Sunday, July 8, 2007
New Story!
I started reading yet another writing book. It's about writing a story outline in 30 days. Kind of has me motivated to get serious about a story I've been messing around with. I'm having trouble, however, deciding to name my female main character Bailey or Broghan. It's definitely between those two. I might be leaning towards Bailey, because someone else has also discovered that beautiful name and use it in their novel.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Happy Independence!
Thankful for a free country to live and write in! Wahoo!
TOMORROW I send out my manuscript and my tuition money. Today was kind of impossible to do so. Who knew that the post doesn't work today? Huh. *snicker* Dumb blonde moments. Actually, it was a typo. Two days ago I wrote the blog entry at midnight, like I'm doing right now. So, yeah.
I started--well RE-started The Artist's Way. Tomorrow I start writing my morning pages. Let's see how that goes *eyeroll*
TOMORROW I send out my manuscript and my tuition money. Today was kind of impossible to do so. Who knew that the post doesn't work today? Huh. *snicker* Dumb blonde moments. Actually, it was a typo. Two days ago I wrote the blog entry at midnight, like I'm doing right now. So, yeah.
I started--well RE-started The Artist's Way. Tomorrow I start writing my morning pages. Let's see how that goes *eyeroll*
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
WGAW!
Tomorrow I submit my script to the Writer's Guild. I did a little script-tidying tonight...removing the "fat" I added for Screnzy! I didn't really need to do that, as I can always change things later and still have the "patent" be applicable (I only need to re-register the script if I change the plot.) So, yeah, pretty excited about that. Oh, and tomorrow I also send in my payment for the classes I will be taking this fall (still nervous about those.)
Okay, I need help. I am totally in a non-writing mode (yet here I am, writing...*facepalm*) I need to start working more seriously on my fanfic story for the competition, but I DON'T WANNA!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! I'm not in the mood. My Inner Editor is like "Bwa-ha-ha!" Need to tell him to shut it.
I guess that's it. I'm off to surf the web...or do something. Yeah.
Later,
Liz
Okay, I need help. I am totally in a non-writing mode (yet here I am, writing...*facepalm*) I need to start working more seriously on my fanfic story for the competition, but I DON'T WANNA!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! I'm not in the mood. My Inner Editor is like "Bwa-ha-ha!" Need to tell him to shut it.
I guess that's it. I'm off to surf the web...or do something. Yeah.
Later,
Liz
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Hooray! for Trying New Things
Just yesterday, I signed up for two online writing classes, which will begin this September. The classes are "Your Screenwriting Career" and "Writeriffic" (basic writing course.) Hopefully these will help me sharpen my writing skills. We'll see how they go. I'm a little nervous, because I've never taken an online course before; but I think I'll survive.
Script Frenzy! 2007 is coming to a close. Everyone, in order to win, must finish and get their 20k (or more) validated by 11:59:59 (in their own timezone) tonight. Good luck, everybody!
Script Frenzy! 2007 is coming to a close. Everyone, in order to win, must finish and get their 20k (or more) validated by 11:59:59 (in their own timezone) tonight. Good luck, everybody!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Show Must Go on!
Things for Script Frenzy! 2008 are looking bleak. The wonderful people at the Office of Letters and Light still need to raise around $100,000 to pay for costs this year. If you were a part of the Frenzy and want it to happen again next year, you need to donate! Think one person can't make a difference? Donate $10. Then 10 other people donate $10. That's $100. Then one hundred people donate $1,000. That's $10,000. Then 1,000 people donate $10. That's $10,000! And it all starts with one donation. If you don't donate, who will? Please go to the following link and make your donation today. As cheesy as it sounds, one person can really make a difference.
I made my donation (waiting for the ticket to prove it)...have you?
I made my donation (waiting for the ticket to prove it)...have you?
Sunday, June 24, 2007
On Your Mark, Get Set....
TYPE! (Okay, I first typed "typo", which would in itself be a typo. Hee-hee.)
The contest at Chamber of Secrets Forums has begun! I have received my ten quotes, which I must work into my story, and have begun to write. Over a page so far! And from this point on, I don't think I'm allowed to talk about it to any potential voters :)
I was going to do some JTR research, but I think I'm going to stick with the JFK assassination. I really sense a lot more evil with JTR; I just read a chapter about the supposed diary that he wrote, and I already have the creeps.
Well, on a lighter note...Let me try and find a lighter note....No luck. Oh well.
Keep writing always!
Lizzy
The contest at Chamber of Secrets Forums has begun! I have received my ten quotes, which I must work into my story, and have begun to write. Over a page so far! And from this point on, I don't think I'm allowed to talk about it to any potential voters :)
I was going to do some JTR research, but I think I'm going to stick with the JFK assassination. I really sense a lot more evil with JTR; I just read a chapter about the supposed diary that he wrote, and I already have the creeps.
Well, on a lighter note...Let me try and find a lighter note....No luck. Oh well.
Keep writing always!
Lizzy
Friday, June 22, 2007
CoS Writing Contest
...that's what's next on the docket :D I can't write my progress online, though, since it's an annonymous competition. (www.cosforums.com)
I'm doing some Kennedy research, see if I can come up with a new angle for a play. Great thing about presidents: The book/play/movie doesn't have to be authorized! They're "public domain".
