Novel 1st draft - done!
I finished it last Sunday evening and have subsequently spent this entire week typing...and typing....and typing. And I'm still not done!
I've typed over 110 pages this week, in between work, family, and fun, and have about 30-40 more to go. Then it's on to editing and more editing.
Excited to see it coming together!
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
One Week Left: First Draft of Novel
I'm close enough now that I'm going to go out on a limb and say the first draft will be complete 1 week from today.
But immediately I have to put a caveat to that and say that it won't actually be readable that day because more than 1/2 of it will only be in a spiral-bound notebook that is rarely out of my sight.
It makes me more than a little nervous that I have 100 hand-written pages (closer to 125 when typed) that exist on paper only. I'm a product of this time - while I love the feel of pen and paper I only feel something is permanent when it's in an easily reproducible computer file.
So, one week until the draft is complete, at least another to type it up, a couple of weeks more to implement changes I already have in mind...might be ready for real editing at the end of June.
The pace is slower than I like but I know it would be a grave mistake to rush it out and not try to make it the best it can be. I've learned a lot from the short story and I want to make sure those lessons are put to good use.
1 week.
I wonder how long it will take to give it a real name? Calling it no-name-novel, or novel-of-40-names, is getting a bit awkward.
But immediately I have to put a caveat to that and say that it won't actually be readable that day because more than 1/2 of it will only be in a spiral-bound notebook that is rarely out of my sight.
It makes me more than a little nervous that I have 100 hand-written pages (closer to 125 when typed) that exist on paper only. I'm a product of this time - while I love the feel of pen and paper I only feel something is permanent when it's in an easily reproducible computer file.
So, one week until the draft is complete, at least another to type it up, a couple of weeks more to implement changes I already have in mind...might be ready for real editing at the end of June.
The pace is slower than I like but I know it would be a grave mistake to rush it out and not try to make it the best it can be. I've learned a lot from the short story and I want to make sure those lessons are put to good use.
1 week.
I wonder how long it will take to give it a real name? Calling it no-name-novel, or novel-of-40-names, is getting a bit awkward.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Revamping the Cover: One Final Night
Two issues have cropped up since I posted my short story several weeks ago.
1) There's another Wendy Young. She has a book out. It's not similar but to avoid any confusion I am considering opting for a middle initial on my work.
2) I would feel downright AWFUL if someone bought a short story thinking it was a novel so I've been considering ways to work in 'A Short Story' or 'A Novel' on all covers.
Hence, the dueling versions below.
Thoughts?
1) There's another Wendy Young. She has a book out. It's not similar but to avoid any confusion I am considering opting for a middle initial on my work.
2) I would feel downright AWFUL if someone bought a short story thinking it was a novel so I've been considering ways to work in 'A Short Story' or 'A Novel' on all covers.
Hence, the dueling versions below.
Original
Proposed New
Thoughts?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
What I learned by e-publishing a short story
Each day I draw a little bit closer to an exciting and scary milestone: self-publishing a novel. I've been writing every day for about 2 months now and the first draft is 80% complete. It's a huge, rewarding undertaking but for someone so goal-oriented it's a very hard one as well.
I love lists and check marks (or rather 'strike out' lines in my case). I love completing even minor tasks in order to feel the flush of progress.
So, I wrote a short story in two days. Edited it in 3-4 (with the help of lovely family and friends), designed a cover in a day (with the help of my super-lovely husband), and then published it - 1 week from first word to pub - on Amazon and Smashwords.
Goal!
I won't lie and say I didn't have some hope it would take off but I knew the publication was more for me than anything. I needed to know something was out there. I needed that experience.
It didn't take off. The highest it's been on Amazon is around 40,000th place. (Yes, I did mean to include that many zeros). But I did learn from it. A lot.
First, I learned the technical aspects of publishing it. That's invaluable. I learned how to create a cover, how to format for Amazon and then do the opposite for Smashwords. I learned how to set up author pages, payee details, and set up a Facebook page which is largely incomplete still - I can't even get a url until I get enough likes. I learned so much more that I've already forgotten.
