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Sabine102

The Idea

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Posts: 10

(08/23/06 12:47:01)

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Okay, I am a single woman over 50 who believes I have film stories to tell. No, I don't expect I'll sell, and yes I think it's too late to start a new career. But I can't stop writing and I've committed the next 15 months to screenwriting (no job).

But something throws me off once I've outlined a story.

My question to you writers who have finished a screenplay: why is it that I keep sliding into new plot designs every week or so? Does this mean that I have more than one story, or does it mean I am stupidly holding on to rewrites?

I dread the answer: "You don't have an ending you believe in. . ." because all my sources say that the Act III Climax has got to be greater than great. It's got me freaked out everytime I even sketch it in the outline.

Any advice from someone who shows up at the page every day, watches the sunlight come and go on the wall ... and who manages to let go of an ending?

Is this where "sharing it with a trusted source" comes in? But isn't that premature, if I'm trying to be original?

If I sound confused - yes. I suppose I am. Thanks to anyone who has any insight into this dreary ending!

Megamoze

Re: The Idea

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Posts: 763

(08/23/06 21:01:40)

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Quote:
why is it that I keep sliding into new plot designs every week or so? Does this mean that I have more than one story, or does it mean I am stupidly holding on to rewrites?

What do you mean by sliding into new plot designs? Or holding onto rewrites? I don't really understand what you're asking.

ReidWrite

Re: The Idea

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Posts: 1434

(08/24/06 05:21:18)

It sounds like you find yourself deviating from your outline. Maybe you could spend a little more time outlining and try writing in sequences instead of just "x"number of pages. Like today I'm going to write the coffee shop sequence.

Writing in sequences can help keep each part of the script more intact.

And try not to edit yourself while you write. The first draft of your first script will be terrible. It's supposed to be... Enjoy the freedom that comes with a first draft.

You've probably read a lot of books, etc, now I just say write the damn thing and see what happens. It's easy to get caught up in "do this" and "don't do that" to the point that your blocked from getting anything ever completed.

And it's never to late to start a new career, as long as that's how you view it and not just approach it as a simple little side thing that will lead to quick success.

Sabine102

Re: The Idea

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Posts: 10

(08/25/06 10:51:52)

Thank you both for your replies. ReidWrite you've nailed it, and I'm going to just plow ahead with what I've got on my board this week.

Mega, I'm definitely deviating from my outline - that's what I mean by "sliding into new plot designs".

The fact is, I spend a week writing 3x5 cards for my corkboard (writing about a paragraph on each) that is the skeleton of my story. These 3x5 cards are per the suggestion of McKee's class.

But when the new week rolls around, I look at the whole outlined board and say: no, no no, this could be better if. . . and so I bog down in throwing out 3x5 cards, writing new ones. I've sort of lost that momentum, and I just start anew.

And by the end of the next week - pow, it looks good! But yes, I start editing it. It's all powered by this damn "trying to have a clever ending", I think.

McKee says that you can get too attached to your work if you don't have your outline "working" first - thus the 3x5's. What is your opinion of this approach?

I find that if I just write, free of all of this, the sequences flow and so.... ReidWrite I'm going forward.

This means a great deal to me and I appreciate your answers!

ReidWrite

Re: The Idea

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Posts: 1434

(08/25/06 11:51:47)

Quote:
McKee says that you can get too attached to your work if you don't have your outline "working" first - thus the 3x5's. What is your opinion of this approach?

And if you spend too much time outlining you'll never get your script written :rollin

Look, I think McKee's stuff is great, some of the best info out there, but all those ideas are tools that you to master over time. I'm a big proponent of outlines and pre-work but that's the means and not the end.

All the outlines, notecards, paradigm models, and planning programs out there are like hitting a tennis ball against the wall. It's great practice and you can get really good at it, but it doesn't count until you're standing across the net from someone who is firing balls at you.

So just go with what you've got now and see what happens...

And have fun for crying out loud :lol

Sabine102

Re: The Idea

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Posts: 10

(08/25/06 13:04:23)

Yes - I will! I am! :rollin

Megamoze

Re: The Idea

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Posts: 763

(08/25/06 13:48:35)

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Quote:
I find that if I just write, free of all of this, the sequences flow and so....

Ultimately you have to do what works best for you. If the cards are stifling you or holding you back, then maybe a more comfortable and free-flowing approach is what you should try.

jenskarm

Re: The Idea

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Posts: 2

(09/26/06 14:05:38)

I have the same problem, write the outline, think, "This time I've nailed it!" and a week later, do it all over again. Which leads to never committing anything to paper. There's great advice in this thread. Thanks!

MAEllsworthScribe

Re: The Idea

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Posts: 13

(01/10/07 18:20:56)

I don't know how many replies you have received on this question, but since I just got here (to ezboard.com), I see we have a lot in common. I'm a compulsive writer, too, but can't tell daylight from dark as I never look up to the window or door!

God bless you if you're just starting and over 50. I just turned 60, and this is my year to sell! I've been writing long enough!

You might want to read my article (though it sounds like you have the outline thing down pretty well) "SCREENWRITERS: Create a One-page Screen Script Outline." It's at www.webspawner.com/users/...index.html .

Let me know how you have done since posting this. Have you finished one with an expected ending yet?

Marilyn
mae07@Rock.com

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