Writer's Log - Advice For Writers (Log 1)

I was supposed to launch this blog yesterday, February 1, but I procrastinated, like many writers, and didn't start writing it until now. But, before I launch into my full spiel, I want to write a few lines about what these "logs" will cover.

Since my journey as a screenwriter began several years ago, I have learned a lot. I have learned a lot about screenwriting and even more about the movie business, both indie and Hollywood. Some of what I learned I've had to relearn or dismiss altogether. Other lessons have been "trial by fire" where simply by saying or doing the wrong thing or associating myself with self-appointed entertainment "pros", I was hurt or misled. As you can see, I've survived.


Granted, a lot of this was pure naïveté. When you start down an ambitious road such as writing feature films, you will not escape unscathed, nor should you, nor should you want to. This is your story, your script. The foibles, the gaffes, the faux pas, the terrible storylines (i.e. "The Adventures of Alien and Housewife") and the like. Many writers develop a fossilized root of bitterness in their souls and unfortunately cause their work (and business relationships) to suffer as a result, because every one has been burned at least once.


I've been blessed too. I've gotten to meet celebrities and bask in the glow of successful writers (the ones who eat everyday) and filmmakers. Many have been generous to me with their time and invaluable advice. Their advice was not meant to warn me away from, but to prepare and mature me for what should be a long, long career as a writer. Beware of people who try to warn you away from a profession you love, especially if they are working in that same profession.


So back to the log contents. You will get advice from me, I will steer you (gently and sometimes with an electric prod) onto the righteous path of Great Writing. I will occasionally review a film, discuss a director or tell you about projects I want to write or work on. I will also direct you to do things that writers don't normally like to do like socialize, sometimes for business and sometimes just for fun or just plain schmooze.  I've met people years ago who end up doing all kinds of interesting things in the entertainment business and I am oh so glad I was nice. Being nice to a stranger doesn't always result in a script or movie deal, but it is better than getting bad-mouthed. I'll try to teach you a few things you can say to people to leave a long term positive impression.  I'll also chronicle my upcoming excursions to film fests, which every writer should be attending (more on that later).


There's also a few things I won't do. I won't read your script; that is to say, I won't be the first one to read your script. I have been a script reader. I have been overly picky and downright nasty. I have wept and laughed after reading amazing scripts. Script writing and reading is a long process. It requires commitment. You have to get to know your script. Many writers who want their work read are really submitting a draft, which is not a document that should be read publicly or critiqued because it is not ready.  So don't be surprised if I direct you to local sources first for all your script reading needs.


I have a fairly prolific social media presence, so I'll give you the assignment of "finding" me, lol. We'll talk about that in an upcoming blog; the effect of social media on screenwriters. It's actually a very profound subject.

I'll end here otherwise I'll start writing the material for the next 3 or 4 blogs.

I welcome you to the Writer's Log and look forward to sharing the most beneficial of my screenwriting experiences with you all.