I'm ready for 2012. Can't wait because my gut says it's gonna be a great year! 2011 wasn't bad but not great for me. If I can stay sane through the maddening holiday shopping of December I'll be fine. I go through this every year - shopping during the last month of the year and declaring each year that I won't let it happen again. And guess what? It's the same routine the next year.
Thinking about making resolutions for the new year. Yeah, think I will write some down because it's fun at the end of the year to see what I accomplished. 2012 is an election year. That should be exciting. Can Obama overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way? Will the republicans get it together? When will our country recover from the near depression we're in?
This year I wanted to finish another screenplay (didn't do it) but did re-write one and started another one. I volunteered at and attended one film festival and joined two screenwriter groups. I entered several screenwriting contests and am waiting to see if anything comes of it. I made some new contacts and friends and finally met some of my mysterious neighbors. I was beginning to wonder if some of them were axe murderers or something. They are not, thank God!
So, bring on the new year! Soon we'll all be saying good night to to 2011 which is fine with me. Ring out the old and bring in the new. May 2012 be a banner year for all of us!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Love The Movies
I love the movies! Who doesn't want an escape once in a while, especially in these trying times? Last movie I saw was Dream House (didn't like it) and before that I saw In Time with Justin Timberlake (loved it). Also saw Horrible Bosses which was hysterical! The movies are so interesting now and it just goes to show how creative and different screenwriting has to be to get noticed. The story must be different or told in a unique way with an unusual twist.
We screenwriters have our work cut out for us. We must create fascinating characters, tell a unique story and provide a glorious journey and adventure for the viewer as they become immersed in the film. A writer must take every opportunity to be unique, quirky, funny and dramatic. Otherwise you're dead meat in the water. The great movies inspire me and the bad ones convince me that I can make it in this industry. I just have to work hard, keep networking and be patient.
Joel Osteen preached last week about not worrying about out defeats and challenges. Everything that happens is for our ultimate good and I've seen that in my life. There were jobs I didn't get and then found out that most of the employees were laid off later on. People have taken advantage of me but taught me to be wiser and less gullible. I've had jobs I hated but being patient and learning at those positions allowed me to obtain experience and sharpen skills that led to better jobs.
So, when things don't turn out the way you had wished, don't fret. Just remember that you are to learn something or grow from the experience for bigger and better opportunities. Don't dwell on past disappointments but march forward to what lies ahead.
We screenwriters have our work cut out for us. We must create fascinating characters, tell a unique story and provide a glorious journey and adventure for the viewer as they become immersed in the film. A writer must take every opportunity to be unique, quirky, funny and dramatic. Otherwise you're dead meat in the water. The great movies inspire me and the bad ones convince me that I can make it in this industry. I just have to work hard, keep networking and be patient.
Joel Osteen preached last week about not worrying about out defeats and challenges. Everything that happens is for our ultimate good and I've seen that in my life. There were jobs I didn't get and then found out that most of the employees were laid off later on. People have taken advantage of me but taught me to be wiser and less gullible. I've had jobs I hated but being patient and learning at those positions allowed me to obtain experience and sharpen skills that led to better jobs.
So, when things don't turn out the way you had wished, don't fret. Just remember that you are to learn something or grow from the experience for bigger and better opportunities. Don't dwell on past disappointments but march forward to what lies ahead.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
EMBRACE THE JOURNEY
We were all placed on this earth to do something. Whether it's teaching, medicine, acting, writing or helping others in some way, God wants us to make a difference in the lives of others. Some find their purpose early and others find out later in life. The point is to find your purpose, follow that path and be happy. We are tiny specks of sand in the universe and here for just a minute before our light is extinquished so whatever it is you are to do, just do it! Embrace the journey, have a good time and vow to have few regrets.
I believe regrets are a waste of time. You can't change or undo what's happened so what is the point of regretting something? Everything happens for a reason whether it's to teach us a lesson, help us grow, build character or humble us. Get the lesson and move on. Again, embrace the journey.
Go see the movie "Contagion". Believe me it will change your perspective about how fragile life is. Those victims caught a virus and died within five days. Doctors say this can and ultimately will happen one day. It's all very scary, folks. Enjoy a full life and embrace your journey.