More importantly, I learned about 'sampling.' I had naively focused on telling a story (hah) and not on researching how people discover stories (still get low marks on that one) or how they make the leap into actually paying to read it. Smashwords requires you to allow sampling and with a story that only truly makes sense at the end, it has hurt me a lot. It is important to remember, however, and I already know how I will rework the beginning of the novel with this in mind.
Lastly, I learned that I know nothing about marketing. But that will come as I don't think pushing a short story will get me far anyway. That will be a tough lesson when the novel, something easier to market, is ready to read.
Many learning experiences will come (such as how to get people to actually review what they read) and I look forward to the journey.
"Novel-of-40-names" is coming soon....ish
Never soon enough for me!
I love lists and check marks (or rather 'strike out' lines in my case). I love completing even minor tasks in order to feel the flush of progress.
So, I wrote a short story in two days. Edited it in 3-4 (with the help of lovely family and friends), designed a cover in a day (with the help of my super-lovely husband), and then published it - 1 week from first word to pub - on Amazon and Smashwords.
Goal!
I won't lie and say I didn't have some hope it would take off but I knew the publication was more for me than anything. I needed to know something was out there. I needed that experience.
It didn't take off. The highest it's been on Amazon is around 40,000th place. (Yes, I did mean to include that many zeros). But I did learn from it. A lot.
First, I learned the technical aspects of publishing it. That's invaluable. I learned how to create a cover, how to format for Amazon and then do the opposite for Smashwords. I learned how to set up author pages, payee details, and set up a Facebook page which is largely incomplete still - I can't even get a url until I get enough likes. I learned so much more that I've already forgotten.
More importantly, I learned about 'sampling.' I had naively focused on telling a story (hah) and not on researching how people discover stories (still get low marks on that one) or how they make the leap into actually paying to read it. Smashwords requires you to allow sampling and with a story that only truly makes sense at the end, it has hurt me a lot. It is important to remember, however, and I already know how I will rework the beginning of the novel with this in mind.
Lastly, I learned that I know nothing about marketing. But that will come as I don't think pushing a short story will get me far anyway. That will be a tough lesson when the novel, something easier to market, is ready to read.
Many learning experiences will come (such as how to get people to actually review what they read) and I look forward to the journey.
"Novel-of-40-names" is coming soon....ish
Never soon enough for me!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Onwards or Sideways?
I tend to be very hard on myself, constantly evaluating whether something is moving me forwards, moving me backwards, or simply moving me sideways. In reality that is probably hard on those around me as well, as my evaluations (remember, hard on myself) are not always accurate.
Blogging, reading, house cleaning..... so many things that truly *are* important are put in either the sideways category, at best.
But those 'sideways' or 'backwards' tasks frequently have vital roles that aren't immediately measurable. If I spend an hour getting my Daily Mail fix I'm in a much better frame of mind to do the things that must be done, or those that I want to do.
Similarly, when I can check off a task like "fix the flipping blog!" then that frees up another little corner of my mind. It seems unimportant, but turns out to feel like a giant leap forward.
Outdated links have been removed, new widgets added, and I've rediscovered a few things about Blogger I hadn't used in more than 6 months.
This, plus a fun trip to the zoo today to celebrate my wonderful little boy's 2nd birthday, do not directly advance my writing but I will be the better, and ready to do the 'work' I love, when I'm done.
I have another 40-50 pages to write on the novel, 60+ to type, and another 25 page short to type as well. Loving this progress!
Blogging, reading, house cleaning..... so many things that truly *are* important are put in either the sideways category, at best.
But those 'sideways' or 'backwards' tasks frequently have vital roles that aren't immediately measurable. If I spend an hour getting my Daily Mail fix I'm in a much better frame of mind to do the things that must be done, or those that I want to do.
Similarly, when I can check off a task like "fix the flipping blog!" then that frees up another little corner of my mind. It seems unimportant, but turns out to feel like a giant leap forward.
