Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter...

So I'm working on my rewrite to submit my script for Round 2 of the Writer's Arc Fellowship.

If you are in any way connected with this fellowship, please stop reading now.

Okay, now that they're gone, let me tell you, this script is a MESS. I wrote it when I barely knew what I was doing. Dialogue is clunky. Narratives aren't vivid enough, my protagonist lacks clear definition as a character, some beats no longer play right in my head...

I can't do this in 4 days. Can. not. This makes me sad. I want it to be this other thing, and I can't make it that thing, not for this.

I'm hoping I can get it to a better state, but it is no where near good. I guess if there's a happy note in this, it's that I know what to do to make it good, I just lack the time.

This sucks.

11 comments:

Fun Joel said...

If you want any advice, get in touch.

Kidsis said...

Ack! Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

keep on going...I realize I am going to miss the Dec 1 CS contest this year as this just isn't good enough to send out (it also may have something to do with cardboard characters that need a punch up) so I will aim for Scriptapalooza in Jan

Anonymous said...

Stop complaining and just do the best you can in the time that's allowed! Do NOT evaluate your work, Create for Crying out Loud..No defeatests allowed!!!I can say this cause I'm your MOTHER!!!! Shut up and write!

Shawna said...

Moooooooom...get off my blog! All the kids are gonna think I'm a total dork! None of their moms post comments on their blogs!

Anonymous said...

You've got plenty of time.

Really.

You want ot write TV? Four days for a rewrite is a luxury. Your blog is usually incisive. insightful and clear. You obviously know how to use words - so don't get caught up in the trees - just tell the story.

Anonymous said...

Shawna,

You can get this. I know, because I'm currently hoarding all of the "stuck" vibes for MY screenplay. So just go write already! :-)

Shawna said...

Did I mention I'm working full time? That basically gives me the evenings to write, and I don't do well without adequate sleep. I've rewritten my TV stuff in 4 days, feature stuff (which is truly a mess, I mean, really) is more than I'm used to dealing with in such short time.

Oh, and now it's 3 days...

Anonymous said...

Wait, aren't deadlines our friends? Prioritize the changes you want to make and work your way down the list. Do what you can in the time you have. It's crunch time.

Remember, you are allowed: to have one (but only one) panic attack/temper tantrum (I like to save mine for the last day), drink unlimited quantities of caffeine, call in "sick" to work, skip showers and other hygiene related activity, and eat all the take-out you want.

Grubber said...

Don't stress Shawna, Josh Friedman's Dad posts on his....we understand! ;-)

Best of luck, and just think back to swatting for exams, all-nighters, caffeine pills(well the guy on the corner said they were caffeine, seemed expensive at the time though). Go for it!
cheers
Dave.

Shawna said...

9 PM update -- I'm on page 40. This is actually better than I expected. Problem is, my script is at 101 pages...about 6-8 pages short, I think. Not to worry though...I think my trimming away the fat is a good thing overall.

You all are the best. Thanks to everyone for their encouragement. It allowed me to breathe deeply and get on with it.

It also helps that Artful Writer's chatroom is down tonight. There is a God.