Make Sure Your Characters have Flaws

I just read the start of a script. It had promise — lots of cool scenes, great writing, fast action — but it was missing one critical thing. The main character was perfect. He was bullet proof. I call it the "I'm cool and chicks dig me" syndrome.

James Bond could get away with it in the 1960 and 70s.  The women practically jumped into Sean Connery's lap. The gad guys were caught with ease. And I don't even think he got some of his suits dirty dirty a fight.

Even Super Heros has Flaws
But you can't get away with that if you want to sell your spec script. Your characters need to have dimension and that means they have to have flaws. Even Indiana Jones, who was practically a super hero without the powers, had has flaws. He couldn't stop following his artifacts, even at the cost of life and limb. He had to learn that maybe some people (namely Marion) were more important artifacts.

So while you're creating your characters, don't forget the main ingredient — flaws. They need them.

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

Screenwriting at the University of Washingotn

Hi,

Finally getting back to the blog. Sorry for the long delay, but among other things, I had eye surgery that got me off course, but now I'm happy to be back and writing (and teaching) like crazy.

Have some exciting news. I'm going to be one of the two individuals teaching the University of Washington certification course on screenwriting.  The first teacher will cover story and help you develop a treatment, and then I teach the 17-week course on screenwriting, where we will cover writing, rewriting and polishing your script.

In the 17 weeks with me you will write a full script (12 pages a day), and that will give us time to do a full rewrite and polish, and also allow some time for developing a marketing plan for after the course is finished.

The first class starts in October. So if you're interested in an intensive 8-month program, sign up now.  Or, if you're just interested in taking my course, you can do that too.

If you have any questions about the class, you can email me at diane@spilledinkmarketing.com.

Have fun writing!!

Three Reasons We Stall Out on Our Stories

I just read an article by writer and creativity coach Eric Maisel. In the article he says there are three ways we stall out on our stories.

1. We don't show up.
2. The story isn't there — you don't know what comes next.
3. The story doesn't work — the story is going nowhere.

I'm whole heartedly agree with him.  These are three biggies.

Sitting Down
The first just takes some discipline. Sit down, pick up your pen or turn on your computer and write.  It doesn't have to be great, but you don't get anywhere if you don't show up.

It helps it you make the experience something you look forward to. Maybe writing a coffee shop, in the park or out on your deck. I love writing my first drafts in a bathtub.

What Comes Next
This one is harder. You show up, pen in hand and try to write, but get stuck. What comes next? Stephen King once said that writer's block is  . . . not knowing your main character well enough.  (I'm paraphrasing by the way.)  If you know your main character, he says, you'll know what he'll do next.

So, if you're stuck, you might try some writing exercising that help you uncover more about your main character.  I.e. Put him or her in scenes that are unrelated to the story, or write about happened earlier in their life. Write a scene about the scariest moment in their life, or funniest, or most embarrassing. Or, you could just do an interview. Pretend you are in a room with them and start asking them questions.

At the very least, these exercises (for me anyway) get me thinking about new scenes and how to come at the story differently.

Story Doesn't Work
If you're story's not working it's hard to tell sometimes whether (a) there really isn't enough meat there for a story or (b) you need to dig in there and uncover more of the story.

I've had stories that fizzled after 30 pages. I had a great opening and first act, but that's all there was. There are a number of reasons, but usually (for me anyway) it's because the main character's goal wasn't enough to sustain an entire story.

For example, my character might need that PERFECT hair cut. They run into all kinds of obstacles in getting the hair cut, but there isn't meat there for  a full length novel or script. It's a better short story.

Or sometimes, 30 pages in, I discover, is really about someone else. It was never about the person getting their hair cut, but about the world behind the beauty parlor.

Eric's ideas
I could go on and on about the stalling stalling story, and finding ways to restart it. In short, you need to objectively look at your stories to find the issues. And if that doesn't work you can hit up your writer friends to help you noodle your way though.

Or, you can read Eric's newsletters coming up that will be addressing issues 2 and 3.  I know I'm going to be reading them to see if they help shed new light!

Di

 

Meet to Peter Chiarelli, Writer of The Proposal

Tonight the NWSG is hosting Peter Chiarelli, the writer of The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

He'll talk about navigating the studio system and also take some Q&A. It's a great opportunity to get insight into writing, marketing and selling your script.

Doors open at 6:30 and he'll be speaking and talking to attendees from 7 to 9 pm.  If you're a NWSG member the event is free, otherwise it's $15.00.

