The Master has Arrived
Last week had a lot of schedule changes, and my sleep pattern went all to heck with me trying to maintain my sanity. Coffee didn’t help me the way I figured, and that was no good for anyone. I found myself up all night last week, when I was up early that day, and that’s never good for me. I found myself up past 2:00 AM with no sign of sleepiness in my eyes. How I loathe when caffeine works against me. I thought we were friends, coffee. You let me up, and never let me back down.
I’m calling my last draft, the “master,” but it’s far from it. I wanted a draft that I could call real tight, focused and presentable. In a way the master “resets” the draft count back to draft one. by that I mean once this is read over, I’m sure I’ll have to make some revisions. I don’t mind it at all. It’s par for the course. I pushed myself pretty far, and sometimes to get the extra oomph, I think a little kick is needed.
Went on to writing up a new idea I wanted for a screenplay, but it has an episodic type of feel, and that means looking at it more as a TV series, or perhaps a comic book that would allow me to explore the ideas. I woke up and kept adding ideas, so I don’t know where this will lead to, but I’m gonna keep writing it until I run out of ideas to put in there. CLearly there’s a story arc for the protagonist. I’m thinking of a sub story for several of the other characters because it will be fun.
This means I need to work on another concept, because I’d like to get another screenplay into motion. Well time to get onto concepts, and keep things moving. In the background, I’m playing/watching parts of Clash of the Titans. The 1980s version, which is the best version, in my opinion. It is a Harryhausen classing, and sadly Ray Harryhausen passed away. The man had magic he brought to his creature effects for films. Clash of the Titans being one of those films.
As always, happy creative endeavors.
New Project
Beginning the infant stage of a new screenplay. Have some characters to sift through, and jotted down plenty of plot ideas. It’s in the science fiction genre, and I found myself watching a lot of sci-fi this weekend. So now I have a lot things in my head to influence and inspire me in a good way.
Now to get the ideas to “gel” and me write down at least a paragraph of plot. Looking for the right character to identify with and make the protagonist. I love this process as it is a challenge. I’ll brainstorm much more and I hope to get some ideas to jot down later. My brain is still mellow. Nibbling on food hasn’t changed my perspective yet.
Did write down a random idea for later. It went into a notepad, and I have to look at it later. Don’t know where this one’s going, but that’s why it gets to “rest.” I did find some old concepts in my Pages app, I need to review. I saw chapters from my novel in the Pages folder. I really LOVED that. It reminds me to clean it up. I need to address my poor neglected novel sometime soon.
Happy creative endeavors.
Adventures in Reading and Writing
Yesterday I spent time at the auto shop getting my brakes fixed. It seemed to take FOREVER, and I was glad when it was completed. My car has one less problem. I did have time to read, and finished the final chapters of Gun Machine, so it wasn’t a total loss of time sitting. I also managed to rewrite a scene for my screenplay. By time I got home, (after buying grocery), I was too tired to place the rewrites in the script. I took a nap, and watched a few movies.
Peeped Prometheus again. I called myself a masochist cause I didn’t understand a thing the first go round. A friend showed me an essay that had some good points about the film, in spite of the execution in the film. I have to say those are some of the dumbest scientists I’ve ever seen on film. It’s a good looking film though.
I also watched Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer. It was on, and I was curious. I love a little absurdity in my films from time to time, so I enjoyed it. While it seemed more simplistic, and silly, I think contrasted with Prometheus, it was a great, enjoyable film. Some fancy action scenes. I wasn’t put off by the film. It for sure gets a second view so I can learn a little more.
So today I got to rewriting the scene, and cutting and pasting the lines I typed via my notes and pages apps. It was a matter of sitting down, and typing, even though I needed to eat breakfast, and get some things together. It’s all completed, saved, and ready for a “cool down” period. I think at this point what I need to do is scour for typos. If anything I need it to have all the words correct. I still have some older concepts I’d like to dust off. I need another day to relax and get it all done. I feel good though, and that’s something I feel is worth mentioning.
Happy creative endeavors.
