Tuesday Links… 7/27

cartoon by Alex Noriega

Here are this week’s links for Tuesday:

Okay, nothing like waiting until the last minute, but Julie Gray has a brand new single-page scene contest up on her site.  The scene has to use the words Bengal tiger, hot air balloon, and Krakatoa.  Due date is Wednesday, July 29 at 12 am PST.  Get more details here.

Go Into The Story continues its “40 Days of Screenplays“, covering movies like Dead Poets Society, The Matrix, Thelma & Louise, Die Hard, The Shawshank Redemption and Some Like It Hot.  Go get your edumication on.

The DaVinci Dilemma discusses how you can complete projects by just dedicating an hour to them per day.

Listen and purchase Zo!’s new album, SunStorm.  You’ll be happy you did.

Tuesday Links… 6/13

Here are this week’s Tuesday Links.  If you’re unfamiliar with my Tuesday link deal, it’s a weekly list that I compile featuring cool articles on writing, art pieces I’ve come across, or at times complete randomness I find interesting.

Without further ado…

I swear I’m not a fifty year old woman yet, but I was on the Real Simple website and found their article entitled, “9 Things You Can Do To Be Happy in the Next 30 Minutes” helpful.

The artist, Blu (not the hip-hop artist, but the painter), puts together a brand new painted animation video that is absolutely ridiculous. 

The script that I’m currently developing while rewriting Super Ted is going to possibly have two main characters.  Scott Myers over at Go Into The Story discusses how to effectively make this happen.

Julie Gray updated her GASP list, a collection of 100 movies any screenwriter should have seen or would risk looking like a dumbass.  Over the last couple of months, I’ve used this list to try and step up my movie knowledge, so it’s exciting and yet frustrating that there are new selections on the ever-changing list.

Isaac Niemand put together a video that features Alfred Hitchcock explaining the definition of a MacGuffin.

One of Marc Johns’ latest cartoons, “We Now Have Legs“, makes me smile.

Allie Brosh’s latest hilarious write-up and cartoons on the intelligence struggles of her doggy.

Tuesday Links… 6/29

Here are this week’s collection of cool links that I’ve come across over the last seven days.

* The 99% writes a post on hard work and if it’s really worth anything.

* Julie Gray put together “The Writerly Survival Tool“, with helpful links for any new or even established screenwriter.

* Screenwriter Phillip Barron has a great response to those aspiring writers who make a habit of complaining that the business isn’t fair.

* Go Into The Story explains how writing while uncomfortable can help stimulate creativity in one of their “Dumb Little Writing Tips That Work” segments.

* Speaking of Go Into The Story, we’re now up to part 5 of Scott’s “How I Write A Script” piece.

* Script Collector has put up a grip of new scripts for download lately, including Toy Story 3, Knight and Day, and Killers.

* Designer Andrew Salituri has created some really cool prints as part of his “The Infinite Good” project, which is meant to help raise awareness of positive things happening in the world after he discovered the significant decrease in Malaria cases while on his recent trip to Malawi.

There’s absolutely no focus to this post

I was checking out Julie Gray’s blog this morning and had to laugh when I spotted her post entitled, “You Know How I Know You’re A Writer?”

She breaks us into different “types” of writers, of which she’s discovered from her extensive experience of being around and working with writers.  One such type is…

Your young, intellectual, articulate type who is maybe 28 but who seems 54. Well put together, very informed, a real expert on film and literature. Personal challenge: Needs to lighten up. Julie says: Live a little, kid. You have plenty of time to write. Work on your “voice.” 

Stalker?  I’m close to 28, a complete nerd when it comes to absorbing information, and I definitely need to chill the hell out sometimes. 

Her descriptions of and advice for the various types of writers are pretty funny.  Read the rest of her post, here.

__________________

No news yet on the top 3 finalists of the 2010 Cyberspace Open, though they did update their page with a, “Please be patient, we’re working on it,” statement.  Thanks for my newly-acquired anxiety disorder, guys.

__________________

I’m slowly putting work into this site, so you may notice changes and updates periodically.  I put some time into the ABOUT section, as well as put together some fun new sidebar images.

