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!

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!

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.

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!!

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.