It took me about a week to work out the beat sheet for “Whisper” to the point that I was happy with the story line that had developed, and another two weeks to write out the 40 scenes that will make up the screenplay.By using the scene cards and the beat sheet, I was able to write the first 15 pages of the script in an hour.

This is quite a dramatic change for me and I like it. Instead of letting the story and characters develop as I write the first draft, I have a plan in place. I like it. I believe that my stories will have better structure, more conflict, and less meandering in the story line, because of it.

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