promising freelance gigs. So that's definitely keeping me busy. So whatever your full time job is, I'd suggest doing the same. Find projects that can keep you busy, keep your mind off your scripts and your producer. For me, that's been pretty much enough. Or at least I think it has. Maybe it hasn't, and maybe that's why I have this sudden urge to replant my entire front and backyard gardens. Plus a real driving need to throw out anything unneeded in the garage. If I don't hear from the producer soon, my house is going to be probably the best I've seen it in years! Hmmm...maybe it's not such a bad thing he hasn't called to give me notes yet. Another thing that helped me get a grasp on why I haven't talked to him, was googling his name in Hollywood Reporter. Seeing all the big projects he's got going on as we speak, really helped me get an idea of how busy he really is. Of course I know he's busy. But until you really read it in black and white print, it's not as easy to really get a handle on it. It sure worked for me, so I suggest that to you. Now, if all those suggestions don't work for you, then I guess I'm at a loss. Because I think I got you pretty busy. And maybe by the time you actually finish all those things, you'll actually hear from him. Well, I better go. I think I have this hankering to clean out my entire fridge.

Oh my gosh, it's a pitch!

So tomorrow is the big meeting I've been waiting, probably pretty much my whole life for. I feel like I've been working towards this moment most of my adult life, taking classes, learning the craft, writing, writing and more writing. The producer I'm meeting with is already sold on the idea, and all he wants to hear is the details and my take on it. So all my friends who know the situation and know the business tell me, "you're going to do fine! He loves the story, it's going to be easy!" But of course, it doesn't feel that way to me! It doesn't help that I was sick most of this weekend, so when I'm usually going over my pitch, I was either resting or too tired to even read over it and memorize it. But maybe that's better? Maybe it will seem more natural that I didn't memorize the whole darn thing. I sure hope so! But what I'm trying to do is remind myself, that this is my destiny. This is what I know I'm meant to be doing with my life. I write every day, so what's the difference with telling someone my story? There really isn't any. It seems like more of a big deal because now he can actually hire me to write the story. But that's why I've been writing specs all these years! And he's already told me he thinks I'm a talented writer. So it's not like I have to prove that to him. We were just looking for the right project to work on together. And now we've found it. And truthfully, as I was writing this pitch and this story, I felt that all the ideas just came pouring out of me. That the story really wrote itself. And really, I felt that it was sent to me from my muses, and I was just the conduit to get it on the paper. Even my husband, who's very critical of ideas of mine in an honest and truthful way, has told me "This idea is great. You're going to do great." And no, he's not like my mom who would say that about any old idea. So he is a really great sounding board. So I guess that's why I needed to write this post. I needed to validate that I know my craft. And I know the pitch enough to get the story across. I do like the story, a lot, in fact. I can't wait to see it as a script and get the chance to write it for this huge producer. So really, there's nothing I should worry about. It's all meant to be. I am meant to have this meeting. I feel like this is all happening as it should. I was listening to Wayne Dyer, one of my favorite authors, on Oprah's OWN today. And he said that when you want something to happen, you just say, "I am..." and answer with whatever you want. Like I am healthy. I am successful. I am debt-free. That when we say "I am" it tells the universe to bring you more of that, instead of saying what you don't want, because then it brings you more of what you don't want too! So, since tomorrow, is the day I've been waiting for my whole life. Then I will say, "I am a successful screenwriter." and I will believe it and keep repeating it. I think you should say it too, until you see it happen for you too.

Being God in our screenwriting universe

So it came up in our writing group last night about the fact that we put our characters into jeopardy, whether serious or comedic, and we're the ones that shake up their world. So that pretty much makes us the "God" of their universe. The talk in our group focused upon, "Why now?" What about our stories is making this moment so important for our characters. It can't just be any moment of their life, otherwise the story would just ramble. But the moment we write about has a purpose to it. There will be on the end, some sort of character growth. So what exactly is the purpose of this story for our characters? Why do we stick them in this jeopardy here and now? And how will they grow and what will they learn? If we don't have answers to any of these questions, then we do not have a story, just yet. But the journey for our characters is going to take them from who they've been maybe their whole life, to a new and better person once the journey is over. When we think of it this way, it kind of makes it pretty easy to figure out what the story is, don't you think? Because the first act is the way they've always been. It sets up how they live, who they live with, it lets us see them before that "thing" happens that shakes up their world. Then comes act two and they are now on the journey of their world being messed with. This is where we see, how they will react to it, most likely not so well at first. Then we'll see what they do when they accept it, but still of course, not doing so well with it. And by Act 3 we will see them finally learn what they were supposed to learn all along, coming out of it, better than ever before. It was really helpful talking about this in my group, and I'm sure you can all relate to those moments in your life when something really bad or tragic happened. And at the time, there was nothing good about it. But now, of course years later, you can see how you grew from that emotional moment and journey. So if you can look at your own stories this way and your character being on this same kind of journey, I'm sure you'll see exactly what you need to do to your stories to make them better and have your character grow to become a better and more evolved person in the end.

