I didn’t know if I could “change lanes” with regards to the way I craft a new story, and am happy to say that it seems you really can teach an old dog new tricks. My skills as a writer are growing in leaps and bounds. I am using the “Save the Cat” Method to fine tune Valentino, as well as begin a new screenplay, Whisper. Already this morning, I have outlined the the opening Act, and completed the story-board for Whisper. Yesterday, I worked at adding more conflict into Valentino.  I highly recommend any writer read Blake Snyder’s books. Take away what you can from them. There is always a new trick to be learned or an old trick to relearn.

I hooked up with Mark Dawson by fluke when one of his ads popped up on my facebook page. Since then, I have enjoyed both his ever popular training videos and now his new podcasts on his self-publishing website. Check them out: http://www.selfpublishingformula.com/

First stop was Parkswest Office Supplies for a $6.99 corrugated sheet of plastic board, a $3.99 box of index cards, and a couple of sharpies at $2.99 each. I could have chosen a blue, black or bright orange background, but I went for white, like the top of Mount Arrowsmith. I wanted my story board to be as clean and crisp as the sun on fresh snow. I wanted old school. I wanted to be able to look up and not down at my first words.

Next step: ink “Whisper” in the top right corner of my cold winter landscape and then let her rip!

I am using the Blake Snyder Beat Sheet as a guideline. Totally different way of working, and thinking, for me. I am halfway through using the template to rough-out the story line.

The story is as clean as my sparkling work space after a three hour cleaning marathon. Here’s to learning new things! Who says you can’t teach an old dog a new trick? Not me. lol

Thoroughly enjoyed reading Blake Snyder’s book.

I know I need to edit a couple of my recent screenplays. I love the story, but knew in my gut that there was something missing in both of them.

Blake’s book helped me take a critical look at the story “spine” as he calls it in order to see where I needed to beef up the story and add more conflict.

Now, I just need to get my butt in gear and make the changes.

My main goal for 2016 is to stop fighting off the writing bug.  I am kicking off the new year by reading Blake Snyder’s The Cat Strikes Back.

I have always started a new work by envisioning the whole story in my mind, running through it like a movie critic looking for flaws. I then write a first draft, from start to finish, before sitting down to edit, edit, edit. This process has worked for me to a point, but I am still chasing that illusive dream of seeing my work on the screen.

So… I am ready to try something new. I am half way through the book and working out the 15 beats of my next story. I’ll keep you posted.

http://www.savethecat.com/

Tim is both a best selling independent and traditional publisher.

Here is an interesting interview with him that covers how he made it and why he started writing.

http://99u.com/articles/7252/tim-ferriss-on-the-creative-process-and-getting-your-work-noticed

Great article on Indie film creation and selling to Netflix via the “back door” approach vs open solicitation via traditional submission methods. http://www.indiewire.com/article/how-to-sell-a-tv-show-to-netflix-20150401

Deja vu and memory are colliding right now. In doing the research for a new story, I found a personal connection to my own life. My mum was on a metaphysical quest when I was young and became involved with a metaphysical society in Ottawa. I was indoctrinated into the society’s beliefs from the 1964 – 1972/73 until my mum left the society – not saying which society at this point – because of the leader’s actions.

I had no choice in the matter.

“It makes your mum happy so go,” my father commanded.

These were the days of hippies, draft dodgers, artists, professionals, and broken souls, all searching to find spiritual healing and fulfillment in their lives as well as answers to the age-old questions: who am I and why am I here?

Because of the society, my dream of owning a horse came true. His name was Pride. Perhaps unknowingly I even helped a pregnant teen (or two or three) find peace in giving their child up for adoption? Maybe because of them, I learned to fly.

I have made peace with myself, both by embracing these teachings and by disbelieving them.

I am now researching a New Age Messiah’s metaphysical work from the 1920’s. My mother used to have a copy of his Work. I may even have read it. It was a long time ago and life has strangely brought me full circle.