A few hours ago I realized it was Monday. I have been writing throughout the weekend and I don´t even remember if I went to sleep at all. I took a nap and got up starting my computer to see what the h... I did. I finished a script I have been working on for six months. Well, actually I finished it for a second time. I have had some coffee and breakfast at 4 p.m. And I find myself working on the last act of another script. That negative thought occured in my mind as I was just finishing a scene. Am I mad for pursuing this? I read it back to myself, every line, the whole damn thing. And... I liked it. So, I got another cup of coffee and kept going. I look outside the window and hear children play. Have I sacrificed too much of my, well, personal life pursuing this dream of mine? I don´t know...
Screenwriting : Writing like a mad man by Zlatan Mustafica
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Why? :) Trust me, nothing to envy. I should be institutionalized or something. LOL
Ah, writing non stop thing! right. Well, I guess I too have some kind of condition, right? I don´t know if it actually has a fancy name though :) LOL. I don´t know if I am disciplined. I wouldn´t go that far myself, but I just guess I love it, you know? And that is both a good and a bad thing I guess. :)
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Keep going. Stop once a week for an hour when the fridge gets empty.
Good advice, David :)
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That's what I need to do for my feature script! Not a bad idea to think of it like good ole college finals -- get hunkered in for a few days straight with single-minded focus.
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@Ziatan. You have something special, you have a genuine passion, you would only be "mad" if you gave it up.
I guess I did just that, Mrs Ritrosky :) That is a very fitting description. Hope to read your post soon on finishing that feature you´re writing! Debbie, what can I say but thank you, for that comment. I actually teared up a bit. So, a heartfelt thank you. .
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I wonder every day if I've sacrificed too much time to writing at the expense of other things in life, Zlatan, but I guess like everything else, only time will tell if it is the right choice. All I know for certain is heading in any direction is better than sitting still.
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So true, Jim. Thank you. Glad to hear there are others, like yourself, pondering the very same subject. It´s unavoidable, doing what we´ve chosen to do, right? Thanks for the support, Jim. Great to meet you, by the way.
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Nice to meet you, Zlatan, and best of luck!
And to you as well, Jim.
Zlatan. How long and how many screenplays have you written?
I´ve been writing since the age of 15. First five scripts I ever wrote I don´t even Count anymore. They were practice of different skills. When I shifted into the higher gear and actually accepted the fact that this is what I want to do, this is who I am, I have finished seven screenplays and am working on three new ones.
In addition, I lost a few years when I wrote in Swedish and tried with the domestic industry but nothing ever happened there so I went back to writing in English alone which actually feels more natural. Weird as it is.
The reason I asked is because when I started out I was pretty obsessed with writing screenplays and when I would get close to the end of one I would stay up all night if I had to just to finish it. So I don't think you are mad and if you are you aren't alone. I've written over 25 screenplay and I still lose some sleep over writing them. However keep in mind your health is more important so try to get some rest. My wife tells me that all the time but naturally I don't listen to her. Keep writing but get some sleep!!!
You are so right, Dan. It just feels like I lost too much precious time fighting windmills, you know? And yeah, I get tired, honestly, I am tired now but at the same time I know WHY I am tired now. It means something to me and that energy kind of renews itself. And I know I can´t keep this up forever. You have a wise wife, Dan. Wow, 25 written screenplays. That sure is something. I appreciate all the input from people like yourself, Dan. Feel free to comment on my posts and threads and my screenplays in my loglines section at any time. Thanks for caring, it means a lot.
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Dude, you are in the zone. This is where magic happens. You are a writer. This is divinity in action. Be proud of it! Remember to eat, and get outside. You need to refuel to keep your sanity. And who the hell cares if your material gets discovered or not! You are doing what you were put on this earth to do. The means IS the end. When the time comes to shop it out, you will do that. And if it's meant to hit the masses, the Universe will make that happen. Just take care of you, and your material. That's enough, and it's a lot.
I've stayed up 28 hours then wrote, sometimes awesome stuff comes out of your brain when it's about to pass out.
I like to think so, Sarah! Whatever happens it´s good, right?. At least I´m doing what I always wanted to do. I appreciate the support, Sarah. A human brain sure is a remarkable living thing, Adam. :)