Oh, and I got my Script Frenzy! T-shirt yesterday. Whoot-whoot! Already got one compliment :D And today I sent an excerpt of my script to a friend. Lisa is so supportive! She's been telling me for years now that one day she's going to see me on Jay Leno XD
Well, I guess that's all for now. Got to get back to my Cherry Coke and lemon poundcake :P
I'm doing some Kennedy research, see if I can come up with a new angle for a play. Great thing about presidents: The book/play/movie doesn't have to be authorized! They're "public domain".
Oh, and I got my Script Frenzy! T-shirt yesterday. Whoot-whoot! Already got one compliment :D And today I sent an excerpt of my script to a friend. Lisa is so supportive! She's been telling me for years now that one day she's going to see me on Jay Leno XD
Well, I guess that's all for now. Got to get back to my Cherry Coke and lemon poundcake :P
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Inner Critic/Editor/Jerk
I want to write an article on Script Frenzy!, but my Inner Critic is telling me that there are thousands of other people who did Screnzy who could write the article twenty-times better than I could. That my little cousin could write it better than I. Ouch. I think depriving my IC of meat for a month has made it ravenous. Given, my younger cousin is a superb writer, but still....
Then I start thinking: My script is a piece of nonsense, that it won't go anywhere and who am I kidding? Yes, just a few seconds ago I said these words aloud: "I can't write! Who am I kidding?" Uh, hello? 20,036 words says that maybe I can. But my IC points out that it was utter drivel. Touche.
Who will win? Most likely the Critic. She usually does nowadays.
Then I start thinking: My script is a piece of nonsense, that it won't go anywhere and who am I kidding? Yes, just a few seconds ago I said these words aloud: "I can't write! Who am I kidding?" Uh, hello? 20,036 words says that maybe I can. But my IC points out that it was utter drivel. Touche.
Who will win? Most likely the Critic. She usually does nowadays.
Next on the list....
I have finished Script Frenzy! 2007! Yeah! Now, back to the "real world". Here's a look at my writing summer:
What's left of June minus this Saturday to the first of the next: CELEBRATE, BABY! Take a break and enjoy the sweet taste of Victory...until this Saturday.
Saturday-?: Work on my piece for the Quote!Fic Challange at CoS Forums (www.cosforums.com)
August: (Hopefully) [F]inish my first draft of my Pride and Prejudice playscript
September: Write a second draft of my screenplay
That may seem jam-packed, but it's really not. I won't be writing 24/7, and there isn't the pressure of deadlines...unless someone approaches me about P&P, wanting to direct it. THEN it's pressure-cooker time. I'd be writing my ifs, ands and buts off 'til the break of every dawn...maybe. I don't know if I'm that dedicated ;)
What's left of June minus this Saturday to the first of the next: CELEBRATE, BABY! Take a break and enjoy the sweet taste of Victory...until this Saturday.
Saturday-?: Work on my piece for the Quote!Fic Challange at CoS Forums (www.cosforums.com)
August: (Hopefully) [F]inish my first draft of my Pride and Prejudice playscript
September: Write a second draft of my screenplay
That may seem jam-packed, but it's really not. I won't be writing 24/7, and there isn't the pressure of deadlines...unless someone approaches me about P&P, wanting to direct it. THEN it's pressure-cooker time. I'd be writing my ifs, ands and buts off 'til the break of every dawn...maybe. I don't know if I'm that dedicated ;)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The light at the end of the tunnel...
Is growing closer. No, I am not dying...at least, I don't think so. I mean, we're all dying...but that's for a different post...on a different blog ;)
18,500 words! Dude, I am so close. I only have two scenes left to write. I am eight days ahead of schedule! Yipee! Hooray! Hoorah!
The characters--at least two of them--are doing weird stuff. It's kind of fun. They hate each other, now they're kissing. Huh. Well, anything can happen in a comedy, I guess :D
1,500 left! I want to win soooooo bad I can taste it.
18,500 words! Dude, I am so close. I only have two scenes left to write. I am eight days ahead of schedule! Yipee! Hooray! Hoorah!
The characters--at least two of them--are doing weird stuff. It's kind of fun. They hate each other, now they're kissing. Huh. Well, anything can happen in a comedy, I guess :D
1,500 left! I want to win soooooo bad I can taste it.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Just Type (5 AM)
5 AM and you e- me
And I'm still awake
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake
I can't write it, summer just isn't my season
Yeah we type through the night, a word count we've in mind
Like they have any write to critisize
Hypocrites, you're all still around 10 thousand
'Cause you can't write ahead,
We're all stuck on a outline
And this really stinks
Am I out of my right mind
No one can find the delete button, girl
So cradle your keys in your hands
And type,
Just type.
Whoa Type,
Just type.
May we reach 20k on the day before last
Just today you sat down with 20k to hack
Ain't been sober since maybe the beginning of this month
Here in town you can tell I've been gone for awhile
But, great Scot! it's so beautiful when they all smile
"Who are you?" "Remember, I'm your next-door neighbor?"
'Cause you can't write ahead
We're all stuck on an outline
And this really stinks
Am I out of my right mind
No one can find the delete button, boys
So cradle the keys in your hands
And Type,
Just type.
Whoa, type,
Just type.
There's a light at the end of this tunnel, you shout
But you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
These mistakes you've made, you'll just write it again
But don't you try turning around.
5 AM and I'm still awake, writing a script
If I get it all down on paper, I'll just flip
It's inside of me, threatening the life it belongs to
And i feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
'Cause these words are my word count, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to
'Cause you can't write ahead
We're all stuck on an outline
And this really sucks
Am I out of my right mind
No one can find the delete button now
Write until you can't understand
And type,
Just type.
Whoa, type ,
Just type.
Ooooh, type
Just type.
