Screenwriting : Who is writing something new and exciting? What is your favorite genre? by C. R. Costley

I write adventure action. Popcorn fun, easy to explain worlds & concepts and I wanna be an expert or better than current working writers in the same space.

I'm writing a prequel to Mortal Kombat, hoping to get some stars attached to the high octane, sci-fi fighting game adaptation. James Van Der Beek, are you there? Ryan Reynolds, Michael Jai White, Charlize Theron? Action/Thriller is also my fav!

Thrillers and mysteries. I do have a couple of drama ideas and outlines, but I find the thriller and mystery genre attractive for watching and writing. One thing though: I get caught up with the mechanics of plot and really have to emphasize emotion when editing.

Dan: You can never go wrongwith action/adventure. Any true story lover should concur. Personally I am a fan of things exploding lol. I admire your tenacity. What success have you had in your journey?

Jordan: Who doesn't dig a good adaptation of a favorite childhood videogame. I must say I haven't been impressed with every attempt in the past so I'd be eager to see where you go with it. My personal belief is that you can have whatever you want if your daring enough to want and work for it. So those big names are within your reach buddy. Keep trucking! I believe I heard Mr. Jim Carrey say "hope is a begger" Make it happen for yourself!

Aray: Something about a thriller that gets me every time. I love being on the edge of my seat and questioning the motives of every character. I want to give people that experience. I guess my love for writing and watching them are one in the same. Glad to see you willing to do the work no matter how much it ends up being. I find lots of joy in rewriting my stories. So many beautiful things happen along the way. You really get a chance to sink your teeth in. Thanks for accepting. Keep it up!

Steven: I am right there with you on the genre thing bud. I am a thriller fan through and through but I must say I had such a wonderful time writing my murder mystery. I find it challenging which always intrigues me. I am almost sad when I close it for the day. THAT is what I love about writing the most. I get so attached to the stories and characters even though I am the one making them exist. I don't necessarily think that getting consumed with the plot mechanics is a draw back. One way or another plot and emotional details must be present. However you get there should be tailored to your creative process. I am always interested in hearing how others create as it often encourages me to entertain a different approach. Thanks for the response! Keep creating!

Whenever I'm inspired to write - it's always something I find new and exciting - unfortunately I get bored easily. Dry humor seems to be my niche so every time I try to write drama, thriller, paranormal, action - whatever; it tends to drift off into comedy. If I see another cheesy horror or vampire flick - I'll puke.

Doug: I think it takes a specific sense of humor to appreciate the dry stuff. I happen to admire it. Some of the over the top, out of control, flailing humor can be funny but mostly just obnoxious. While I enjoy the Richard Prior's and even Jim Carrey's approach to the no holds barred, extreme comedy I am more intrigued by some one like the late great Mitch Hedberg. Something that I have to understand always yields more reward. I agree with you about the cheesy horror/vampire flicks as well. I love Tarantino's "From dusk til Dawn" but I go back further still. Pitt and Cruise in "Interview with a Vampire" take the cake for me. The style inspired one of my future projects as an attempt to "take us back" to good vampire stories. What, if any, is your favorite horror or vampire movie?

Gilberto: I will always have an appreciation for historical as it is very interesting to find what came before us. I feel like sci-fi/fantasy could be one of the more fun genres to tackle. Something about the "anything goes" aspect that I find appealing. As a rule of thumb I mostly try to write about what I know and love though researching new topics has it's own benefits. I recently scribbled down an idea that will take a tremendous amount of research. Instantly it seems daunting but like everything else, I'm sure it will be a breeze as long as I remain willing to do the work. Excited for you to try something new. Let us know how it goes bud!

Dry and situational humor is also what I like most. I remember the old Barney Miller show along those lines. No flailing, no physical or abuse gags, just character/situational dry humor. I try to weave at least 2-3 funny bits in my thrillers or mysteries. Let's face it folks, the world is funny.

Quick true story: I was fixing some drywall on my deceased mother-in-law's house. She had died just days before, and my wife needed the house fixed to sell. I had just finished and noticed the exterminator's truck outside. I walked by the front door and see a paper receipt slowly being pushed through the crack between the door and the jamb. So I just grabbed it and pulled it in. This guy screamed bloody murder as he ran away from the house. After it sunk in to me, it was the hardest I've ever laughed in my life. To this day, I laugh out loud thinking about it.

Aray: I know what that looks like. I get emotionally consumed by my stories. My thriller actually surrounds a love story. My attempt at giving couples with opposing interests a story they both may like. Cuddles and love bugs for the soft centered romance seeker laced with carnage and corruption for the heartless blood stricken bastards like me lol. Sounds like you're on to something great. Anxious to hear of your future success. Thanks to you and good luck as well.

Steven: Laughter is after all the best medicine. My current thriller is littered with dry humor. I imagine even the worst kind of people can't help but find somethings funny. About the receipt: that is actually hilarious. I can only imagine what that contractor was thinking as he ran back to his truck or later while trying to clean the shart out of his work pants! lol My mother was hounded by a horse fly on many different occasions after my father passed away. She is still convinced he was reincarnated and it is quite funny to see her campaign to save the horse fly when someone is after one with a swatter! Thanks for the laugh!

I just finished writing a psychological horror film called Unseen. Unseen actually started with a short film that I did. Over the last year it has won a few awards and got many film enthusiasts interested in seeing a feature length version. I am now excited to produce this feature!

Merlo: Psychological horror is my favorite kind. I have to feel like it could be real. I need for it to challenge me and my beliefs. We're can I watch UNSEEN the short version? I'd love to check out this award winning story. Congratulations on your success bud and can't wait to see where you go from here.

I can send you a private link through your email. It's still in festivals so i can't make it public yet!

Merlo: My email is clyntstagram@gmail.com I'd be thrilled to check it out.

C.R. - you asked - I'm not a horror flick fan but my favorite is Soylent Green.

Doug: What an interesting movie. I think that would be a good one to reboot.

Aray: Passion is a creator's most valuable tool. Thanks for the kind words. Maybe we can share some notes or read for each other some time.

I'm writing about a kidnapping that brings peace in the Mideast.

No, really.

Favorite genre - the impossible.