check this out!

Here's a link I'd like to share with you all. 

 http://www.blakesnyder.com/

A friend of mine, Tom Reed, has written a fantastic breakdown of STAR WARS for the Save The Cat blog, and I'm so excited for him that I just wanted to share it with you all!!  Tom has an exceptional gift for writing the beats in such a way that you feel you are watching the whole movie!  He is particularly wise in his analysis of Fun & Games, and showing how this is woven not just into the F&G beat, but the entire movie.  I'd encourage you to take a look, and while you are there, please drop him a message in the comments, I'm sure he'd appreciate the support.  Here is part 1, part 2 will be posted next Friday.  Congratulations, Tom, you've done a brilliant job!

CLICK HERE TO READ

If you aren't familiar with Blake Snyder's SAVE THE CAT! book, I highly recommend it.  My whole perspective on screenwriting changed (for the better) when I became familiar with it (thanks to Tom!).  In fact, it not only changed how I outline/write, but changed the way I see movies, generally.  You can't help but notice the beats once you're familiar with them, and it never ceases to amaze me how often they fall right where they should!





Happy writing ;)
Emma

song of the day

Stronger - Britney Spears

I've had such a busy month. I've accomplished a lot, but through it all I've needed to keep pushing myself and, as I tend to do, I've turned to music to inspire me to keep moving!  This has been my anthem this month!!  Enjoy.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

lost in the dark

Don't you hate it when you've got a great story brewing, you're riding that perpetual wave of creation and everything is fitting into place nicely, then BAM! - you meet your antagonist - and you freeze!

That's my problem at the moment!  I have such a clear picture of what I want to get across with this guy, but I just can't find his voice.  He's got me stumped!

Now, I think I know why this is, and I suspect many of you have had this problem with a character at one time or another, too.  I believe it's because I haven't found anything about him that I can relate to yet.

When I'm developing characters, without doubt, a part of me is firmly implanted into them.  I have a connection with them.  It's just enough that I know how they will deal with situations I put them in, and I hear their voice like it's an extension of my own. I totally get them.

This guy is MEAN.  He's VICIOUS.  He's SADISTIC. He's pure EVIL!  And right now, I just don't know how to write him - because I'm too nice! 

Firstly, I can't find a point of reference at this stage.  I'm delving. I mean, I'm no angel, of course I have a dark side.  I just have to channel it!

Secondly, and probably more importantly, I'm protecting my protagonist!

Are you guilty of that?  I'm beginning to see just how much I do it, and it's a problem.  She should be screaming for me to give her a break.  Begging me to write him out!  I should be having so much fun with this guy that I can't stop.  So why aren't I?

Because I put part of myself into my characters, and no matter how minuscule that part is, it's there.  I fear what I may discover about myself! 

You see, I've been raised to be a "good girl".  What will people think when this guy, who is probably one of the juiciest characters I've ever had, starts weaving his web of manipulation and deceit, and unleashing his venomous wrath on anyone that gets in his way?  Well, I hope they'll think - wow, this guy is a psycho and I HAVE to get this part - lol!  But what I fear they'll be thinking is - my God, this woman is a psycho!

There is my problem!  An old, buried "issue" that I must face, again.  I don't care what people think of me half as much as I used to, but it rears its ugly head once in a while.  I know what I have to do.  It shouldn't be difficult.  In fact I should be having a blast.  But honestly, it scares the hell out of me!  Why?  Because I feel like a psycho just having the thoughts, let alone writing them down, and I'm not comfortable with that!  

This is something I'm determined to overcome.  I WILL overcome. I'm learning to step out of this bubble of comfort faster every time, and it's making me stronger and more confident each time I do, but I can see why men tend to write this genre more than women. I won't let that stop me though.  In fact I will use it as my motivation to succeed.  I will face this fear head-on and explore this guy to the full.  I will find that psychotic voice, and I will embrace it.  I will face the fear of getting lost in the dark...

"Fear is never a reason for quitting: it is only an excuse."

- Norman Vincent Peale

That's right - Feel the fear, and do it anyway!

So, come on, get your antagonist out and we'll see what we're made of.  No more meek and mild. Let's have some fun.  Let's take that step, hell let's just leap straight into - the dark side!