And I'm still awake
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake
I can't write it, summer just isn't my season
Yeah we type through the night, a word count we've in mind
Like they have any write to critisize
Hypocrites, you're all still around 10 thousand
'Cause you can't write ahead,
We're all stuck on a outline
And this really stinks
Am I out of my right mind
No one can find the delete button, girl
So cradle your keys in your hands
And type,
Just type.
Whoa Type,
Just type.
May we reach 20k on the day before last
Just today you sat down with 20k to hack
Ain't been sober since maybe the beginning of this month
Here in town you can tell I've been gone for awhile
But, great Scot! it's so beautiful when they all smile
"Who are you?" "Remember, I'm your next-door neighbor?"
'Cause you can't write ahead
We're all stuck on an outline
And this really stinks
Am I out of my right mind
No one can find the delete button, boys
So cradle the keys in your hands
And Type,
Just type.
Whoa, type,
Just type.
There's a light at the end of this tunnel, you shout
But you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
These mistakes you've made, you'll just write it again
But don't you try turning around.
5 AM and I'm still awake, writing a script
If I get it all down on paper, I'll just flip
It's inside of me, threatening the life it belongs to
And i feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
'Cause these words are my word count, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to
'Cause you can't write ahead
We're all stuck on an outline
And this really sucks
Am I out of my right mind
No one can find the delete button now
Write until you can't understand
And type,
Just type.
Whoa, type ,
Just type.
Ooooh, type
Just type.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Strawberry Seeds
Okay, I only have 14.5k and already my plot is winding down and getting ready to stop. Urgh! Oh well; there's always padding...though I really don't want to do that. I think I'll have to go back and expand scenes by some way or another. *sigh*
On a lighter note...I am FOUR days ahead, people. Yesterday I was five days ahead, but oh well.
Well, I'm off to write...or sleep. Don't know which yet.
On a lighter note...I am FOUR days ahead, people. Yesterday I was five days ahead, but oh well.
Well, I'm off to write...or sleep. Don't know which yet.
Friday, June 15, 2007
13k!
I have surpassed 13,000 words! Only a little under 7,000 to go...*insert large groan here* I sure hope I can write enough to finish it...there's always padding, but I really don't want to do that.
Everyone's still behaving. A few surprises (Jake shows up in jail for something involving Victoria's Secret), but nothing too exciting.
Might write some more tonight, not sure. I'm tired and want to sleeeeeeeeeeeeep! Oh, and I'm also crazy. I signed up for a writing competition and sent in an entry for a small one last night. Also, I am waiting to hear about a playscript I sent into a competition, but I probably won't be hearing from them until sometime in November. I am also writing for fun every night. Writers write always...even if it's just writing out checks for the utility bills.
Well, that's all I could think of. Just thought I'd give you an update. G'night.
Everyone's still behaving. A few surprises (Jake shows up in jail for something involving Victoria's Secret), but nothing too exciting.
Might write some more tonight, not sure. I'm tired and want to sleeeeeeeeeeeeep! Oh, and I'm also crazy. I signed up for a writing competition and sent in an entry for a small one last night. Also, I am waiting to hear about a playscript I sent into a competition, but I probably won't be hearing from them until sometime in November. I am also writing for fun every night. Writers write always...even if it's just writing out checks for the utility bills.
Well, that's all I could think of. Just thought I'd give you an update. G'night.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
I Forgot Why I was Going to Post
Hmm. I was going to say something, but I totally forgot. Weird. Well, not so much so. My brains have been stretched this way and that this month. Ack!
Well, to celebrate my 10k mark, I had a champagne Tuesday. J/J; champagne is nasty. I opened the bottle of sparkling cider I was saving for when I finished Frenzy! entirely. But, since someone in my family was having a really rotten day, I thought it would be fun to crack it open and drink it out of our fun glasses. I'll get another bottle when I go to World Market next week. They're not expensive at all. A little over 3 dollars a bottle...and it is sooooo worth it. Yum!
Now I have to study Stanislavski for the next director I am introducing: The Method Director. He is going to be so Method, it is sickening. I do not like the Method. Too much brain work.
Well, I'm off. Just checking in. I'm pooped. Must go to bed. Good night.
Are you always popping out at parties? Are you unpoopular?
(sorry; I Love Lucy moment)
Well, to celebrate my 10k mark, I had a champagne Tuesday. J/J; champagne is nasty. I opened the bottle of sparkling cider I was saving for when I finished Frenzy! entirely. But, since someone in my family was having a really rotten day, I thought it would be fun to crack it open and drink it out of our fun glasses. I'll get another bottle when I go to World Market next week. They're not expensive at all. A little over 3 dollars a bottle...and it is sooooo worth it. Yum!
Now I have to study Stanislavski for the next director I am introducing: The Method Director. He is going to be so Method, it is sickening. I do not like the Method. Too much brain work.
Well, I'm off. Just checking in. I'm pooped. Must go to bed. Good night.
Are you always popping out at parties? Are you unpoopular?
(sorry; I Love Lucy moment)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
3 Days Ahead!
I am more than three days ahead of schedule...and still coming off that crazy sugar-high from last night and this morning (er, afternoon.) If I reach 10,682 before midnight, I will be FOUR days ahead of schedule! Right now I'm at around 10,300.
I was climaxing waaaaaayyyy too early, so I'm adding some stuff between the climax and the beginning of the rising tension. I hope that'll at least get me to 20k! Eeek!
18 more days! Go team, go!
P.S. I heart Celtx!
