Whenever I start writing something, no matter how detailed the outline, I still feel like it's a piece of crap for a while. I usually know the opening scene cold, but after that I start fumbling around until things start to lock into place. In this case that came with some character work. I did my bios, but I also posted my first 3 pages on Done Deal and got some feedback that made me realize a couple of things.
Sometimes, stopping and examining everything in a new light really helps.
And now I'm over that annoying hump. For the first couple of weeks, I had to force myself to write, and I was lucky to eek out three pages in a day. Now I'll sit at the computer to check email, and I'll accidentally end up writing a page or two.
To get here, I just have to trust myself and my concept. I had a slump like this with Nice Girls too, and I love that script. And now I've gotten over the slump with the Wedding Dress script.
I feel pretty good. I think this thing's gonna kick ass.
It's amazing when and how often the "I'm Shit" feeling is waiting to ambush us.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on beating it!
i always like writing the opening pages of a new screenplay. it feels like a relationship.
ReplyDeleteand then like a relationship, it's all over in 6 weeks... sometimes you can stretch it out to 12 weeks. But at that point, the passion is long gone and that BITCH still has your Pet Shop Boys CD and she took your Home Depot gift card that still has at least 12 dollars on it and...
Um, good luck with the script.
Go go go
ReplyDeleteI refuse to outline. I simply "think" about the story in my head for three to nine months, poke a thousand holes in it, write it in one 4-6 hour sitting, then move on to the next one.
ReplyDeleteIn between, I still do my paying gigs which I don't care so much about... so long as the prodco's check clears, of course.
Anonymoous and Please Leave you name, okay, I REFUSE TO USE OUTLINES. I AGREE WITH YOU. I HATE OUTLINES. I WILL NEVER, NEVER LISTEN TO SCRIPT PROFS ETC WHO TELL ME WHAT TO DO. SCREENWRITING IS AN ART. I AM THE GODS OF WAR OF SCREENWRITING.BUT I AM WILLING TO GROW LIKE A 24 RONIN ARMY AND TAKE SCRIPTING LIKE A A NEVER ENDING CHASE OF WRITING ACTION.
ReplyDeleteLove the title Emily - "over the hump"-loveit.
Tina