It's held at Seattle Pacific University at Demaray Hall (the building with the clock tower on campus), 3307 Third Ave., Seattle, WA.

Spilled Ink Marketing

Hi,

Chris and I have been working on a new website and it's finally up. www.spilledinkmarketing.com

Thought since it just went live, I might selfishly use this blog to promote ourselves.

Spilled Ink Marketing

We LOVE providing creative marketing solutions, and they comes in many forms:

• websites

• branding

• marketing materials

• social media

• education

We've worked with both individuals and companies for over two decades and still get a charge out of helping people get noticed.

We especially enjoy working with the creative community. Besides being fun to work with, we understand it takes a little creativity to help them stand out in a world of WalMarts.

Classes

I'm a big believe education. I have started offering online classes to help you promote yourself. Coming up are classes on social media . . . as well as screenwriting.

Both are subjects I'm passionate about am excited about teaching. If anyone has any questions about the classes, please ask. My email is diane@spilledinkstudio.com

Check it Out

Since a picture is worth 1,000 words, I'll stop blithering and just invite you to check out our website instead. And make sure to click on some of the samples under marketing tools. I think they will speak for themselves.

Thank you for letting me go on! Have a wonderful day.

Di

Five Ways to Keep Your Butt in the Chair

I'm reading a book called The Happiness Project. (Great book by the way if you're looking at examining the level of happiness in your life and adding more.)

Anyway, the author, Gretchen Rubin is a writer by trade and talks a bit about writing in the book. One of the things she mentions is that most writers don't like to write. They may like the research, or editing, finishing project, putting ideas together, etc. but the actual act of writing can be a chore.

What a relief! I thought I was weird. I hear people say, "I LOVE writing," and I'm thinking, "Seriously? You have no problem keeping your butt in the chair?"

Writing is About More than the Keyboard

Writing is about more than sitting at your laptop and banging out words. I write a lot of articles, and besides writing, you research, interview, type up notes, gather photos, check facts, edit, as well and spend time trying to play well with others (editors, proofers, publishers).

Of all the pieces, writing is by far the hardest for me. In fact, despite what anyone says, it can be down right grueling at times. The final product no matter how fabulous, is never as cool as I imaged it would be. And although it's gratifying to have the completed article and a paycheck (and I truly enjoy being a writer, don't get me wrong) I thank god for deadlines, or I'd probably never finish a piece.

Your Own Stories

It's even harder though to keep my butt in the chair when it's a script or story. There are no deadlines to push me forward, just passion for my story.

I can have piles of notes, all kinds of cool scenes I've been working for weeks, or even months, and when I sit down to write them up, suddenly a run to the store for groceries or weeding will take precedence.

The hard truth is that writing takes discipline. And sometimes that discipline is hard to come by. So what can you do?

5 Ways to Keep you Butt in the Chair

So here are a few techniques I use. If you have some, please feel free to let us know.

• Join a writers group that requires you bring pages to each group session.

• Hire a writing coach

• Go somewhere fun to write — like a coffee shop, or your favorite sofa

• Treat yourself when you're done

• Make it a habit. Even if it's just 5 minutes, challenge yourself to sit down at 7 a.m. and write. After a few weeks it will feel weird if you're not writing at that time.

These are few that have worked (at times) for me. Mostly though, you've just got to bite the bullet and as Nike says, "just do it". You'll be happy you did though. I've never once regretted I spent time writing, and I'm guessing neither have you.

Happy writing!

di

Major Legal Issues for Writers & Screenwriting Workshop

Hi,

I got a couple emails today with events that seem worth sharing. this email today I thought I would share.

Major Legal Issues for Writers

The first is an event put on by the Washington Lawyers of the Arts. They are holding a series at the Richard Hugo House in Seattle, call Major Legal Issues for Writers.

Here's the schedule:

April 29: Writers & Free Speech: Important First Amendment Considerations

May 27: Should I Sign? What to Know About Publishing Contracts

June 24: Get Answers to Your Copyright Questions

The cost is $40.00 and probably well worth the information that's presented. Hopefully I'm free to catch the May and June seminars.

To register or get more information, here's the info: Click on to register or call 800-838-3006. To pay at the door, RSVP to Washington Lawyers for the Arts at 206-328-7053. Visit thewla.org or call 206-328-7053 for more information.

Blue Cat Workshop

If you're interested in honing your script, you might be interested in The First 10 Pages Workshop.