I believe regrets are a waste of time. You can't change or undo what's happened so what is the point of regretting something? Everything happens for a reason whether it's to teach us a lesson, help us grow, build character or humble us. Get the lesson and move on. Again, embrace the journey.
Go see the movie "Contagion". Believe me it will change your perspective about how fragile life is. Those victims caught a virus and died within five days. Doctors say this can and ultimately will happen one day. It's all very scary, folks. Enjoy a full life and embrace your journey.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Another Year Zips By
Had a birthday this week and it's a reminder of another year that zipped by. Also means the holidays are just around the corner. Birthdays come and go and I start thinking about goals, dreams, the old bucket list, etc. Before too much more time passes by I want to travel to Italy, Spain, Africa, South America and parts of the Caribbean. Traveled to Paris last year and it was glorious! The city of lights was all I had imagined and more!
Birthdays let us know that we are only here for a finite number of years before life as we know it is over. I really don't believe it's really over, though, just think we take on another form after death. The spirit always lives on.
Birthdays remind us to get on with the process of living and not to sweat the small stuff. And it's all small stuff? As we age, family and friends become much more important. I'm learning to live simpler-gotten rid of a lot of stuff in my life that I don't need. What's really relevant becomes so obvious.
2012 is right around the corner and my hope is that when it arrives I'll have a new set of goals and things to accomplish and can rejoice about what was accomplished in 2011. I hope you can do the same.
Birthdays let us know that we are only here for a finite number of years before life as we know it is over. I really don't believe it's really over, though, just think we take on another form after death. The spirit always lives on.
Birthdays remind us to get on with the process of living and not to sweat the small stuff. And it's all small stuff? As we age, family and friends become much more important. I'm learning to live simpler-gotten rid of a lot of stuff in my life that I don't need. What's really relevant becomes so obvious.
2012 is right around the corner and my hope is that when it arrives I'll have a new set of goals and things to accomplish and can rejoice about what was accomplished in 2011. I hope you can do the same.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Our Precarious World
The events of this week were enough to make me pause and think. What in the world is going on? There was a 5.9 earthquake on the east coast of the U.S. I'm from Los Angeles, home to many earthquakes. It's almost common place there. My high school was demolished as a result of one years ago. I refuse to say how long ago that was but it was a doozy. This last quake was felt in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia , D.C, Tennessee and some parts of Atlanta? How bizarre is that?
Gadafi had a rude awakening as his people finally said they had enough of his fanatical control and reign. Bye Bye, they said in no uncertain terms. See ya!
Nick Ashford died of throat cancer and I anguished because I remember many of his songs sung with his wife Valerie. He will be missed. Just reminds me that the great songsters of the 60's and 70's are slowly but surely disappearing. Motown will never ever be like it was back in the day.
Dr. Martin Luther King's Memorial is honored this weekend in D.C. My God! How things have changed in America but in other ways, is the same. And 911 is right around the corner and I hope America has learned something from that.....other than to be extra cautious when traveling.
My point is that we live in a very scary world today. The weather patterns are changing, the economy is in turmoil and retirement is uncertain for many people. Each day we hope we can just make it through without getting caught up in something really horrible.
What is the lesson from all of this? Follow your dreams, live life to the fullest because you never know when your last day on earth will be. Be safe and dream big!
Gadafi had a rude awakening as his people finally said they had enough of his fanatical control and reign. Bye Bye, they said in no uncertain terms. See ya!
Nick Ashford died of throat cancer and I anguished because I remember many of his songs sung with his wife Valerie. He will be missed. Just reminds me that the great songsters of the 60's and 70's are slowly but surely disappearing. Motown will never ever be like it was back in the day.
Dr. Martin Luther King's Memorial is honored this weekend in D.C. My God! How things have changed in America but in other ways, is the same. And 911 is right around the corner and I hope America has learned something from that.....other than to be extra cautious when traveling.
My point is that we live in a very scary world today. The weather patterns are changing, the economy is in turmoil and retirement is uncertain for many people. Each day we hope we can just make it through without getting caught up in something really horrible.
What is the lesson from all of this? Follow your dreams, live life to the fullest because you never know when your last day on earth will be. Be safe and dream big!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Fantasy or Reality?
