Wish me luck, I start my screenwriting class tomorrow.

[Pale Blue Dot]

I have made an insane commitment to myself that in the next year I will write, finance, and direct a feature film. I have absolutely no experience in doing any of this, nor do I have the money. I have no muse, and no one standing over my shoulder saying, "You're not crazy, go for it!" I have only my belief in myself and the dream to prove my worth to myself and the rest of the world.

Tomorrow is the first step on that journey. I am taking this class in the hopes that I can develop a community of friends who might be able to help me make my dream come true. I am also taking it to admit to myself that I finally can take some action; that I will not always wait for life to come to me.

I have always been afraid of taking risks. I've let life just happen to me. But if history has shown us anything, it's that only the ones who take the greatest chances get to experience total happiness. So tomorrow is the start of my chance.

It is, in a way, a beautiful thing to admit to yourself that deep down inside, you really believe in yourself, despite all evidence to the contrary.

I'm not asking anyone else to believe. Why the hell should you? But I'll take all of the good vibes that I can get, and I'll keep you all posted as to my progress.

Thanks for listening.

[Bat Boy]

1. As Lenny Bruce said...

"First person to jump out of an airplane had never done it before." So don't sweat a lack of experience.

Couple of books you might want to look at...

Story by Robert McKee
Sure, the man's an arrogant prick, but he really nails down the basics of structure.

Screenplay by Sid Field
Still one of the best books out there on the subject.

The toughest part of writing is to just show up. Get that down and you're halfway there.

[TexasBushwhacker]

5. I agree, these are good books

I also recommend any books by Linda Seger, and if you're writing anything in the science fiction or action adventure genre, read "The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Storytellers and Screenwriters" by Chris Vogler.

Where are you taking your class?

[Pale Blue Dot]

6. In Doylestown, PA

They have a space downtown called "The Writer's Room". I'm taking the class there.

[Infomaniac]

2. Go for it.

Go for it. I wish you all the luck in the world.

[Paul Hood]

3. Good luck

Any idea what type of movie you want to make?

[Pale Blue Dot]

4. If you were inside my head, you'd see the whole thing.

And that's all I'm going to say about it right now. :-)

[jpgray]

7. Ah, porno, say no more

:D

Seriously, good luck, and remember--just work. It's the only way to get anything done, and to really improve and get the hang of things. You can attend 2,000 seminars and get a real grasp of the theory, but working is the essential component. So many people I've known spend their LIVES looking for a way to get past all the hard work, and it simply isn't possible. Sounds like you're moving in the right direction. :toast:

[Pale Blue Dot]

8. This is why I'm taking the class.

I want to be around other writers who are DOING the work. For pete's sake, I have the whole thing in my head, all I need to do is get it on to paper. I know that a lot of writers aren't that lucky.

Thanks!

[EnfantTerrible]

9. Have you tried "The Artists Way"?

It's an interesting exercise and a great way to build discipline... Best of luck.