__________________

I’ve been on a movie-watching rampage, catching films such as A Clockwork Orange (what the hell), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, His Girl Friday, Harold and Maude, and Prince of Persia:  Sands of Time (don’t look at me sideways, I got dragged to it because my wife has a crush on Jake Gyllenhaal).  You can always find my own personal score for the movies I watch this year by clicking on Wall-E’s image over there to your right.

__________________

Those interested in stepping up their query letter game can enter the Write On! Online: Query Contest for screenplays and teleplays.  There’s no fee to enter and prizes include having your query read by literary agent David Boxerbaum of APA and some other goodies.  Due date is June 30th.  Find additional info, here.

Sunshine

The weather in the Bay Area has been a big pile of crap lately, which means no midafternoon walks and no riding the two wheeler to coffee.  I’ve been claustrophobic and stircrazy over the last couple of months.  However today, the sun is shining.  And despite the fact that I am wearing a beanie and scarf in my apartment to prevent coming down with pneumonia, I’m amped about it.  I was able to get a great run in this morning, so I’m ready to get down to business today with Superhero.

Yeah, yeah… in regards to Superhero… I’m still chugging away.

________________________________

Julie Gray put up a podcast this morning on the importance of a visually captivating opening scene.  Check it out here.
________________________________

For those of you blessed with beautiful weather today, or perhaps those who aren’t but want to pretend:

It’s Thursday.

After a healthy breakfast and a run, I’m ready to face the long day of writing.  The beautiful weather outside my window, however, is killing me.

__________________________

Julie Gray posted a chapter from her upcoming book this morning.  It’s on “Hope, Reality and Finding Balance Between the Two.”

  __________________________

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo comes out tomorrow?!  This weekend is pretty full, but I really hope to be able to find some time to catch it!

Priorities.

As of late, I feel like I’ve been able to get a grip on my daily routine and balance all of the things I expect of myself.  It’s somewhat of a constant battle that I have.  Every morning I start with a to-do list that is way too long and unrealistic.  But, then I focus on what HAS to be done that day and put my energy there.  And somehow, the rest of the not-as-important items seem to get done.

I just focus on this list:

1.  My wife

2.  My friends/family

3.  My health/working out

4.  My writing

5.  Chores/Errands/Neverending bullshit to-do’s

I want to be a professional screenwriter one day, so seeing it down at #4 may seem ridiculous.  However, I’ve had to just accept that I will always put the people important to me above my professional goals. 

And actually, when I tailor my daily schedule in such a way and prioritize my time with that list in mind, I’ve found that my writing is stronger and comes easier because my mind is at peace that the most important aspects are covered.

________________________________

One of the “have to” items today is to finish a scene for a short page contest at JustEffing.com.  I unfortunately didn’t see it until this morning and it’s due at the end of the day today, but the winner gets to enroll into Julie Gray’s “Learn The Secrets of Readers” class for free (normally $500).  I’ve been dying to take that class, so I’d be lame sauce if I passed up the opportunity.

If you want to enter the contest, DON’T, because that means more competition.  In all seriousness to those who are interested, it requires a single page scene that uses the words PARAMOUNT, AGENT, and JELLY FISH.  See the full rules, here.

Making A Writing Plan

Julie Gray released a podcast this week on creating and sticking to a writing plan.  If you’re not familiar with her podcasts, they are short and sweet sessions where Julie keeps it real while offering up writing tips.

You can listen to her “Make A Writing Plan” podcast, here.

Considering this specific podcast stresses discipline, I better get back to work.

Julie Gray coming to San Francisco Bay Area

Julie Gray, the screenwriter, blogger, book author, and teacher who probably rescues small kittens in her spare time, is pretty much a professional inspiration for me.  I love to hear her talk about writing because she possesses never-ending knowledge about the industry and she’s not afraid to give it to you straight.  Plus, she’s freaking hilarious.

She’s currently traveling the globe, running weekend workshops, and will coming to San Francisco on May 1st and 2nd.  If you’re around the area, I highly stress you bypass the farmer’s market that weekend and make it happen.