Outdated links have been removed, new widgets added, and I've rediscovered a few things about Blogger I hadn't used in more than 6 months.
This, plus a fun trip to the zoo today to celebrate my wonderful little boy's 2nd birthday, do not directly advance my writing but I will be the better, and ready to do the 'work' I love, when I'm done.
I have another 40-50 pages to write on the novel, 60+ to type, and another 25 page short to type as well. Loving this progress!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
One Final Night - First Short Story Live
It's almost anti-climactic to finally have a piece available, knowing that that major battle (to get a single person to read it) is still to come. But it is there and that is something I can appreciate and still be excited about. There are so many stories still kicking around: it's just the first that made it out. The novel is exactly 100 pages now and another short story will likely be typed up this weekend.
All in all: Loving it!
One Final Night on Amazon Kindle
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Hi Again, It's Me Margaret
Just a quick update to say the family stuff isn't gone, but it's been moved. We will be sharing the address of our family blog soon, but not to the world at large.
For now a blurb to say this blog is returning to it's roots - writing - and there is more to come soon!
For now a blurb to say this blog is returning to it's roots - writing - and there is more to come soon!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Non-baby update (mostly)
I've fallen into a bad habit, here, of just posting weekly belly pictures and monthly appointment updates. I swear, there are more things going on in my life than just my stomach! (pretty much)
I used to write here, often, about my latest writing endeavors. There is more than one reason why I have posted nothing of the sort lately. Mainly - I do paid freelance work now, and spending hours researching and writing various articles sort of sucks the juices right out of you when it comes to your own stuff. I've been doing other things with my free time, in the last 2 months, that unfortunately don't trend that way.
One big thing is that, since becoming pregnant, I'm really needy for my husband. When at home, I would much prefer to spend all my time with him than do anything else. I've always been one that valued my alone time, even in marriage, but that has completely flipped during pregnancy. Now he's the one saying "When can I do (whatever solo thing he wants to do)?"
But the writing is not dead. I have multiple ideas, and a lot of notes jotted, but no tangible words that anyone can read. Last weekend, my friend and I made a deal that we would both write something. And....we both flaked.
Hopefully, that won't be the case for much longer, for various reasons. One, I really want to write again. Desire is a big chunk of motivation. Two, I'm starting a new freelance job that is permanent and hopefully effectively full-time once the baby comes. This job does not involve mass article production. It involves lots of little goals and projects (a great thing for my list-checking, goal-oriented personality) that should free me up mentally to use my creativity on my own stuff. The big prayer is that it is financially successful enough to free me up in time as well, so that I have the ability to really devote myself to the creative pursuits. I miss writing my own stuff. I loved the script writing of the summer a lot and I want to get back to the story-telling!
I used to write here, often, about my latest writing endeavors. There is more than one reason why I have posted nothing of the sort lately. Mainly - I do paid freelance work now, and spending hours researching and writing various articles sort of sucks the juices right out of you when it comes to your own stuff. I've been doing other things with my free time, in the last 2 months, that unfortunately don't trend that way.
One big thing is that, since becoming pregnant, I'm really needy for my husband. When at home, I would much prefer to spend all my time with him than do anything else. I've always been one that valued my alone time, even in marriage, but that has completely flipped during pregnancy. Now he's the one saying "When can I do (whatever solo thing he wants to do)?"
But the writing is not dead. I have multiple ideas, and a lot of notes jotted, but no tangible words that anyone can read. Last weekend, my friend and I made a deal that we would both write something. And....we both flaked.
Hopefully, that won't be the case for much longer, for various reasons. One, I really want to write again. Desire is a big chunk of motivation. Two, I'm starting a new freelance job that is permanent and hopefully effectively full-time once the baby comes. This job does not involve mass article production. It involves lots of little goals and projects (a great thing for my list-checking, goal-oriented personality) that should free me up mentally to use my creativity on my own stuff. The big prayer is that it is financially successful enough to free me up in time as well, so that I have the ability to really devote myself to the creative pursuits. I miss writing my own stuff. I loved the script writing of the summer a lot and I want to get back to the story-telling!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Writing Update
It's been awhile since I did one of these, for good (well, okay, bad) reason:
There's not been much to say.