I was climaxing waaaaaayyyy too early, so I'm adding some stuff between the climax and the beginning of the rising tension. I hope that'll at least get me to 20k! Eeek!
18 more days! Go team, go!
P.S. I heart Celtx!
Oh Yeah!
Around 12:00 a.m. on the 12th of June, I hit 10,000 words, baby!
Half-way there, dude. Squeeeeee!
Half-way there, dude. Squeeeeee!
Monday, June 11, 2007
The 12 Days of Frenzying!
On the first day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
You must be really crazy.
On the second day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Get off the computer!
and
You must be really crazy.
On the third day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
We're out of ink!
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the fourth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Dude, take a shower!
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the fifth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the sixth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the seventh day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
No, you can't quote me!
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the eighth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Your clothes are inside out
No, you can't quote me
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the tenth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
You really should eat something
Your clothes are inside out
No, you can't quote me
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude, take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the eleventh day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
20k already?
You really should eat something
Your clothes are inside out
No, you can't quote me
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude, take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the eleventh day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
This is an intervention....
20k already?
You really should eat something
Your clothes are inside out
No, you can't quote me
Good, you're not dead
Who drank all the coffee?!!?!
Dude, take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy.
You must be really crazy.
On the second day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Get off the computer!
and
You must be really crazy.
On the third day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
We're out of ink!
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the fourth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Dude, take a shower!
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the fifth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the sixth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the seventh day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
No, you can't quote me!
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the eighth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
Your clothes are inside out
No, you can't quote me
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the tenth day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
You really should eat something
Your clothes are inside out
No, you can't quote me
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude, take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the eleventh day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
20k already?
You really should eat something
Your clothes are inside out
No, you can't quote me
Good, you aren't dead
Who drank all the coffee?!
Dude, take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy
On the eleventh day of Frenzy! my true friends said to me:
This is an intervention....
20k already?
You really should eat something
Your clothes are inside out
No, you can't quote me
Good, you're not dead
Who drank all the coffee?!!?!
Dude, take a shower
We're out of ink
Get off the computer
and
You must be really crazy.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Weird!
Okay, my last post is totally not showing. Anyhoo....
I have 8,455 words and around fifty pages! Meesa so excited! Yehaw! I got really discouraged the other day and almost put the script aside. I'm so glad I didn't! I just got rid of my second director. Bwa-ha-ha-ha! Well, one of my characters did. Actually, I should give all them a little credit, but most of it goes to Jake. Thank you, Jake, for putting on that drop cloth. Poor Terrie is in quite a state XD
That's it for my update. Old CJ Ware is staring down at me right now, asking me why I'm not writing my script. Good ol' CJ. Always good to give you that parental "Shut up!" stare. *sigh*
I have 8,455 words and around fifty pages! Meesa so excited! Yehaw! I got really discouraged the other day and almost put the script aside. I'm so glad I didn't! I just got rid of my second director. Bwa-ha-ha-ha! Well, one of my characters did. Actually, I should give all them a little credit, but most of it goes to Jake. Thank you, Jake, for putting on that drop cloth. Poor Terrie is in quite a state XD
That's it for my update. Old CJ Ware is staring down at me right now, asking me why I'm not writing my script. Good ol' CJ. Always good to give you that parental "Shut up!" stare. *sigh*
4ish am...*yawn*
Well, I have 6,717 words. This only means that I have today's word count. I am no longer "one day ahead". But I'm writing, and that's what's important.
Right now, I have a very superstitious director, a cast of actors/actresses who couldn't care less about anything, and a president of the board who is on his way to a Rage-a-holics meeting. Hee-hee. Everyone's pretty much acting as they should, which is making me think: Is my writing too controlled? Hmm. Might be. But for write now (pun intended) I'll just keep writing.
Dares taken: Over 12
Dares applied: 2
Sleepless nights: 0
Pages written: 40
Tantrums thrown: 1/2
Right now, I have a very superstitious director, a cast of actors/actresses who couldn't care less about anything, and a president of the board who is on his way to a Rage-a-holics meeting. Hee-hee. Everyone's pretty much acting as they should, which is making me think: Is my writing too controlled? Hmm. Might be. But for write now (pun intended) I'll just keep writing.
Dares taken: Over 12
Dares applied: 2
Sleepless nights: 0
Pages written: 40
Tantrums thrown: 1/2
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Frenzy Update
Well, I am 1, 2, 3--7 days into the Frenzy! I am off to a great start. I am ahead of my word count schedule, which is a whopping 5,874! I am hoping to surpass 6k tomorrow.
Right now I have roughly 35 pages, which translates into around 35 minutes of screen time. At this rate I could very well end up with over 100 pages!
I will try to keep you updated, but no promises. I wast two days ahead of schedule yesterday, and since I've slacked off I am now only one day ahead of schedule.
Check out an excerpt from my script on my profile (Bethywoo) at: www.scriptfrenzy.org!
Right now I have roughly 35 pages, which translates into around 35 minutes of screen time. At this rate I could very well end up with over 100 pages!
I will try to keep you updated, but no promises. I wast two days ahead of schedule yesterday, and since I've slacked off I am now only one day ahead of schedule.
