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.

I am thrilled that Valentino is now in the Top 10 Finalists in the Family category in the StoryPro Contest.  It’s been ten years of very hard work to get this far and I am still learning. A big dream. http://www.storypros.com/8thAwardsFinalists.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW2AA75VFuk

Yep! It’s complete!

Peter Pan Wears Steel Toes will be released Monday, October 13th on Thanksgiving Day.

I am just waiting for approval from Amazon which takes about 24 – 48 hours and both the e-book and print book should be ready to go.

Here’s a quote from my editor, Dianne Andrews: “Laura has truly captured the magic and terror of timber cruising in the wilderness! A must read for all Nature Lovers! Most people will never experience landing on a float plane on a remote lake or swamp, but the can experience it in Laura’s latest book!”

It will be a couple of weeks before I have any print books in stock myself. Price for print book is $15.95 and e-book will be priced at $3.99. I will post a couple of chapters up shortly.