I really have not had time (or energy) to do any sort of creative writing in months. I get paid to do freelance writing on various topics, with various degrees of personal input, usually very little, but when it comes to creative personal writing everything seems to be on hold.
There's not been much to say.
I really have not had time (or energy) to do any sort of creative writing in months. I get paid to do freelance writing on various topics, with various degrees of personal input, usually very little, but when it comes to creative personal writing everything seems to be on hold.
There's the fanfiction I started in April. I recently received a message asking me to please finish the story so they could know how it ends. Mmm, okay, will try!I hope I have some great things to post soon about writing. We recently purchased a laptop, which has allowed me to quickly start catching up on my paid, non-creative, freelance writing. I'm praying I can get a bit ahead of that (when I don't feel baby-sick) and then be able to dig back in to the rewarding creative work. I miss it, especially the script writing. But, alas, that may be shelved indefinitely. I think my path lays far more realistically with the novel side of things, with two babies on the way.
There's the novel that I haven't touched in...far too long.
There's the Bones script I finished. And the one I didn't.
There's the pregnancy journal. Now that, I am current on. Well, sorta. Early on I managed daily writing, now I'm on weekly updates.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Work that DVR
Over this holiday weekend I am really enjoying the newest addition to our home: the DVR.
But there really just isn't enough Modern Marvels right now! Marathon anyone?
On the polar opposite of that, Lukas and I plan to walk more together. A walk every day after work sounds wonderful.
I'm still neglecting this blog a bit much but I feel a change coming on, swinging back toward updates. We'll see!
But there really just isn't enough Modern Marvels right now! Marathon anyone?
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
On the polar opposite of that, Lukas and I plan to walk more together. A walk every day after work sounds wonderful.
I'm still neglecting this blog a bit much but I feel a change coming on, swinging back toward updates. We'll see!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
My Zack Script
After driving everyone, including you, nuts for months about these, Jamie and I are finally publicly releasing our Zack scripts. Hope they were worth the wait! =)
(You can see the main post about the release on Obsessed with Bones.)
Intro for "The Man on the Roof."
Jamie proposed this idea out of her "Patty Hearstian" love of Zack. I must be honest that I do not have the same level of passion for his character, but I do have the passion for Bones, for writing, and for a good challenge. Hence, a script was born.
It became apparent rather quickly that Zack would be a case-of-the-week B-story in my script. I wanted to find a way to tell a reasonable continuation of his story but I wanted it, more than anything, to feel exactly like a real episode of the show. I needed to have the Booth/Brennan, the humor, and the feel of a weekly trip into the show.
It will be obvious to anyone who reads my script what I love most about this show. To some, you will even be able to tell exactly who my favorite character is. I really enjoyed writing it. I loved delving further into Zack, a character I'd previously enjoyed but not loved, on the same level as others. I hope I did him justice, and I hope you enjoy the whole package.
(link removed as I've decided to work it into a full novel completely independent of Bones)
(You can see the main post about the release on Obsessed with Bones.)
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Intro for "The Man on the Roof."
Jamie proposed this idea out of her "Patty Hearstian" love of Zack. I must be honest that I do not have the same level of passion for his character, but I do have the passion for Bones, for writing, and for a good challenge. Hence, a script was born.
It became apparent rather quickly that Zack would be a case-of-the-week B-story in my script. I wanted to find a way to tell a reasonable continuation of his story but I wanted it, more than anything, to feel exactly like a real episode of the show. I needed to have the Booth/Brennan, the humor, and the feel of a weekly trip into the show.
It will be obvious to anyone who reads my script what I love most about this show. To some, you will even be able to tell exactly who my favorite character is. I really enjoyed writing it. I loved delving further into Zack, a character I'd previously enjoyed but not loved, on the same level as others. I hope I did him justice, and I hope you enjoy the whole package.