Check out an excerpt from my script on my profile (Bethywoo) at: www.scriptfrenzy.org!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Progress Report
I have changed my plot around a lot...but I'm not going to broadcast it like last time. Yes, I am paranoid about plot-thieves. Actually, funny story:
I sent a script for a TV series (for an already-running show) to the respective agent. You know what happened? I believe I sparked an idea in their heads because the main character, a superhero of sorts, was joking about being Bat Boy or Robin or something...and my script's title was "The Un-Caped Crusaders". Okay, sort of a stretch, but I like to think that I got their creative juices flowing. Actually, the script probably went straight into the trash, as it probably deserved. I was 15 (not to put down teenagers; everyone's different: some are way more mature and talented than I was) and the script had amateur stamped all over it. Anyway, I digress. Where was I?
I've had at least one major brain-storming session after I bought that book about running a community theater. I've been involved with a CT, but have forgotten how many people it takes to put things together...and how much people play double roles behind the scenes. I was once stage manager/understudy/book-holder (a very poor SM, and I'm not being modest. I was young and had loads of help from the president--not of the US, silly. I should say that I was assistant stage manager.) Then there are actors who double as seamstresses/wardrobe people. One terrific gal who has gathered props, organized props, handled props (during rehearsals and runs) and called shows: Miss Donna H. She has to be about one of the most unsung heroes of the theater: the Properties/misc. person. Anyway, the aforementioned book and my own theater experience will hopefully give me some insight as I write my screenplay, which is all about perspective.
Now I'm tired of typing, didn't get to say everything I wanted to say, but OH WELL. Signing off.
I sent a script for a TV series (for an already-running show) to the respective agent. You know what happened? I believe I sparked an idea in their heads because the main character, a superhero of sorts, was joking about being Bat Boy or Robin or something...and my script's title was "The Un-Caped Crusaders". Okay, sort of a stretch, but I like to think that I got their creative juices flowing. Actually, the script probably went straight into the trash, as it probably deserved. I was 15 (not to put down teenagers; everyone's different: some are way more mature and talented than I was) and the script had amateur stamped all over it. Anyway, I digress. Where was I?
I've had at least one major brain-storming session after I bought that book about running a community theater. I've been involved with a CT, but have forgotten how many people it takes to put things together...and how much people play double roles behind the scenes. I was once stage manager/understudy/book-holder (a very poor SM, and I'm not being modest. I was young and had loads of help from the president--not of the US, silly. I should say that I was assistant stage manager.) Then there are actors who double as seamstresses/wardrobe people. One terrific gal who has gathered props, organized props, handled props (during rehearsals and runs) and called shows: Miss Donna H. She has to be about one of the most unsung heroes of the theater: the Properties/misc. person. Anyway, the aforementioned book and my own theater experience will hopefully give me some insight as I write my screenplay, which is all about perspective.
Now I'm tired of typing, didn't get to say everything I wanted to say, but OH WELL. Signing off.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
New Dare
I just accepted a new dare...and I wanted to take them all! If I ever write another script, I am sooooooo using his ideas. Anyway, here's what I took:
-Have a character say: Are you gonna finish that?
--BP if it's the main character.
---DBP if it's said to a random stranger and it's about food.
----TBP if it's not about food.
-Have a character say: Are you gonna finish that?
--BP if it's the main character.
---DBP if it's said to a random stranger and it's about food.
----TBP if it's not about food.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Spam Name of the Day 5/22/07
Grab your fork and grab your spoon, let's sing the Hormel's SPAMming tune!
Name: Jonathan Meade
Monday, May 21, 2007
The dare threads made me!
Okay, since I had a huge lack of people daring me, I went into the dare threads on the forums at www.scriptfrenzy.org. Here are the dares that I stole, plus the ones that were directly directed at me...er, yeah :D
1. Ladders. Lots and lots of ladders, all sizes and shapes that the actors have to maneuver around, over, under and through. I like ladders.
2. Pranks. Practical jokes. Like leaving a whoopee cushion on their seat, or having a bunch of snow be dropped on their head, or someone jumping out at them (from behind one of the ladders, maybe? ;-D)...If it was in real life, we ticked off our director a lot during rehearsal by just talking and singing and laughing really loud...
3. stage managers who are supposed to be in top of prompting, but who choose to do homework/whisper and giggle with the assistant director instead of following along in the script.
4. actors begging to change lines in ways that do not even make sense within the context of the play when they know that altering the text could get us sued, or cost us award eligibility in a festival.
5. Character substitutes swearwords with food items
6. I would get him one of those pink plastic megaphones. Its very hard to muster up much self confidence when you are in possession of a pink plastic megaphone and what is a big time director without his elephant of an ego? If he got other megaphones, they would mysteriously and magically disappear in an unfortunate case of a Bermuda Triangle for voice magnifying instruments.
7. Have one character who always shows up late in every scene.
8. Have your MC freak out over something really small (like loosing his/her gloves) and I mean freak out. Tears, screaming, hitting, the works.
LOL! This June is going to be sooooo funny!
1. Ladders. Lots and lots of ladders, all sizes and shapes that the actors have to maneuver around, over, under and through. I like ladders.
2. Pranks. Practical jokes. Like leaving a whoopee cushion on their seat, or having a bunch of snow be dropped on their head, or someone jumping out at them (from behind one of the ladders, maybe? ;-D)...If it was in real life, we ticked off our director a lot during rehearsal by just talking and singing and laughing really loud...
3. stage managers who are supposed to be in top of prompting, but who choose to do homework/whisper and giggle with the assistant director instead of following along in the script.
4. actors begging to change lines in ways that do not even make sense within the context of the play when they know that altering the text could get us sued, or cost us award eligibility in a festival.