Here's the information I got on it. Following this description are the class schedules:

This workshop will consist of twelve writers each submitting the first ten pages of a screenplay to each member in advance of the workshop day. This screenplay can be incomplete, a first draft, or a rewrite. We will go over each work individually, discussing the specific, unique and common challenges each writer faces. This discussion will include the technical aspects of description and dialogue, the depth and reality of the characters, and how the first ten pages reflect where the entire story begins.

We will read each writer's pages in the workshop, allowing the screenwriter to hear their screenplay aloud. Each writer will be asked to read the material in advance of the workshop to maximize the constructive input each participant receives.

The intimate, focused interaction with fellow writers in the workshop will provide all with a greater understanding of the work that lies ahead on their screenplay, and more importantly, a detailed sense of how they might develop as writers themselves.

Seattle

First Ten Pages Workshop (limit 12 writers)
Saturday, August 14th, 9:00am - 6:00pm
Freehold Theatre
2222 Second Avenue, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98121
Fee $95
Audit $45

Portland

Full Script Workshop (limit 6 writers)
Sunday, August 15th, 9:00am - 6:00pm
ThinkTANK
Jupiter Hotel
800 E. Burnside
Portland, Oregon 97214
Fee $225
Audit $45

Blog as a Platform to a Book

Hi,

I'm probably nuts, but I've started another blog, www.dianemettler.com.

I've always been a multi-tasker, and this new blog about taking our six acres from raw land to landscaped and revenue generating fits the bill.

I plan to blog daily for two years (heck, if I can stair machine daily for 20 years, this should be a piece of cake). It will, hopefully, in the end:

• be a record of our progress

• hone my writing skills

• elicit much-needed gardening advice and

• work as a outline for a book, and

• if popular, work as a platform for the book.

Start to Finish

I enjoy gardening and I enjoy writing, and I've been trying to figure out how to put the two together. It seemed like every garden book I could think of already exists. Or, if I came up with a new one publishers would like me to be an expert in that particular field with a well-developed platform.

Who am I to argue with a publisher? I'm going to become an expert of sorts over the next 2 years — at least at creating a yard from scratch — and develop a platform.

I'm already jazzed about it. Curious to hear what you think.

Getting Back to Writing

I'm back, after a wild week. Didn't get much writing done, but did manage to experience a lot of stuff to write about — like finishing a house without my husband and I killing each other. In fact, there's probably a whole book in there somewhere.

Bad Water

The biggest event though happened in the bathroom. I finally got a few minutes to run a long-awaited bath. It's where I do all my first drafts and I had some serious writing to catch up on. I put in some bubble bath, started the water, and came back a few minutes later with my pad of paper and pen to get down to business.

When I walked into the bathroom I was assaulted by the smell of rotten eggs and a bathtub full of brown water. We'd smelled the sulphur in the water before, but nothing like this.

I'd like say that I immediately emptied the tub, but I wanted that bath so bad I just threw more bubble bath to cover the brown water and cover some of the stink, and jumped in.

Good Water

The next day I made a call to the water guys, who immediately came out a did a test. They told us what I'd already assumed from my bath — we had EXTREMELY hard water. The levels were off the charts. I was told we could keep the water the way it was, but my hair would eventually turn orange, among other things.

This morning we had a $4,700 filtration system put in. I wonder what the IRS would say if I took it off as a writing expense?

Oh well, the good news, I'm looking forward to my bath tonight and writing without holding my nose.

A Shout Out to a Great Blog

I follow lots of blogs and I'm guessing you do to. I'm curious to hear what some of your favorites are.

One I enjoy is Go Into the Story, by Scott Myers. You can view his entire profile on the blog, but the condensed version is Scott's been screenwriting since 1987, and also teaches and produces.

He's got about 40 amazing scripts posted on his blog if you're looking for something to read. I'm thrilled to see he has The Usual Suspects and Little Miss Sunshine — two scripts I've been wanting to read. (They are downloading as I write.)

But this blog is more than about scripts, it's full of great information about writing. And you don't have to been a screenwriter to enjoy it.

Other Blogs

Anyway, that's my pick for the day. If you've got other blogs you'd recommend . . . I loved to know. :-)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Diane

Dissect Great Stories to Better Your Own

I just watched the movie, Amelia, based on a couple books about Amelia Earhart's life. It was beautiful, but boring. I was stunned. How could you make one of the most dynamic female characters in recent history boring.

Answer: every time there was conflict in her life, the moviemakers/storytellers didn't get into it. They quickly wrapped it up and walked on to the next event in her life.

