My Screenplay, Back to the Drawing Board...Day 7 of NaBloPoMo.

As I previously wrote (post from October 17), I entered the Bluecat Screenplay Competition several weeks ago. I anxiously awaited my two script analyses and they arrived last night. I read it over twice, printed it, let my husband read it, then told my mali about it.

I didn’t want to crack open my script last night, but I have eight days to pound it into shape and resubmit. It wasn’t slaughtered like I thought it would be, but I was surprised that they wanted more DRAMATIC scenes.

I feel like a swordsmith who needs to fire up the logs and pound my sword into better shape. I WANT A SAMURAI SWORD, NOT A BUTTER KNIFE!

In any writing, novel or scripts, nice neat emotional packages are great, but they want the rollercoaster ride and the uncertainty…I will do my best.





Some of the positives of THE DADDY BLOG analyses:

*****READER A>
“I thought you did a good job exploring what it means to be a family. Your main characters took on the typical roles of a nuclear family despite the fact that they weren’t actually directly related….I think that this depiction of “the family” was very unique and made your script more interesting to read.”

*****READER B>
“In general, the characters are distinct and relatable, and Verona really stands out as someone who has sacrificed her own needs for the needs of her family.”

Some of the negatives/constructive criticism:

*****READER A>
“I also feel like there is generally not enough conflict in your story. Despite the fact that your protagonists’ parents face horrible deaths while they are still children, it doesn’t seem to affect them in a very significant way.”

*****READER B>
“Once Brutus dies, the script becomes very conversation-driven and many of the scenes feel static, almost play- rather than movie-like.”

Overall, I’m relieved that I received this feedback. It was worth the fee. Again, going to do my best to bring this screenplay up to par. Wish me luck!



ESTA LATER!

Ready to Bleed Like Hemingway!

There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit at a typewriter and bleed.—Ernest Hemingway

In my case, the laptop, but I never thought of writing fiction as bleeding. But, it really is. I just completed about an hour of research online for a screenplay I’m focusing on. That’s a big feat considering that I’m making dinner and keeping my children entertained in the next room.

So, I’m taking a break from writing so I can….write some more. Crazy? Yes. I wonder why I even bother sometimes. Why can’t I be obsessed about something else or satisfied with just being a Navy wife, homemaker, mother of two wonderful, amazing kids?

Why? Why is it that when I get a story idea I can’t think of anything else. My brain squeezing out scenes and storylines before I finally fall asleep, praying that I will remember the next morning, something brilliant I created in my head. Why am I fleshing out characters, giving them quirks and making myself care about them like they were real? Why is it that I have a yellow Mead notebook from when I was 19 years old (18 years ago) etched with the notes and outline of Jet City Woman, the novel I was supposed to finish…and someday will, except that damn movie, Colombiana just came out with the same premise I had for my novel. By the way, with a title like Jet City Woman, you know I was listening to some Queensryche. Date myself, why don’t I?



I’ve dusted off the old, almost rusted spiral yellow notebook and started notes in the second segment for my screenplay; I have only shared the storyline with my husband and my buddy, Trini, thus far. Intellectual property…I’m keeping it close for now.

So, back to my inspiration before I have to go off and serve dinner, attend a school function, get the kids ready for bed…..my passion comes in slices each day, which I hope will add up to a finished product, whether it’s a novel or screenplay, the worlds and people I create on a page will soon see the light of day. PEACE OUT and thanks for reading this….and thank you to my buddy, Raquel for forwarding information containing Hemingway’s awesome quote!

And, well to answer the WHY? I love words, I love stories, I love description, I love symbolism….I love teaching with my words. I’ll have to get back to you.

By the way, promoting the writing I do have, hope to see you at PIFA September 24 and 25 where I am the featured author of Guam Batik Gallery….

PIFA Information http://www.pifasandiego.com/
Guam Batik Gallery Information http://guambatikgallery.com/category/slider/
Authorhouse/ Attitude 13 Information http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000378025/Attitude-13.aspx



ESTA LATER!

Tanya University, I am a River Phoenix….

Well, not really, but you can find just about anything on-line. I am self-teaching on the subject of SCREENWRITING. I have grand dreams of writing a novel that will be adapted to a screenplay to be made into a movie.





So, my thinking, and with my impatience….why not just write a screenplay? The format and rules can be found on-line and I’ve ordered recommended books too. The entire screenplay for Thelma and Louise is in the mail; I purchased it on Amazon for 14 cents. Yes, 14 pennies.

So, I’m going to study and try paving my storylines on a screenplay template. I’ve downloaded and read memorable scenes from my favorite flicks. For example, My Best Friend’s Wedding, my favorite scene is when hunky Dermot Mulroney is singing to Julia on the ferry, he takes her in his arms and sings The Way You Look Tonight. So, I’ve read the scene in screenwriting format, then Youtubed the scene and watched it applied….since my revelation, I’ve been watching every movie with new eyes.




In novel writing, I have to be wordy, paint a clear picture, choose my words carefully. In screenwriting, it’s blunt, still making lovely pictures, but with less constraint.

Now, I am well-aware that film students spend years learning the trade, paying big money for courses. I don’t have that luxury, so I’ll make due and try my best.




<---"Domestic Goddess",influenced by multi-armed Indian goddess Kali and the madcap, mid-century artwork of Jim Flora and Joan Miro



I have my eyes on some competitions and the steps needed to garnering attention. But, step one, write the darn thing. So, with that said, I’m off to create a world, made of scenes from my cluttered brain.

INT. Tanya’s Kitchen-Day

TANYA

TANYA, 30s, mother of 2, domestic goddess, smiles as she types away on her laptop, her children are O.S. giggling. Tanya gulps the last of her coffee, cracks her knuckles, and . . .

Wish me luck!

FADE OUT.

Esta Later!