This week I got totally bummed out about being a screenwriter. Can I really do this? Is this just a pipe dream? I participated in a teleseminar about the myths of screenwriting contests and although winning one can help you, it's definitely no guarantee of success. Most screenplay contest winners don't even get their films made. Getting an agent is not a guarantee either. It all comes down to constantly promoting yourself, good writing and networking.
But, you know what? That is what life's all about. You're only as good as your last big sale or screenplay. When you're no longer producing in corporate America, they get rid of you. So, what else is new? Life is always about the next big sale or project or discovery. If you don't stay on top of the competition you fall behind.
Even though this is an incredibly daunting venture, I'm up for the challenge. Bring it on! I'll face my enemies, stare them down and conquer because I can! I'm ready for this battle and will win!
But, you know what? That is what life's all about. You're only as good as your last big sale or screenplay. When you're no longer producing in corporate America, they get rid of you. So, what else is new? Life is always about the next big sale or project or discovery. If you don't stay on top of the competition you fall behind.
Even though this is an incredibly daunting venture, I'm up for the challenge. Bring it on! I'll face my enemies, stare them down and conquer because I can! I'm ready for this battle and will win!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Back From Paradise
I understand why Hawaii is referred to as paradise. It was heavenly....beautiful weather and people. Had a great celebration with my dad, husband and two brothers. The weather was perfect and every evening there was a cool ocean breeze. Everyone's in a relaxed mode and even the birds are chillin'. They will walk right up to you, aren't afraid of anyone. City birds won't do this.
The week of celebration and fun made up for the 9 hour flight from Atlanta. One night we went up to Trump Tower, watched fireworks explode over an incredible Waikiki nighttime skyline.
Waikiki is the tourist trap, bustling with skinny bodies in bikinis, vendors hawking everything Hawaiian, designer shops and eateries. I only planned to buy a few things but ended up spending way too much money on stuff that I probably won't use in Atlanta.
I hated saying Aloha to Honolulu but know I'll return again.
The week of celebration and fun made up for the 9 hour flight from Atlanta. One night we went up to Trump Tower, watched fireworks explode over an incredible Waikiki nighttime skyline.
Waikiki is the tourist trap, bustling with skinny bodies in bikinis, vendors hawking everything Hawaiian, designer shops and eateries. I only planned to buy a few things but ended up spending way too much money on stuff that I probably won't use in Atlanta.
I hated saying Aloha to Honolulu but know I'll return again.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Honolulu bound
Heading to Waikiki and Honolulu on July 18th for my dad's birthday and am so looking forward to it. This is my second post as I continue my journey to becoming a paid screenwriter. Trying to decide which contest to enter later this year and who to pay for notes on my latest screenplay. Decisions, decisions, decisions. For a week, though, I'm gonna cool it but if some great idea pops in my headhead I will be writing furiously. Just finished reading the screenplay for the movie "Crash" and it was fabulous! I will meet that standard soon.
Honolulu should be great this time of year...the beaches and climate. ...heavenly!! I'm ready for a Luau and some tropical drinks. Hawaii here I come!!
Honolulu should be great this time of year...the beaches and climate. ...heavenly!! I'm ready for a Luau and some tropical drinks. Hawaii here I come!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
One Screenwriters Journey
Hey fellow screenwriters, working or not, and all other interested parties. I've decided to start blogging about my experiences, good and bad, as I make my journey to being a working screenwriter. It should be exciting, fun, frustrating and a mind bender but I'm up for a challenge.
I have a goal and strategy in place so I'll see if it works. I want to be a paid screenwriter or TV writer within the next five years. Today is July 8, 2011 so the count down begins. I will work my plan and plan my work.
How you may ask? How do I plan to make my dream come true? Going to film festivals (and volunteering), reading everything I can get my hands on and zillions of scripts, taking courses, getting critical critiques of my work by paid writers, entering screenwriting contests, networking and writing, writing, writing and oh yeah, more writing. That's it folks!! See you next time.
I have a goal and strategy in place so I'll see if it works. I want to be a paid screenwriter or TV writer within the next five years. Today is July 8, 2011 so the count down begins. I will work my plan and plan my work.
How you may ask? How do I plan to make my dream come true? Going to film festivals (and volunteering), reading everything I can get my hands on and zillions of scripts, taking courses, getting critical critiques of my work by paid writers, entering screenwriting contests, networking and writing, writing, writing and oh yeah, more writing. That's it folks!! See you next time.
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