(link removed as I've decided to work it into a full novel completely independent of Bones)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Rampant Neglect
I hereby accuse myself of neglect.
AoP is in a sad state of disuse.
I blog about Bones, I blog about health, I am just beginning to ghost-write blog. I also write, ghost write, re-write and research and write for others.
I definitely do not lack for writing.
What I do lack is time. My work doesn't have defined walls anymore. I still have a day job for 4 days a week (hopefully soon to be 3) but I have many many hours of work right here. At this computer. At home. It doesn't end at 5. It doesn't confine itself to Monday-Friday.
Do I mind?
I wouldn't say that. I know that transitioning to freelancing is exactly what I need, for both the present and the future. And I already love many things about it. I love not driving to work. I love that I can go take a walk anytime I want. I love that if I need to go to the doctor or run an errand I don't have to ask anyone for permission.
I especially love the variety of topics. In the scant 2 weeks I've been doing this I've researched and written on everything from photography, to cardio exercise, to Football (UK style). I never lack for variety of topics and that keeps it interesting.
This weekend I have 5-6 hours of work to complete my first big article job. I will get it done, turn it in Sunday and hope they hand me the next quickly.
But tonight, tonight, I will veg. Monday Mourning is calling my name.
AoP is in a sad state of disuse.
I blog about Bones, I blog about health, I am just beginning to ghost-write blog. I also write, ghost write, re-write and research and write for others.
I definitely do not lack for writing.
What I do lack is time. My work doesn't have defined walls anymore. I still have a day job for 4 days a week (hopefully soon to be 3) but I have many many hours of work right here. At this computer. At home. It doesn't end at 5. It doesn't confine itself to Monday-Friday.
Do I mind?
I wouldn't say that. I know that transitioning to freelancing is exactly what I need, for both the present and the future. And I already love many things about it. I love not driving to work. I love that I can go take a walk anytime I want. I love that if I need to go to the doctor or run an errand I don't have to ask anyone for permission.
I especially love the variety of topics. In the scant 2 weeks I've been doing this I've researched and written on everything from photography, to cardio exercise, to Football (UK style). I never lack for variety of topics and that keeps it interesting.
This weekend I have 5-6 hours of work to complete my first big article job. I will get it done, turn it in Sunday and hope they hand me the next quickly.
But tonight, tonight, I will veg. Monday Mourning is calling my name.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Erm, update
This is mostly cut straight from an email to a very nice person from Germany who wanted to know. That made my day Jeannie!
Right now things are insane! I just found out I didn't make the cut with my TV pilot idea. But that was not unexpected. It was the first thing I had written in years and within a month of submitting it I knew a million and one ways I would have done it differently. It was a great learning experience!
I completed a Bones spec script. Jamie Frevele and I both wrote full scripts. It was her idea, as a way to do something with the Zack story. Her script is very Zack focused and will make the extremely rabid Zack fans happy. Mine is much more like a weekly episode, where the secondary story involves Zack. Unless something major happens, we're going to put them out to fans 1 week before the premier.
I would love to write for TV full-time, but I live in Eastern Tennessee, a couple thousand miles from Hollywood. We'll see though. There are still options open to me. (I like to think so at least.)
In the meantime I have begun working on a novel. I'm loving it. (Wishing I could sit down and do nothing but this.)
I wish I could wipe the slate clean and write all day but I do have a mostly full-time job and I'm in the midst of trying to transition to some freelance writing work but it's not easy. Applying for jobs is taking up all of my free time. I badly want to put up more episode reviews for the old shows but I feel like I never have the time! When we get new shows though, I will definitely be on top of reviewing them.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Right now things are insane! I just found out I didn't make the cut with my TV pilot idea. But that was not unexpected. It was the first thing I had written in years and within a month of submitting it I knew a million and one ways I would have done it differently. It was a great learning experience!
I completed a Bones spec script. Jamie Frevele and I both wrote full scripts. It was her idea, as a way to do something with the Zack story. Her script is very Zack focused and will make the extremely rabid Zack fans happy. Mine is much more like a weekly episode, where the secondary story involves Zack. Unless something major happens, we're going to put them out to fans 1 week before the premier.