Early, Early, Early
Up and about early, which I see as a good thing. Put out some garbage that outstayed it’s welcome, and that was part of cleaning out a fridge that I felt needs a hardcore cleaning. If it wasn’t edible, or going to be eaten soon, it went in the trash. More than satisfied with getting up early to squash that. Been doing some revisions of late. Draft four of the screenplay is 95% done. Based on a suggestion, I’m rewriting a scene in the third act, and I should get on that today, so the draft is d-o-n-e.
Not much other writing done yesterday minus writing down a note or two. I did a mix of relaxing and meeting a friend. It was good to get out of my place. Not that I’m not out and about at work, but day off, meet a friend is excellent. Also had to restock on allergy/congestion meds, which is a godsend. It’s expensive, but I need it to work for me. I’m gonna have to visit the doctor soon, to see if I can deal with this congestion with something stronger. I think also cleaning my place helps out a lot, and having an air purifier helps tremendously.
I should put some effort into some other ideas, as I made a list a few days ago of potential screenplays to work on. I’m willing to set aside some time to write out some “what if” situations/brainstorm to keep my mind moving towards creating things. I do have some ideas in the back of my mind. I did think greatly on turning the horror short story I worked on into a full scrip, since I seem very interested in not letting it go. Speaking of horror, I watched this week’s episode of Hannibal yesterday via Hulu. The show’s compelling and gruesome. I can’t stop watching and wanting to tune in for another episode. I have to say, it scares me, and at the same time it intrigues me. I must say the food on this show. So unsettling. Who doesn’t Hannibal have over for dinner. So I’m squeamish and frightened. It’s teaching me a few things about the genre, and my own comfort levels.
Happy creative endeavors.
Thursday Ain’t So Bad
Yesterday I woke up late, and I knew from then my whole game would be off, and it was. I was so behind, and I felt so messed up. My writing, eating, and thinking for the whole day was off. By time I got to eat my dinner I was feeling sluggish, tired, and my stomach was upset. Later I had to take some Tums, which I don’t think went well with my congestion meds. So glad that yesterday is over. Today threatened to be more of the same as I woke up early and drifted back to sleep. I almost wish I got up and went to sleep on the couch. It wasn’t needed. I look forward to this day because I know it’s by far better than yesterday. It’s a great blessing to feel like I can improve myself and the day.
Did some writing/brainstorming yesterday, and jotted them down in my notepad. So in spite of the meh feeling, I got myself to do some good. Did also put down some essays via pen and paper, which always feels like I’m doing something. Reviewed some essays I penned, and hope they go somewhere. Must type them up soon.
Happy creative endeavors.
Draft Three Completed
Oh yeah, I completed draft three late last night while having the TV on, and not knowing what I watched. I just know I typed out the corrections based on the notes I wrote on the pages. Do I feel good? Yes, I do. I really wanted to work on this and keep my sanity. I found it easier to revise, and likely draft four will get easier. At least that’s what I hope.
Going to let draft three have some “cool down” time before I give it a second go. Also having a second pair of eyes read it and give me some feedback, so a fresh perspective. So far I know a few great things. It made the reader laugh out loud on first draft. I didn’t change the story, only clarified descriptions/scenes, and added, revised dialogue. So the things that could make one laugh is still in the screenplay.
I’m also going to look at other concepts I wrote down and want to develop as screenplays. At least I want to start on an outline for the materials. The way I see it is, why rest when I can work on other projects. The mental “divorce” from the 3rd draft will also do me some good. I do have some ideas for other genres, such as science-fiction, thrillers, comedies, action, and fantasy. So, at this point I need to make sure I shape up a few of these concepts.
Happy creative endeavors.
Short and Sweet
As from my last post, I went into revising mode for my screenplay. At the halfway point for revising the third draft. I feel good about this, and a little sleepy. I need to get something to eat, relax, and maybe goof off a little. Maybe pop in a movie, or take a nap. I think fifty-five pages of typed revisions is great. This is the benefit of getting up early. I had time to put that energy into this project as opposed to gaming first, which I was sorely tempted to do. Here’s to having a priority worth working towards. They day is still young. May get more done.
Happy creative endeavors.