5. Character substitutes swearwords with food items
6. I would get him one of those pink plastic megaphones. Its very hard to muster up much self confidence when you are in possession of a pink plastic megaphone and what is a big time director without his elephant of an ego? If he got other megaphones, they would mysteriously and magically disappear in an unfortunate case of a Bermuda Triangle for voice magnifying instruments.
7. Have one character who always shows up late in every scene.
8. Have your MC freak out over something really small (like loosing his/her gloves) and I mean freak out. Tears, screaming, hitting, the works.
LOL! This June is going to be sooooo funny!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
13 Days
13 days 'til I can stop trying to come up with clever ways of saying it's 13 days 'til I can....
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
667 Words A Day
Here's what the schedule looks like for June (as far as word counts go):
1: 667
2: 1,334
3: 2,001
4: 2,668
5: 3,335
6: 4,002
7: 4,669
8: 5,336
9: 6,003
10: 6,670
11: 7,337
12: 8,004
13: 8,671
14: 9,338
15: 10,005
16: 10,682
17: 11,349
18: 12,016
19: 12,683
20: 13,350
21: 14,017
22: 14,684
23: 15,351
24: 16,018
25: 16,685
26: 17,352
27: 18,019
28: 18,686
29: 19,353
30: 20,020
No, I did not do the math; someone else did. But that beside the point. The point is...what is the point? Hmm....
1: 667
2: 1,334
3: 2,001
4: 2,668
5: 3,335
6: 4,002
7: 4,669
8: 5,336
9: 6,003
10: 6,670
11: 7,337
12: 8,004
13: 8,671
14: 9,338
15: 10,005
16: 10,682
17: 11,349
18: 12,016
19: 12,683
20: 13,350
21: 14,017
22: 14,684
23: 15,351
24: 16,018
25: 16,685
26: 17,352
27: 18,019
28: 18,686
29: 19,353
30: 20,020
No, I did not do the math; someone else did. But that beside the point. The point is...what is the point? Hmm....
Still Taking Dares
Please, folks; I'm desperate. I WANT TO BE CHALLANGED...within the context of the play, of course. How would you annoy a stage director? Please, no flying monkeys. It's gotta be realistic. Here are my directors:
1. Obsessed with "The Method"
2. Super superstitious
3. Tyrant
4. Obsessed with Shakespeare
...those are the four main ones, anyway. Any ideas or suggestions...or, dare I say "dares"?...will be accepted here or at www.scriptfrenzy.org until May 30 at 11:59:59 PM.
Thanks in advance :D
Bethywoo/Lizzy/Beth
1. Obsessed with "The Method"
2. Super superstitious
3. Tyrant
4. Obsessed with Shakespeare
...those are the four main ones, anyway. Any ideas or suggestions...or, dare I say "dares"?...will be accepted here or at www.scriptfrenzy.org until May 30 at 11:59:59 PM.
Thanks in advance :D
Bethywoo/Lizzy/Beth
Spam Name of the Day 5/16/07
SPAM! Get your SPAM! We have big ones and small ones, some as big as your head...
Name: Rafa Fedora
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
In the beginning....
I have an idea for an opening! Well, I mean, I posted an opening, but this is more specific. I won't say anything other than this: Think The Phantom of the Opera :evil-laugh-here:
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Plot? Problem!
Okay, due to some "legalities"--meaning I know nothing about the legal issues I was centering the beginning my script around--I need to change my plot :`(
Here's my tentative outline for my new plot.
I. The We Shadows Players' board is meeting, discussing what they should do about their new president, who has spent time in a mental institution.
II. The president comes in, picking up some of his old papers. He is a mess.
III. The vice president makes a motion to dismiss the president.
IV. The president defends himself.
V. We flash back to his first day at the theatre. He's a neat, all-together man.
...I don't want to post too much, but that's the beginning. I think the cast is going to slowly drive him insane, and the board doesn't listen because they're too busy arguing amongst each other.
In the end, the board ends up arguing over what he's told them, and he quietly leaves. Just some ideas, not the complete plot. Any thoughts?
Here's my tentative outline for my new plot.
I. The We Shadows Players' board is meeting, discussing what they should do about their new president, who has spent time in a mental institution.
II. The president comes in, picking up some of his old papers. He is a mess.
III. The vice president makes a motion to dismiss the president.
IV. The president defends himself.
V. We flash back to his first day at the theatre. He's a neat, all-together man.
...I don't want to post too much, but that's the beginning. I think the cast is going to slowly drive him insane, and the board doesn't listen because they're too busy arguing amongst each other.
In the end, the board ends up arguing over what he's told them, and he quietly leaves. Just some ideas, not the complete plot. Any thoughts?
Friday, May 11, 2007
Any good books?
I'm looking for a good book on writing a screenplay. Any good books out there? I have one that a part of the "Everthing You Need to Know About" books, and it's a real stinker. I'm thinking of ordering one through Writer's Digest Book Club, but I can't remember the title. It was by a woman named Carol something-rather. Oh, I bet I'm such a big help.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Dare Me...I DARE you!
How would YOU annoy, harrass, confuse or generally scare a stage director?
I'll be taking the first twelve dares. So far I have:
1. "Ladders. Lots and lots of ladders, all sizes and shapes that the actors have to maneuver around, over, under and through. I like ladders."
2. "Pranks. Practical jokes. Like leaving a whoopee cushion on their seat, or having a bunch of snow be dropped on their head, or someone jumping out at them (from behind one of the ladders, maybe? ;-D)...If it was in real life, we ticked off our director a lot during rehearsal by just talking and singing and laughing really loud..."
Come on! Throw 'em at me!
