Celebrate After Each Draft

I just finished the third draft of my script last night. It's ready to be sent out to have some professional eyes look at it (readers) and tell me where the holes are.

Writing a book or a script is a marathon. Even if it isn't the final draft, you deserve to take some time out and pat yourself on the back. I always think of Romancing the Stone, when Joan Wilder selects one of those miniature liquor bottle to celebrate.

I like some Mexican food and a glass of wine. Last night my husband and I headed for the local Mexican place (we live in a 1,400 person town, so it's the only Mexican place). I ordered Chardonnay and it came hot and in a hot glass.  I reordered it and it came this time in a not-so-hot glass. I hate to waste 6 bucks, so I drank it, but not with much gusto.

I hope this doesn't reflect the quality of my script.

Diane

45 Master Characters

Hi,

I just got turned onto this book, 45 Master Characters, mythic Models for creating Original Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt.

I'm only half way through it, but had to recommend it already.  I've read other books about the different archetypes, but the reason this one stands out is because the author not only describes the traits, but points to the TV shows, movies, books and plays you will find that archetype and the other archetypes that are best paired with them.

For example, take Apollo, "the businessman" and his dark side, "the traitor". On TV you'll better recognize him as Spock or Fraser. In the movies it would be Jerry Maguire or Richard Gere in Pretty Woman. In literature you'd find Mr. Darcy or Sherlock Holmes filling those shoes.

It's a great read and at the very least gets you thinking more deeply about your characters.

Screenwriting Class Next Week

Hi,

If you're interesting in an 8-week course on screenwriting, I'll be teaching one at Pierce College in Puyallup, starting Monday, September 20.  We'll go through the basics of writing and rewriting a feature script, as well as marketing your script after it's complete.

If you're interested, you can sign up online at their website. And if you have any question about the class, just contact me at diane@spilledinkstudio.com.

I really enjoy this class. We spend a lot of time not just writing, but looking at movies and see how screenwriters create those fabulous scenes.

Hope you can make it.

Diane