I'm an introverted writer who likes being social

What to do when you have the need to hide away to write, yet have friends you'd like to see at the same time? How does a writer juggle it all?! We writers are stereotyped as the person who hides in their room, sits at their computer, smoking, drinking, hiding. But are we all like that? Maybe that's way too much like JD Salinger who supposedly spent the last 40 years of his life in almost total seclusion. But the writers I know, don't seem to be such social pariahs. Alas, we do need to find time to write and put our writing first. So it's the subtle dance of finding time to write along with finding time to socialize and come out into the world. I know for me, I think I used to think I owed friends and family my time. Like if I wasn't spending time with them or making the rounds, they'd think I didn't care. But more recently I realized that being true to myself and my passion and art was actually more important than worrying about everyone else's needs. So even though I have found myself being less social and writing a lot more, which makes me happy, I do find that I miss making time for the other things I enjoyed, like friends. So what's a writer to do? Well, for me, I just remind myself that yes, I might not be seeing friends as much, but my writing career is benefiting from being more recluse. Plus, I do have a husband and child, so it's not like I don't have any social contact. I am also a gym rat and visit the gym five days a week. So I do get to chat with my other gym rat friends at least almost every morning. On occasion, that doesn't seem to be enough and I find myself getting cranky around the hubby and my son and that's when I know I've been holed up too much and it's time for some girlfriend time. It's a hard balance fitting it all in. Being a writer can be a lonely job. I've had people who don't really get what it means to be a writer and they'll say, "That's so exciting!" And since I've yet to work on a set yet, I say, "No, not so much. But it makes me happy." And that's what matters. So, alas, I'll be home writing tonight, being anti-social but happy at the same time. And summer is fast approaching so I'll be very social with my son out of school and making plans with his friends and other moms. And as social as I will be, I'm sure I'll be longing from my solitude when I can hole myself up and join my other friends we like to call, "characters" in screenplays.

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.

Let it be - Part 2

So yesterday I posted about letting your screenwriting career happen as it's supposed to. That when we accept whatever timeline that happens, it will actually happen sooner. I've also been waiting for a lunch meeting with a really high-profile producer. In December he called me and said call him in January because he wanted to take me to lunch and pitch ideas to me and let ME pick what I wanted to write for him. That was a dream come true! January came around, and he got so busy, that here we are in March and it still hasn't happened.

I've been patiently waiting. Nicely and persistently checking in with him and his assistant every so often. Learning to accept that when it happens, it's the right time. And then yesterday I write the blog about trusting that when the time is right, your screenwriting success will happen.

So last night, I'm at a friend's with a group of mom's just having a nice, fun night in. I get home around midnight. And see there's a message on my cell. And lo and behold, it's from the producer's assistant to call his office! It's obviously to set up the said lunch! I was so ecstatic! I'll call on Monday of course. But look, just as I write that blog about accepting the timeline of screenwriting success, that's when I hear from him! That's no coincidence, ladies and gentlemen. Or, perhaps you think it is and you want to go on fighting against your own success. Then well, that's fine, you can do that too. But personally, I'd rather not get upset when my screenwriting success doesn't happen when I want it to. But to embrace the timeline of when it really is supposed to happen, to be patient, and see it happen sooner by not fighting it. But hey, that's just me.

Producer keeps me hanging

So my lunch with the producer has been put off again! This is the second time. And I don't blame the guy. I know they get busy. But I've been nervous about it each time. I feel like my emotions get all rattled when I think it's happening and then smashed and dashed when it doesn't. Maybe it's better. By the time we actually do meet I won't even be expecting it so I'll be all nonchalant about it. "Big producer blah blah blah. Works with huge stars, blah blah blah." Maybe that's the best way to be. I mean, I always knew I should be more calm and okay about it. But that's easier said than done sometimes. So at least this way, now maybe I will feel that way.

And I always knew that once we started our lunch meeting I'd feel fine about it too. He's a nice guy. And I felt super comfortable with him when we pitched to him in his office. I instantly felt at ease. I knew it was just the leading up to it that I got nervous about. I guess because it's a real opportunity and it's him wanting me to write something for him, instead of me pitching to him and hoping he'll buy something. So why should I be nervous about that?! I guess on paper I shouldn't. But again, easier said than done. Oh well. Now I have to wait to hear from him. Again. Until then, guess I'll finish my outline for my other comedy. I guess the good thing is, there's always something else to write, when you're a writer.