22 Days
The countdown has begun! All right, it began as soon as the dates were announced. Anyhoo...
22 days 'til the madness begins!
Spam Name of the Day 5/9/07
I get so much spam in my bulk folder, that I decided to take the assumed names of the spammers and post them here for your enjoyment. Who knows? Maybe you'll come up with the best character name ever for your Script Frezy project :D (This isn't a new idea; I got it from Critique Circle.) Anway, drumroll, if you please....
Name: Eula Woodward
(For first names and their meanings, go to: www.behindthename.com)
Name: Eula Woodward
(For first names and their meanings, go to: www.behindthename.com)
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Brief Character Bios
Ernesto Carlson: The Foreigner
Age: Mid 50s
Role: Lane/Merriman
Problem: Can hardly speak English…or so we think
Form of Sabotage: Tries to confuse and upset others by not understanding
Kimberly Harding: The Diva
Age: Mid 20s
Role: Gwendolyn Fairfax
Problem: Cannot keep lines memorized
Form of Sabotage: Is oblivious to the other actors’ trying to get rid of directors. She’s the one who actually says "What does a director do, anyway?"
Chloe Briggs: The Ingenue
Age: Late teens to early 20s
Role: Cecily Cardew
Problem: Lack of self-confidence
Form of Sabotage: Throws tantrums when the director/diva corrects her
Pam Ailes: The Under-miner
Age: Mid 60s
Role: Lady Bracknell
Problem: Huge ego
Form of Sabotage: Tries to make the director/other actors feel like they don’t know what they’re doing
Jake Welenc: The Goof-off
Age: Early 20s
Role: Jack Worthing
Problem: ADHD
Form of Sabotage: Talking during rehearsals; moving about and not listening to director
Michael Chase: Mr. Sticky Fingers
Age: Early 30s
Role: Algernon Moncrieff
Problem: Kleptomania
Form ofSabotage: Stealing props (perhaps not always so subtly to the camera)
Jim "Slim" Meyers
Age: Early 40s
Weight/height: Tall and gangly
Position: President of We Shadows Players Inc.
Problem: While he congratulates himself on his "steel nerves", they are about driven to dust when one director after another quits for different reasons
Robert "Bob Hitler" Heiter: The Tyrant
Position: Director #:2
Reasons for quitting: Has a heart attack while yelling at actors
Terrie Trace: The Superstitious One
Position: Director #1
Reasons for quitting: Believes the theatre is extremely haunted (things keep mysteriously disappearing...Little does she know that Michael's been lifting them)
Cordell Schidler: The Method Director
Position: Director #3
Reasons for quitting: Has a nervous breakdown and must be hospitalized
In-betweens: Many odd excuses
Dan Bevins: The Perfect Director
Position: Director #7
Reason for quitting: Dies
Danielle Higgns: The gossiping stage manager
Reason for quitting: Mysteriously disappears
Age: Mid 50s
Role: Lane/Merriman
Problem: Can hardly speak English…or so we think
Form of Sabotage: Tries to confuse and upset others by not understanding
Kimberly Harding: The Diva
Age: Mid 20s
Role: Gwendolyn Fairfax
Problem: Cannot keep lines memorized
Form of Sabotage: Is oblivious to the other actors’ trying to get rid of directors. She’s the one who actually says "What does a director do, anyway?"
Chloe Briggs: The Ingenue
Age: Late teens to early 20s
Role: Cecily Cardew
Problem: Lack of self-confidence
Form of Sabotage: Throws tantrums when the director/diva corrects her
Pam Ailes: The Under-miner
Age: Mid 60s
Role: Lady Bracknell
Problem: Huge ego
Form of Sabotage: Tries to make the director/other actors feel like they don’t know what they’re doing
Jake Welenc: The Goof-off
Age: Early 20s
Role: Jack Worthing
Problem: ADHD
Form of Sabotage: Talking during rehearsals; moving about and not listening to director
Michael Chase: Mr. Sticky Fingers
Age: Early 30s
Role: Algernon Moncrieff
Problem: Kleptomania
Form ofSabotage: Stealing props (perhaps not always so subtly to the camera)
Jim "Slim" Meyers
Age: Early 40s
Weight/height: Tall and gangly
Position: President of We Shadows Players Inc.
Problem: While he congratulates himself on his "steel nerves", they are about driven to dust when one director after another quits for different reasons
Robert "Bob Hitler" Heiter: The Tyrant
Position: Director #:2
Reasons for quitting: Has a heart attack while yelling at actors
Terrie Trace: The Superstitious One
Position: Director #1
Reasons for quitting: Believes the theatre is extremely haunted (things keep mysteriously disappearing...Little does she know that Michael's been lifting them)
Cordell Schidler: The Method Director
Position: Director #3
Reasons for quitting: Has a nervous breakdown and must be hospitalized
In-betweens: Many odd excuses
Dan Bevins: The Perfect Director
Position: Director #7
Reason for quitting: Dies
Danielle Higgns: The gossiping stage manager
Reason for quitting: Mysteriously disappears
"The Method" (Outline #1)
I. Open with an inquest for the death of the last director at We Shadows Players Theatre
II. The president of the theatre board is sworn to honesty and accuses the cast members of murder. He talked with the stage manager, who has since gone missing, and thinks he has a fair picture of what happened.
III. He starts narrating, trails off (or is reading a letter—double voice-over). We see into the past and the events that he believed unfolded.