I would love to write for TV full-time, but I live in Eastern Tennessee, a couple thousand miles from Hollywood. We'll see though. There are still options open to me. (I like to think so at least.)
In the meantime I have begun working on a novel. I'm loving it. (Wishing I could sit down and do nothing but this.)
I wish I could wipe the slate clean and write all day but I do have a mostly full-time job and I'm in the midst of trying to transition to some freelance writing work but it's not easy. Applying for jobs is taking up all of my free time. I badly want to put up more episode reviews for the old shows but I feel like I never have the time! When we get new shows though, I will definitely be on top of reviewing them.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
And there you go!
Oh yeah, we have enhanced TV for the first time in our marriage. What am I most interested in, outside of Bones perks?
Modern Marvels baby! I'm such a geek.
Oh yeah, we have enhanced TV for the first time in our marriage. What am I most interested in, outside of Bones perks?
Modern Marvels baby! I'm such a geek.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Doing what I do best: new location!
So, I have this blog, and I have my Bones blog, and now I'm a part of a new blog! I get to blog about health topics at a new, spiffy corner of the web: yeahtips.com! I'm really enjoying it. I get to do what I already do everyday: browse the web like a fiend, post about it, and talk to people!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Time for Binding...
So, yesterday we were supposed to get Dish Network. It didn't happen. Permission issues (we didn't have the paper trail), bah! But in the 6 hour wait for the tech I got a lot of notes made on my next writing project: a big fat scary novel.
I had a nice line of papers, separated by topic, laid out on the couch. Miraculously (not kidding on the miracle) the cat never touched them. Today, having hit something like 30 pages, I decided it was time to bind those suckers. It's mentally and spiritually uplifting to know that you've done enough work, and reached the point, of needing to organize your organization!
I had a nice line of papers, separated by topic, laid out on the couch. Miraculously (not kidding on the miracle) the cat never touched them. Today, having hit something like 30 pages, I decided it was time to bind those suckers. It's mentally and spiritually uplifting to know that you've done enough work, and reached the point, of needing to organize your organization!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Reg # means it's done!
Once again I have a freshly claimed WGAw registration number that proclaims I have finished my script project! Beyond a certain count of people, I have no idea who will read it. I hope many and I hope they like it! I really enjoyed writing it. Too bad I can't see it live. The movie in my head will have to suffice.
Up next...organizing the 40 1/2 size pages of notes I have made over the last week for a new story. This one is all my own, which gives it a particularly great thrill. It's even more daunting, but I'm excited to be digging in.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Up next...organizing the 40 1/2 size pages of notes I have made over the last week for a new story. This one is all my own, which gives it a particularly great thrill. It's even more daunting, but I'm excited to be digging in.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Just call me Buttah Fingas
Hi, my name is Wendy. I am a klutz.
I drop everything, including myself on occasion. I am not allowed to take off my wedding rings or engagement ring in public places. There's at least and 80% chance that suddenly, for no explicable reason, a trio of musical pings will soon follow as they hit the ground. And heaven help me if the floor is carpeted. Good luck finding them then!
It goes beyond that, however. I'm a typing klutz as well. My story, and I'm sticking to it, is that my brain is moving faster than my hands. I leave off 's's, I drop letters, I make mistakes like "I am ore than that" in place of "I am more than that" and many many more hilariously bad examples of typing: "What not to do" with a keyboard. If you can think of a typing error, I'm pretty sure I can put a check mark beside it. (And for you literal minded people, *cough* dear husband *cough*, I refuse to even address the other 'what not to do's' I have committed with a keyboard. We will not be discussing milk today.)
There was a point to this...oh, yes. Script. So, yeah, I have this script thing. It's going to be handed over early next week, I hope. In deference to my typing faux pas, I have let a few people read it. It's more than a smidge embarrassing to see page after page of marks with the most mundane of errors - 'shp' instead of 'shop', 'her' instead of 'here', 'co-works' instead of 'co-workers'.