Up Early, So Now What
Found myself very much awake before I intended to get up, which is not to my liking, however, I am awake, so now what? This means I’m gonna write something, and I can get some revisions in as well. So the early morning isn’t wasted in spite of my love for getting up much later in the day. This does mean I can eat earlier, relax, and enjoy my time. For now it’s time to get creative.
Admittedly, Saturday was a bit dry on the writing/creative part. I spent the time gaming, and looking at anything that caught my eyes. Mostly gaming, then I watched Hunger Games. I have to admit I never heard of it before the movie was made in spite of hearing several people excited when the movie was being adapted from the novel. It took me forever to see it. I should like it more, as it contains parody and satire elements, as well as a subversive, dark undercurrent. I wasn’t sure if I did like the film. Was getting distracted by a lot of other things going on. It deserves a dedicated second look at least before I write it off.
Also spent time on Friday catching up with the NBC TV show Hannibal. A very dark, psychological, and disturbing show, yet compelling. It was a good read. This is another adaption (Red Dragon), and a friend pointed out some of the changes. Having not read the novel, I don’t know, but I’m curious to read it and see the differences.
Before bed I did jot down notes for my sci-fi satire/parody. I have a lite of plot ideas and characters. I also have another concept I put a note or two down on, and need to get back on top of for my own sake. A page full of notes won’t hurt the paper.
As I got in bed, I watched Forbidden Planet. I love old school sci-fi films, so it was a bit more of a comfort film. I feel asleep on parts of it, but I can always re-watch it, and it’s not like I don’t know what happens. I have to say if I had a them of watching things, it’s that they all contained dark, psychological elements.
In retrospect creativity was a bit more focused on seeing films and TV shows, which did my mind good. Now I need to at least transcribe the hand-written corrections I did on my screenplay onto the actual file. It should be fun. I need to pick out some music and get to work.
Happy creative endeavors.
Friday Means Chilling
This Friday I get to goof off and relax a little. As posted yesterday, I finished the second draft of my screenplay, and it was a happy moment in my day. I went into hand editing the second draft up to page fifty. Will type the corrections soon. I feel I need some game time and some hot tea to sip. Didn’t feel any other creative urges yesterday, not that my plate wan’t full with revisions. I dunno if I need a recharge, or an unplug from all the crap the week tends to throw my way. I should have fun as well.
I need to pick a few movies and wolf them down, visually, of course. Today’s been me watching some news, scenes from soap operas (my guilty pleasure), and loafing about. Decided I did need some music as I typed. Picked Toni Braxton (I love the songs from her Secrets CD).
Looking around, and I know sometime today I have to clean this living room. It needs some order, and the chaos is too dominant. Also need to make up my bed. Yes, it’s been that kind of lazy day. Somehow this is all fuel for my creativity. The fact that I need a “turn off” point seems to enhance my sense of creativity. That’s happened in the past.
Been having weird dreams where I make commentary on my life in them. Like why some dreams are bitter or bittersweet. I never thought about it until I had that dream. Also weird sexy dreams came up. I said weird cause they seemed to come from nowhere and I was having all this bitter stuff going on in my head. So maybe bitter and sex should not be in the same sentence, but here they are, in this big ole empty room, staring each other down. LMAO I just abused some Prince lyrics/songs. Please forgive this bastardization of them (“Do Me, Baby” ). I just imagined a story called “Do Me While I Have My Lows.” It’s gonna be pretty ugly and laughable. I haven’t forgotten the horror story either.
I did, a few days back, write some characters for a satire set in a space opera vein. I think it would make a good TV show, so I have to get to working on this soon. This doesn’t mean I forgot about the story I wrote out parts of the plot out last week. I have look at what I typed. So there are things for me to be creative about.
Happy creative endeavors.
Second Draft Done!
Was far too distracted today, and this is a short as all get out post. I completed my second pass at the screenplay! This is great and makes my day 100% better already. Suck it, meh feelings. I’m going to do a third pass, but I feel I really put a lot of goodness in what I did. I’m sure it will have a forth pass as time progresses, BUT I expect to have that. Writing is rewriting, after all. I did the bulk of the revisions late last night, and finished it today.
As always, happy creative endeavors.