IV. In the end, the president’s testimony is thrown out, on the grounds of the questionability of his sanity.
V. The president goes back to the theatre and watches the actors/actresses put on a terrific performance. But the Foreigner goes off-script, and confesses to the audience what really happened to the last director. Something ridiculous, which he heard the other actors taking credit for. This reveals that he has perfect English. But the audience thinks it’s apart of the tableau and encore him. Liking the attention, he goes with it and bows, winking at an astonished president.
I really don't like the ending. Any ideas?
Brief character sketches soon to follow :D
II. The president of the theatre board is sworn to honesty and accuses the cast members of murder. He talked with the stage manager, who has since gone missing, and thinks he has a fair picture of what happened.
III. He starts narrating, trails off (or is reading a letter—double voice-over). We see into the past and the events that he believed unfolded.
IV. In the end, the president’s testimony is thrown out, on the grounds of the questionability of his sanity.
V. The president goes back to the theatre and watches the actors/actresses put on a terrific performance. But the Foreigner goes off-script, and confesses to the audience what really happened to the last director. Something ridiculous, which he heard the other actors taking credit for. This reveals that he has perfect English. But the audience thinks it’s apart of the tableau and encore him. Liking the attention, he goes with it and bows, winking at an astonished president.
I really don't like the ending. Any ideas?
Brief character sketches soon to follow :D
"The Method" (Plot Synop)
"A community theater is quickly losing directors for their early fall production of The Importance of Being Earnest. The heroes/villains of my screenplay are the actors, who have posed the question 'What if we got rid of the director?' or, as the Diva puts it: 'What does a director DO anyway?' There are the typical theatre stereotypes: The Diva, The Ingenue and The Under-Miner (yes, we all have one), plus a Jack with an attention disorder and an Algernon with sticky fingers, not to mention a foreigner who pretends he can barely speak English and a grumpy veteran actress. All of them are determined to use their strengths and weaknesses to get the production to themselves. Can the new president of the theater board figure out what's going on before the curtain goes up?"
Okay, I've made a few changes, but you can see that in my first outline XD
Okay, I've made a few changes, but you can see that in my first outline XD
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Script Frenzy
I am a H.A.C.K. and a Scripto-Frenzic!
Look for me, Bethywoo, at www.scriptfrenzy.org!
In awhile, I'll post my plot synopsis. But until then, check out the site. Who knows? Maybe YOU'll get sucked into the frenzy :D
P.S. This means I will be taking a short break from my play "Pride and Prejudice"
Look for me, Bethywoo, at www.scriptfrenzy.org!
In awhile, I'll post my plot synopsis. But until then, check out the site. Who knows? Maybe YOU'll get sucked into the frenzy :D
P.S. This means I will be taking a short break from my play "Pride and Prejudice"
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Draft 2
Dear Sir, the agrument subsisting between yourself and my late father always gave me much uneasiness; and since I have had the misfortune of losing him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach. As a clergyman I feel it my duty to establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence, and hope that you will not reject the offered olive branch. If you should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, May the eighteenth by four o’clock. I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your well-wisher and friend, William Collins.
Fire away.
Dear Sir,
...the disagreement subsisting between
yourself and my late honored father always gives me much uneasiness; and since I
have had the great misfortune of losing him, I have frequently wished to heal the
breach. My mind however was made up on the subject, for having received
my ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the
patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whose bounty and benevolence has preferred
me to the valuable rectory of this parish. As a clergyman I feel it my duty to establish
the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence. I flatter myself
that my present overtures of good-will are highly commendable, and that the
circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly
overlooked on your side and not lead you to reject the offered olive branch. If you
should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the
satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, May the eighteenth by four
o’clock. I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters,
your well-wisher and friend, William Collins.
(re-write to follow)
yourself and my late honored father always gives me much uneasiness; and since I
have had the great misfortune of losing him, I have frequently wished to heal the
breach. My mind however was made up on the subject, for having received
my ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the
patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whose bounty and benevolence has preferred
me to the valuable rectory of this parish. As a clergyman I feel it my duty to establish
the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence. I flatter myself
that my present overtures of good-will are highly commendable, and that the
circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly
overlooked on your side and not lead you to reject the offered olive branch. If you
should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the
satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, May the eighteenth by four
o’clock. I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters,
your well-wisher and friend, William Collins.
(re-write to follow)
Dearest Jane,
…I have now been one week at the Collinses', and have no new news to report to you. Mr. Collins is as he ever was, and Charlotte—Charlotte seems content with her situation. She often encourages Mr. Collins to tend to his garden, or visit Lady Catherine, leaving the house entirely to herself. In fact, I am to understand that Mr. Collins spends a great deal of his time in the parlor, while Charlotte prefers to spend her time in the library. A whole day may go by without them saying more than a two words to each other.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and I have become fast friends. He is
nothing like Mr. Darcy. The difference is—
Okay, time to be ruthless...Well, what are you waiting for?
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
It is a truth universally acknowledged...
...that a single thespian with a "great" play must be in want of a director.
(Or, better put: I have a play and I want to see it performed.)
You may have surmised that I am a Jane Austen fanatic. If you haven't heard, and I "know how you like news", you will pleased to hear the following announcement:
COMING SOON TO A THEATER NEAR YOU!
Jane Austen's
Pride & Prejudice
Adapted for the stage by Beth *insert my last name here*
Well, I can dream, can't I? I will be posting excerpts from the script on this blog in the months to come, and request your help in--modernizing the dialogue. A ghastly feat, but it must be done. Do take into mind, however, that these excerpts are rough drafts and are not in propter format. I look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers,
Lizzy
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