That 14th 's' you forgot, it really sticks with you.
But, I'm happy to report that aside from typing errors it seems to be well-received in this small group who've seen it. The 2 who watch the show say it sounds like a real episode and in an equally glowing compliment, the 2 who don't watch now want to watch the show. I'm pulling in fans. Yeah!
So who else will see it? Well, we're doing something very cool with our scripts next week. I can't say more. But a couple of weeks after that, before the next season premiers, we should be posting them publicly for anyone willing to have a peek. Even in script format, I think they'll be a fun read.
Mmm, pie....
I drop everything, including myself on occasion. I am not allowed to take off my wedding rings or engagement ring in public places. There's at least and 80% chance that suddenly, for no explicable reason, a trio of musical pings will soon follow as they hit the ground. And heaven help me if the floor is carpeted. Good luck finding them then!
It goes beyond that, however. I'm a typing klutz as well. My story, and I'm sticking to it, is that my brain is moving faster than my hands. I leave off 's's, I drop letters, I make mistakes like "I am ore than that" in place of "I am more than that" and many many more hilariously bad examples of typing: "What not to do" with a keyboard. If you can think of a typing error, I'm pretty sure I can put a check mark beside it. (And for you literal minded people, *cough* dear husband *cough*, I refuse to even address the other 'what not to do's' I have committed with a keyboard. We will not be discussing milk today.)
There was a point to this...oh, yes. Script. So, yeah, I have this script thing. It's going to be handed over early next week, I hope. In deference to my typing faux pas, I have let a few people read it. It's more than a smidge embarrassing to see page after page of marks with the most mundane of errors - 'shp' instead of 'shop', 'her' instead of 'here', 'co-works' instead of 'co-workers'.
That 14th 's' you forgot, it really sticks with you.
But, I'm happy to report that aside from typing errors it seems to be well-received in this small group who've seen it. The 2 who watch the show say it sounds like a real episode and in an equally glowing compliment, the 2 who don't watch now want to watch the show. I'm pulling in fans. Yeah!
So who else will see it? Well, we're doing something very cool with our scripts next week. I can't say more. But a couple of weeks after that, before the next season premiers, we should be posting them publicly for anyone willing to have a peek. Even in script format, I think they'll be a fun read.
Mmm, pie....
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Late Update
It's been a very busy week! I've gotten some great feedback on my script from my husband and a good friend and Bones fan. One more friend read it, but she doesn't watch the show. She does read Kathy Reichs' books however, and while she couldn't help me on specifics related to the show, she did call like the story and, in what I consider a high compliment, said that it made her want to watch the show. Yay!
Today has been a very busy day with Bones cast and the creator appearing at Comic-Con yesterday. I've made countless posts as information comes in and spent a lot of time organizing a special podcast with a couple of people who saw the Bones panel first hand. I'm very jealous of these people, especially the one who squeaked his way behind the scenes and had a private one-on-one with David Boreanaz. He's one lucky man!
Tomorrow though, aside from the interviews with the lucky ones, I will be focusing heavily on The Final Draft of my script. It's time to rid myself of the scourge of typos and word omissions, fill in those last few holes, and proclaim it 'done'.
And then?
More writing, of course! I thought of a new story even today. It's not remotely Bones related but it could be an interesting movie ride...
It is very true: The Stories Never Stop
Today has been a very busy day with Bones cast and the creator appearing at Comic-Con yesterday. I've made countless posts as information comes in and spent a lot of time organizing a special podcast with a couple of people who saw the Bones panel first hand. I'm very jealous of these people, especially the one who squeaked his way behind the scenes and had a private one-on-one with David Boreanaz. He's one lucky man!
Tomorrow though, aside from the interviews with the lucky ones, I will be focusing heavily on The Final Draft of my script. It's time to rid myself of the scourge of typos and word omissions, fill in those last few holes, and proclaim it 'done'.
And then?
More writing, of course! I thought of a new story even today. It's not remotely Bones related but it could be an interesting movie ride...