Happy writing ;)

Emma 

BTW - I'll make this a two-part post.  Once I work out my antag, I'll share with you how I did it, and share any genius wisdom that's been given to me along the way. 

song of the day

Bad - U2

Just felt like listening to some U2 today.  This is one of my favs, and always good if you're feeling philosophical.  Enjoy.

Happy writing
;) Emma

word of the day

Parlous - (par-lus) adjective an old-fashioned word meaning dangerous or very bad.

be brave, stand out

How cute is this photo?  I love the symbolism of individuality.

I am constantly encouraging my children to be who they are in their hearts, and not who they think the world wants them to be.

Now in my mid-thirties, I've had to learn this lesson numerous times and like all lessons - it's been difficult at times.  Finally though, I don't give a damn about what others think or try following the crowd anymore.  I am me, and no-one else ever will be!  This way of approach has made my life more exciting and amazing by discovering every day more about myself and who I am and giving me a freedom and piece of mind that I never believed existed.

As a kid I always wanted to blend in, children often do.  They follow the crowd and play it safe.  Being a child immigrant was tough.  I stood out like a sore thumb at school, so I quickly made it my mission not to, until eventually I was invisible.

As time went on my little safe haven of invisible bliss turned into an isolated hell.  In my heart I wanted to do things, but they would make me stand out.  Audition for the school play.  Sing in the choir.  Recite my own poems.  I had become so shy that I just couldn't.  I missed a lot of life between the ages of 10 and 16.  Six years of missed opportunity, fun and laughter, and above all - experience.

Life is all about experiences.  When it's all done and dusted what have you got but love and memories?

I made a bucket list a few years ago, forcing myself to face my fears.  It's such a liberating thing to do, I highly recommend it.  I am gradually working my way through it, doing the things I've always wanted to do.  Yes, I'm still shy, but the desire to experience the fullness of life is more important to me these days that I'm willing to feel the fear, and do it anyway.  I don't want to miss a thing!

Surprisingly my confidence is now overtaking my shyness, and I feel more empowered than ever before.  I'm not so worried about falling flat on my face these days.  I know I'll get back up, and the embarrassment may last all of a day. 

"You probably wouldn't worry about what people think of you if you could know how seldom they do."

- Olin Miller

How about you?  Do you avoid doing things because you worry what others will think?  What do you wish you'd been brave enough to do as a kid?  Or an adult for that matter.  What is written on your heart that is yet to manifest as an amazing experience?

As writers, experiences are our pot of gold, a well of inspiration.  Write from a place of honesty and connection.  Sprinkle the emotion you've felt when experiencing those things into your work.  We all have them, even me sitting there in my unseen cave most lunch breaks.  My experience was observing others, studying what made them tick, building on my imagination and knowing what isolation feels like. Of course I've had a fair ground of experiences since then, full of emotional highs and lows, but all rich with inspiration, wisdom and growth. Good or bad use your life and celebrate all your experiences.  They have got you to where you are now.

Happy writing ;)
Emma 

song of the day

Born This Way - Lady Gaga

Here's something upbeat and catchy for today. 

Love her or hate her, you've got to admit that celebrating individuality is always a good thing. We were not born to be carbon cut-outs of each other. 

Lady Gaga is doing for this generation, what Madonna did for the last.  Be strong.  Be bold. Be who you are. Be the exception, not the rule.

Happy writing ;)

Emma 

word of the day

Malinger - (ma-ling-ga) verb to pretend to be ill, especially in order to escape work, etc.

picture of the day

I read an article by Julie Gray in the Huffington Post this morning that sparked an intense thought - Where is this journey leading?

When all is said and done, what is this life for?

Then, as I looked for the picture of the day, I came upon this beautiful one, and it sparked the thought again.

Where am I heading? What's my purpose?  

A deep question, I know.  But since I'm Queen of the Deep, and it wouldn't be a normal day if something hadn't sent me on a dive into the exploration of life, here I go ;)

Putting all beliefs aside, including my own, let's assume death is the end.  Period.  This is it.  All you have.

I believe that my purpose, and yours, is to enjoy life with courage.  Since being hit head-on with my own mortality I have lived by the quote - Feel the fear, and do it anyway.  Explore life, enjoy it, and live it to the full, knowing you get just one shot.  All very cliche I know, but think about it.  If now is it for you, today being your last day on earth, what would you regret?  What have you not accomplished?  What are you too afraid to do? Don't make it complicated, it isn't. Just take fear from the equation and look at the simplicity of life. 

