Yesterday’s Word Count: 2011
Total Word Count: 9256
Drink of Morning: Coffee, lots
Okay, massive screenwriting withdrawals today as I continue quest to complete novel in one month.
Second novel, I might add.
The very first one, written more than a decade ago, sits at back of cupboard in plastic container along with old walkman from eighties and tap-dancing shoes – of all things – that belonged to someone I haven’t seen in also over a decade.
Anyway, stopped banging away to find page packed with words and sentences that have grown into paragraphs that fill entire page.
And realize the following:
Miss the white space of a screenplay.
Miss having to keep story moving for benefit of camera.
Miss writing for camera.
Miss writing with knowledge that will be re-written by someone else if am lucky enough to get read and sold.
Miss the clipped sentences, not having to delve into descriptive sentences about emotions and aesthetics.
Miss knowledge that will not be primary player should screenplay be made (which is point of writing one) unless producing or directing.
And after reading this list of what I miss about writing a screenplay have come to this conclusion:
Need to get head examined.
As you know, I write those damned collaborative, quick-paced, written for the camera and not the internal thought process screenplays too. I am DYING to write a novel and fantasize over how it will flow brilliantly from my fingers. Yeah, right. After reading this post, I might just go stick my head in the ROLO bag instead.
I learn something new from you every day you’re in this hell though, so keep at it, woman *cracks whip and pulls ROLO out of hair*
Thank you for making me laugh and joining me on this crazy trip! Might just join you with that ROLO bag.
People who don’t write seem to think that writing a screenplay and writing a novel is one in the same. You’re living proof that they’re not. Both mediums come with their own, unique brand of hell.
Thanks Sheri. “Unique brand of hell” is right! Am however enjoying the privilege of being the primary creative director in this process.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by jeannevb: @karenquah has yet another insightful #NaNo update http://bit.ly/46FZ02 I learn fr her insanity!…
Think of all the words you haven’t used yet. Imagine the possibilities!
PS – Thanks for commenting on my blog! That was really sweet. I don’t know how you have time! Do you have a double who sleeps for you?
))
Thanks Tim. My pleasure. Enjoy reading your blog and catching up on what you’re up to. A double who sleeps for me – I wish. Sadly, am just an insomniac.
I enjoy the screenplay for the same reason. The white space. I often have thought of novel. Haven’t done it yet.
Kudos to you for pushing your own envelope. Full steam ahead.
Thanks Carrie for your kind, constant support. Deeply appreciated. Full steam ahead… but taking a break tomorrow. Need it!
I’ve got a friend who’s a screenwriter and was embarking on her first novel. Her agonies were exactly what you describe (only not as time pressured as your current situation, LOL). But I’d prefer novels any day – you have absolute control over everything, no director/actors/designers/producers to muck it up, you have the reader experiencing it all exactly the way you want it. Welcome to writing for total control freaks!
Writing for control freaks – like the sound of that! Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.