It is very true: The Stories Never Stop
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Writing Update
I've got updates I can share, and some I can't. But the first draft is basically done. I have a couple of lines to fill in and one scene that's not in the document because I've written it multiple ways but otherwise...it's in the bag.
I will be doing a lot of editing, especially to formatting. Jamie, my partner in this script debate, told me about The Screenwriter's Bible, by David Trottier. I resisted pulling it out until the draft was done so I wouldn't mire myself in the technical, and I'm glad I stuck to that choice. It's already a revelation that I wish I'd had in my hands back when I submitted my pilot competition script, but that can't be helped. It will, however, greatly help me now.
Jamie did score us some science help, thankfully. A real bona fide professor and coroner who was willing to take some time to answer some wild questions for nothing but sincere and heartfelt thanks. And boy am I grateful. He didn't answer every single question I posed (I did send at least 15 after all) but what he shared was invaluable and went a long way to rest my mind on the scary science. I'm still guessing on parts but he saved me from at least one big goof.
My script is over budget on length by at least 7-8 pages. Hopefully the bulk of that will be taken care of when I go back through the dialog in a couple of days and tighten it all up. My goal was 60 and I'm happier being slightly over than any bit under.
No matter what, I've really enjoyed writing this. I've written a rather long fanfiction story with the characters in their happily-ever-after glow but I have to admit...it's a million times more fun to write them as they are now: bickering, teasing, and hopeful for their futures.
I just hope it's a good story!
I will be doing a lot of editing, especially to formatting. Jamie, my partner in this script debate, told me about The Screenwriter's Bible, by David Trottier. I resisted pulling it out until the draft was done so I wouldn't mire myself in the technical, and I'm glad I stuck to that choice. It's already a revelation that I wish I'd had in my hands back when I submitted my pilot competition script, but that can't be helped. It will, however, greatly help me now.
Jamie did score us some science help, thankfully. A real bona fide professor and coroner who was willing to take some time to answer some wild questions for nothing but sincere and heartfelt thanks. And boy am I grateful. He didn't answer every single question I posed (I did send at least 15 after all) but what he shared was invaluable and went a long way to rest my mind on the scary science. I'm still guessing on parts but he saved me from at least one big goof.
My script is over budget on length by at least 7-8 pages. Hopefully the bulk of that will be taken care of when I go back through the dialog in a couple of days and tighten it all up. My goal was 60 and I'm happier being slightly over than any bit under.
No matter what, I've really enjoyed writing this. I've written a rather long fanfiction story with the characters in their happily-ever-after glow but I have to admit...it's a million times more fun to write them as they are now: bickering, teasing, and hopeful for their futures.
I just hope it's a good story!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Productive Lunches
Today was an extremely busy day. Work was busy, Bones news was hopping, I had to come up with questions for a very generous person to possible ask the Bones panel at Comic Con (thanks for the help, Jamie!), compose questions for another generous person who has offered to help us with our script science issues (he may run away when he reads both our emails), and then somewhere in there actually work on the script too.
During lunch I did a little of each of those last 3, and then later this afternoon I managed to squeeze in the writing of the most daunting non-scientific part of the script: a heart-felt letter from Zack to Dr. Brennan. I can't say more than that but it comprises only words spoken in the final scene of the script and there's a strong burden for it to be righteously self-important. Those words matter. They are the true resolution, as far as things are resolved, for the entire episode. They've weighed on me heavily and I've continually ignored them. But suddenly the words just came. I hope they read as well as I think they do.
During lunch I did a little of each of those last 3, and then later this afternoon I managed to squeeze in the writing of the most daunting non-scientific part of the script: a heart-felt letter from Zack to Dr. Brennan. I can't say more than that but it comprises only words spoken in the final scene of the script and there's a strong burden for it to be righteously self-important. Those words matter. They are the true resolution, as far as things are resolved, for the entire episode. They've weighed on me heavily and I've continually ignored them. But suddenly the words just came. I hope they read as well as I think they do.
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