This woman had a complicated life — a marriage to a giant publisher, an affair, having to sell products she disliked to finance her flying, fighting to get recognized in a male world, the competition from other females, not to mention her own obsession with flying that ultimately killed her. Instead of living any of those events with her, I felt those those moments were presented as a stunning laundry list. Unfortunately, that's a history lesson, not great story telling.

A Time to Kill

Then, last night, I'm watching a rerun on TV last night of A Time To Kill, a 1996 movie based on the John Grisham book. Immediately, I thought, the Amelia folks should have had Grisham give them a few story pointers. Say what you will about the man, but this guy can pour on the conflict. Within less than an hour:

• a child is raped and left for dead

• the father murders the guys who did and is on trial.

• a young attorney who takes on the case partly due to guilt (he suspected the murder)

• an experienced attorney is ready to blow our young attorney out of the water for his career

• the KKK jump in, which causes some marital struggles for our young attorney when they start trying to blow up his house with wife and child inside

• we find out young attorney has no money and trying to case with no resources

• we find out experienced attorney has lots of resources

• the NAACP is trying to replace our young attorney too

• beautiful research attorney steps in who is brilliant by a temptation for our young attorney

. . . And this is all within an hour! Holy smokes!

Looking for Tension

I'm always looking for ways to increase the conflict and suspense in my stories. I'll be honest, I'm not mean enough to my characters and don't put them the tough scenes. Maybe that's because I like my characters and it's hard to beat up on them.

But after watching Amelia Earhart and a Time to Kill back to back, it's time to start getting tougher, because the alternative is to put the audience to sleep.

Capturing a Details

Because I want my scenes to be more detail rich, I'm trying to stop on occasion and take in what's around me. (I probably should have already been doing this for my mental health, but what can I say?)

Hardware Store

Today I was waiting to pick up some paint and looked around the hardware store. It was amazing — how could I have missed all this?

It's a tiny hardware store, the type you used to go to before the Home Depots and Lowes. The employees are friendly and know your name, and there's a popcorn machine next to the checkout counter where you can always get a free bag. Not to mention it makes the place smell great!

Piano Player

Today was the day the little old lady comes in and play piano for three hours. Don't ask me what this has to do with hardware, but the lady was pounding out the tunes. She has a bit of the palsy, so the songs have an interesting rhythm, but that just adds to overall effect.

There were people there buying shovels and picking up cement that I went to school with, all while the lady played You are My Sunshine, swaying back and forth. There was a tip jar by the piano and I noticed she'd only gotten a couple bucks, so I threw another one in.

Over the piano I saw these old pictures of the town — the first tree cut, the old mill, and some guys standing on an enormous tree, which I believe they cut down with a hand saw. People were obviously made of stronger stuff back then.

Pictures and Popcorn

The pictures were hard to make out, not because they were old, but because someone had put their kid's football trophy up there.

There was a new bench sent out by the counter. It says it was made with lumber donated by the store and it's going to be auctioned off for the senior surprise this June. It also has the dates you're supposed to show up and bid.

This stopping and looking is pretty cool. I did it all while eating popcorn. I'm going to have to do it more often.

di

Who is Your Oscar Favorite?

Sunday is the Oscars and I can hardly wait. We're building a new home and I'm hoping to have the TV room done by Sunday so we can sit, watch and root on our favorites. (The perfect christening.)

Who are you hoping will win, and why?

I have two categories — the movies I hope will win, and the ones I think will win. For Best Picture, I think The Hurt Locker has a good shot at it. Personally, I'd like to see Up receive it. I'll be REALLY disappointed though if Avatar gets it. Technically amazing, but the story was serviceable.

Best Original Script. I'm rooting for UP or Inglorious Bastards. I think The Hurt Locker's going to get it. But they are all great.

Best Adapted Script. Rooting for Up In the Air, but again everyone is deserving.

So, what do you think?

One Writer Gets a SIGN

Maybe we writers are an insecure lot — or maybe it's just me — but as I write, I'm wondering if this manuscript is even worth the time. I like the story, but will thousands of others like it too?

Maybe my time would be better spent learning to knit or working at a food bank.

Looking for the SIGN

I'm continually looking for that SIGN — the SIGN from the universe that I'm on the right track. Let me put this another way, I'm not looking for signs, I'm desperately searching for signs. I'm so desperate, I'll make them out of thin air if I have to.

Here are few of my recent SIGNS:

• My computer was open to my story when I sat down (of course, I was working on it when I left, so chances of this sign were pretty good).

