Now that the November Write Club has ended, I stepped away from the keyboard to watch some screeners THEY WON’T CALL IT MURDER, CRY MACHO, and LORELEI. I also wanted to reflect on what I learned by completing the 1st draft of a script in 30-days.
1) I CAN DO IT.
Having a deadline works for me. Probably working so many years as an assistant director helped me lay out a schedule and stick to it.
2) HAVING AN OUTLINE IS A TREMENDOUS ADVANTAGE.
I admit the story changed as I was writing, and I added/deleted scenes based on where the characters took me. Referring to the outline kept me focus on how I wanted to tell this story.
3) I UNDERSTAND (NOW) THAT THE 1ST DRAFT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT.
This was a BIG one for me. I have a strong urge to edit as I write. By not going back to fix things and just making notes about what I want to change helped keep me in the story.
4) BEING INVOLVED IN A WRITING COMMUNITY GREAT.
I don’t have a writing partner so being able read the thoughts of other writers was very helpful. Knowing others have been where I am buoyed my spirit and kept me moving forward.
Thank you Stage 32 community! I’m going to try this again in February to see I can find some more nuggets.
Dana