I'm not exploring grief today, that's a whole other issue.  One that I believe Julie articulated with courage and grace.  Helping people by sharing your own vulnerabilities is healing in itself.  Grief is very personal, and we all deal with it in our own way, but rather than tying yourself to your loss today, just look for a moment at YOU.  What is your story?  Who do you long to be? 

None of us really know what awaits us, but being in the moment of every day you can truly make the most of what you do have, by taking this life by the horns and having the courage to LIVE IT.

"Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings."

- Jane Austen

Are you caught up in busy nothings?  We all have responsibilities that tend to run our lives, but don't let those busy nothings be all you have.  You have dreams, right?  Don't forget to dream, and more importantly - live them.

A while ago I spoke about hitting a brick wall with the script I was writing.  That although I felt compelled to write it, I was finding it increasingly difficult because of being forced to face emotions I didn't feel ready to explore.  Here I was, writing about someone who took their life willingly, while experiencing the enormous loss of someone that didn't.  What I learnt during that time was that sometimes there is neither rhyme nor reason for events that happen "to" us.  Life just sucks sometimes.  But learning to grow through the pain, and come out of it wearing your battle scars with pride, is possible...albeit painful.  I needed to find the courage to live my dream, and that would involve dealing with the emotions head-on.  Feel the fear, and do it anyway.

Look at where you're blessed.  What you do have.  Have faith that you can turn your dreams into a reality, one step at a time.

I decided the best gift I can give my lost loved one is to share his legacy of love.  Be the walking embodiment of that by joyously embracing life with passion and purpose as he did.

So, if your dream is to be the best god-damn writer on the planet, then look at the first step to making that a reality - WRITE.  Don't be afraid to explore the depths of emotion, that's where the gold lies and the healing begins.

God bless you all.  Anyone suffering a profound loss, you have my deepest love as you wade through the mire of your own grief, and my prayers that you find a way to live with a spirit and love of this beautiful gift of life, while honoring your loved one.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

song of the day

Angels on the Moon - Thriving Ivory

word of the day

Swashbuckling - (swosh-buckling) adjective daring, swaggering or showy.

finally...

So, I've finally got my computer back!  Well, for a week anyway.  Mr. HP still has a part to repair, but while we wait he has graciously doctored it up so we can get by - and that couldn't be done four weeks ago, why?

I won't dwell on that point.  It's just great to be back!! 

So, what's new?  Well, I'm a month or so into my ProSeries screenwriting course with ScreenwritingU and it is AMAZING.  I'm learning so much, and really enjoying the community of writers I've been privileged to meet.  There is so much talent out there.  

I've also joined a free class ScreenwritingU are giving - Philosophies of a Great Screenwriter.  There are online discussions on Twitter via #scripttip.  If you are looking to connect with other writers, this is a a great way to do it - and learn something at the same time!

I'm a newbie to the Twitterverse as they call it, but I'm having so much fun.  That, and it's been about the only thing I can do effectively from my iPhone - lol!

On the home front, well, when your almost three-year-old asks you what your motivation is, you know you've been thinking out loud too much!  Seriously.

Great to be back.  Thanks for sticking with me during these inconsistent postings.  Hopefully that's over now.

Happy writing ;)
Emma 

song of the day

All At Once - The Airborne Toxic Event

picture of the day

How does this picture make you feel?  What thoughts do you have?  What do you focus on?

Have you noticed how calming order is?  Simple. Relaxed. Clean.

There is beauty in calm.  A sense of peace that envelops you to your very soul.

When we are stressed out in our everyday lives, connecting to our source of inspiration can sometimes be difficult.

Before you sit down to write, try to calm yourself.  Allow your mind to leave all the baggage at your office door.  Trust me it'll be there to jump right back at you on your way out.  Maybe get a zen garden, or just close your eyes and do some slow breathing allowing everything to fall away, leaving your creativity wide open for exploration.

Get into your creative space, and brainstorm away.

There are people I know that will insist they work better with mess.  I won't argue the point, different strokes for different folks, but if you feel like you're struggling to focus - humour me - clean your desk, and relax for a while.  Make room for your ideas to bloom.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

word of the day

Lackadaisical  (lak-a-day-zi-kal) adjective 1. careless or slapdash 2. listless or lacking energy.

what's the lesson?