• I'll be working on a working on a story and talk to someone who has the same name as one of my characters (I helps that I always have a character named Mike.)

• My favorite song comes on while I'm writing. (Helps to have LOTS of favorite songs.)

• At least one line comes easily that day.

• Lucky pennies. (Of course, I leave them so I can find them again and again.)

The Real SIGN

I realize that I fabricate most of my signs. But what can I do, I'm a SIGN junky.

That's why today is a big day. I had one — a SIGN! Not one I made up, but an honest-to-god SIGN. I was writing a scene in the story where a woman talks to a little spider and the spider leads her to a chamber. As I'm writing this, the tiniest spider you've ever seen slides down on his web and lands on my computer.

Is that a sign or what?!!

I picked him up and set him out of harms way, then wrote like crazy. This next manuscript is going to be great, I can feel it now.

Also, I might leave the window open (accidently, of course) to let a few more spiders in.

di

The Create a Character Challenge

Just got back from a conference in Oregon. It wasn't writing related, but fun.

I found myself jotting down different characters or pieces of characters I could use for stories. Like . . .

• the cute Canadian guy from Quebec, who had a German wife. What language they spoke I wasn't sure, but he enjoyed fishing for Pike and and hockey.

• There was the guy who had completed a industry documentary, but he was also a former baseball player and was pitching reality TV ideas in LA. He was also a big fan of romantic comedies.

• There was the professional chainsaw carver that looked like a young surfer, with his sun glasses fluid movements. He'd actually trained as a carver and was doing spectacular carvings, like sea turtles swimming in coral.

Character Journal

I've always jotted these types of things down in my journal, but now I'm thinking of starting just a "character" journal. I'm challenging myself to a character a day for a year. Not a lot of work, just quick, minor character sketches, some cool details, or whatever makes sense.

The Challenge

Want to take it with me? I know, you're saying, "But I won't meet 365 this year."

Don't worry. On those days you don't have a new person, you can use a past friend or relative. That's just a good, because I think we forget how colorful some of our friends are.

Are you with me? Hope so. And also hoping you'll share some of the extra special characters you come across.

Happy writing!

Legally Blonde from film to stage

Saw Legally Blonde last night at the 5th Avenue Theater ins Seattle. I enjoyed it, although I was little distracted as I watched humorous scenes from the movie turned into big, flashy show tunes. It was a little like watching a movie made from one of your favorite books. You're extremely conscious of the adaptation.

But it was fun and I'd recommend it — especially if you're a fan of musicals and Legally Blonde.

This is the second time this season that a musical was adapted from a movie — the other being Catch Me if You Can. Not one I would have ever even thought to adapt into a musical, but it worked.

Be a Little Creative

As much as I liked both of those movies and musicals, I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed by the lack of creativity out there. It's bad enough to watch all the sequels at the movie theater. But now we get to watch remakes at the theater?

As writers we need to show them how it's done. Grab your pen, pencil or keyboard and knock out those novels, musicals and scripts. Lets show them how to be creative.

I definitely don't want to see Avatar the Musical.

How to Get Inexpensive and Professional Feedback on your Script

Hi,

Went to hear Tom Malloy speak last night. Wow! The guy is seriously high energy. I'm ready to write 1, 2, maybe 3 scripts . . . this morning.

I know he doesn't look high energy here in this photo, but that's because he was jumping around so much, this is the only picture that is relatively in focus.

Feedback On Your Script

Tom had some great advice for writers, but the piece I'm going to put to good use right away is how to get inexpensive and great feedback from professional readers on your script -- before you send it out there.

He said to go to Craiglist in LA and say you're looking for a reader to give you feedback on your script. You'll find plenty of folks who have read for studios and they will give you coverage inexpensively — like from $50 to $250.

Next, you send your script off to three different readers and see what you get back. The idea is to look for "trends". If they all tell you that your script needs stronger characters — your script needs stronger characters.

Reader Different From Writer

He has had great results with this process and it's helped him really hone his scripts. He's got the stats to prove it — he's sold or produced 5 of his last 9 scripts. (I think that's the stat, I don't have my notes in front of me right now. But it's something completely insane like that.)

He believes you should get feedback from readers versus writers. Readers know what studios are looking for. Plus, if the writer is your friend, you might be getting biased feedback.

I don't know if I'm explaining this well. But in short, if you find 3 readers at $50 a piece — for $150 you could get quality studio coverage and feedback to help you rewrite your script before sending out there for the world to read.

Sounds like a deal to me. :-) Can hardly wait to give it a try.

di