Here’s some additional info, taken from Julie’s site:

Idea to the Page to the Screen:

Fearless Writing for the Passionate Screenwriter

This fun, participatory and packed two-day workshop is designed to help aspiring screenwriters learn the tools necessary to not only test ideas for originality but also to outline effectively and write unforgettable characters. Writers will participate in brainstorming exercises, learn about writing cinematically, and come away recharged, inspired and armed to write awesome pages.

Julie teaches three totally unique tools:

LEARN The Menage a Flaw method for writing unforgettable, character-driven scripts – every time!

USE The Tracking Map to test structure and arc like never before!

MARVEL at the WWYD (what would you do) worksheet and find the “compelling question” hidden in your script!

Day two focuses on strategies for breaking into Hollywood: Learn how to sell both your writing and yourself. We’ll discuss agents, managers, competitions, queries and the art of pitching. Role-playing and practice pitching in a supportive environment will help you gain the confidence you need to build your career AND the professionalism, playfulness and fresh perspective you need to stay sane and happy while doing so.

 

Registrants for ALL classes will receive a 10% discount on books, supplies and dvds from the Writer’s Store PLUS $50 off registration for the Great American Pitch Fest.

If you want some more info, you can check out her site, here, or email them at classes@justeffing.com. 

I will be taping the Giants games those days to make it, so you have no excuse not to go!

A Screenwriting Edumication…

Dang. After an unsuccessful attempt to renew beloved Story, I have to return it to the library today. I’ve only gotten halfway through it, as it’s got so much information that I find myself reading it pretty slow.

I’ll have to add it to my Christmas list or snatch it up when it’s available at the library again.

Speaking of getting our “screenwriting learn” on, there are a couple of upcoming events/teleclasses some readers may be interested in.

Julie Gray has put together a Teleclass series. Each class is $25, or you can be a hero and sign up for all six for $120. Email her at classes@justeffing.com.

Nov 17th – “Current State of the Spec Market” with Jason Scoggins – An insider’s view into what studios, production companies and producers are looking for and what they’re buying in 2010. Class code: N017

Nov 19th – “Jumpstart your plan to write an original TV Show and/or Spec Script”: A chat with WB Fellow and TV Writer Margaux Froley about how to planfor 2010 and what makes a TV Spec Script standout… Class code: N019

Dec 1st – “TV & Film Script Contents: What it takes to win and get noticed in 2010″ – Kevin Miller and Margaux Froley talk about what they’ve learned through their recent Wins in the world of Contests and Fellowships…Class code: D001

Dec 3rd – “Webisodes: Write it – then SHOOT IT” – Testing your ideas for TV or Film by shooting them as a series for the web. Get noticed and get repped… The world of Webisodes by Mike Perri – Class Code: D003

Dec 8 – “The Story within Reality TV” – Seasoned Reality Producer and Writer, Rebecca Winston, talks about her life “writing” for reality TV and the importance of STORY! Class Code: D008

Dec 10 – “How to plan and meet your goals for 2010″ – Life Coach (Life in Production’s) Libby Barnes talks about how she helps writers, producers, actors and directors focus to meet their goals every year and how you can too… Class Code: D0010

Also, Script Magazine is offering a seminar, screening series, and panel discussion for the financially challenged (aka. they’re FREEEEEEE!).

FREE Seminars
Final Draft, Inc. / SCRIPT magazine have partnered with Marvin Acuna and The Business of Show Institute to bring SCRIPT readers FREE seminars. The next seminar brings one of the original founders of the Endeavor Talent Agency (now William Morris Endeavor), owner of Greenlit Creative, and one of the most powerful literary representatives in Hollywood to a live audience and Web simulcast. Thursday, November 12th, at 11:30 am Pacific Time.

FREE Screening Series
Join Final Draft, Inc., The American Cinematheque, and SCRIPT magazine for our FREE screening series. We bring you the best movies followed by Q & As with the writers after the film.

FREE Panels
Writers Boot Camp and Final Draft, Inc. / SCRIPT magazine are hosting a series of FREE
panels designed to help scriptwriters navigate Hollywood. Each month, a free panel will be hosted at the Writers Boot Camp in Santa Monica, CA.

Okay. Now in an effort to allow my kitty to live for another day, I’m heading out to the coffee shop to get some more writing done.