Still no computer!

I feel that this will probably continue to push me until the lesson is learnt.  So, let's look at what this could possibly be teaching me then.

- PATIENCE.  This is the number one lesson, I'm sure of it.  There's an on-going pattern of patience in my life.  When we are waiting for something it's as if time shifts to micro-seconds.  An hour feels like a day.  Well I've been waiting for a whole month, and I can tell you it feels like a year already.  I've been keeping my cool about it, and not focusing on it, but it's been tough.

- HOW MUCH TIME I WASTE.  Ah, the ever useful device is also my biggest procrastination tool!  When I'm supposed to be writing it's easy to get side-tracked on Twitter, or reading others blogs, visiting YouTube etc.  Anything that helps avoid facing the challenges I've hit upon.  I've been getting on with assignments, caught up on other jobs, and realised I don't need to be on-line, or even using the computer, half as much as I do.

- NOSTALGIA.  It's nice to do things the old way (for a while anyway).  I've rekindled my love of pens and paper, and anything stationery related.  I've also seen more people in the flesh *gasp* - I didn't realise what a recluse I'd become.  There are some pro's to the good 'ole days, but not enough to convince me to give up my techno ways permanently!

So, I've got a few things out of it, but the biggest surprise is probably time management.  I get a lot done in a day, so I wouldn't have thought I was wasting any.  I see now though that I really need to give myself a specific time that is for 'recreational use'.  Where I put my feet up and enjoy a good 'surf'.  I need to define what I need to be online for, or on the computer for, and then do that, but it's best to just get on with the work and then rejoin the real world.

Nothing beats real-life interactions and observing the world around you.

That said, I can't wait to rejoin my web-world either.  Thanks for your patience, and stay tuned.  I will be back daily soon, but for now I'll update when I can.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

word of the day

Dolorous - adjective sad or mournful.

what's going on?

What's going on? I hear you say.  Where is she?  Well let me tell you -- My computer has decided it's earned an early retirement! 

They are fantastic inventions when they are working, but boy can they throw a spanner in the works when they're not.  Especially when most of your life is on them!  Luckily from past experience I've learnt to BACK-UP EVERYTHING!  All our photos, home movies, all my homework assignments, every draft I've ever written (of anything), and of course all my kids homework assignments etc. is on that damn machine.  Honestly I don't know what we ever did without it, but I hate it right now.  

Don't be mistaken in thinking I'm not a fan of technology, au contraire, I LOVE it.  Maybe too much, and maybe that is the problem.  I feel so lost at the moment.  How sad is that?!

Needless to say, my iPhone is my only connection to the on-line world and honestly, it is kind of tedious typing on that thing, hence no posts.  Sorry guys.  My bigger dilemma just now however is that I'm currently doing the ProSeries course with ScreenwritingU on-line and frankly, I shudder at the thought of typing up an assignment post on that tiny keypad.

So, I'm destined for Internet cafes and the library until my baby comes home -- fingers crossed it's a short parting.

Funny the things we take for granted.  How would you manage without your computer?  Or the Internet?  We are so privileged to live in a time when we are all able to instantly connect to anywhere in the world, any time we like, and not leave home to do it.  I feel blessed to have a wonderful community of cyber friends, who I feel just as connected to as the ones I can sit and have a cuppa with and who will slap me when I need it.  Oh, there we go *rubs cheek*.  Yes, I know, it's just a computer!

Hope yours is working.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

I'm back -- again!

Hi everyone.  I'm back again after another (unplanned) break.  Between flash-flooding, back-to-school mayhem and my own assignments I've not had a spare minute.  So hopefully I can put blogging back on the daily agenda and share some inspiration (and frustration) with you all again.

Keep writing ;)
Emma

song of the day

Moon River - Audrey Hepburn

I love this scene, and song, Breakfast at Tiffany's is an all time favourite and I never grow tired of seeing it. 

This scene is one of many inspirational movie moments that have had an impact on me in one way or another and I've decided to share some of them with you.

What movie moments have influenced you in some way?  Why?  When you look at your favourite movies and what makes them so, you will no doubt see a pattern.  So go on, find out what that pattern is, you just may learn something about yourself you didn't know.

Happy writing ;)

Emma