Hi everyone! I'm PK. I started writing screenplays in earnest in February of last year after 30 years of novels, short stories, graphic novels, and freelancing.
Since then I've developed a solid routine where I write for 2-3 hours per weeknight and more on weekends. I never miss a day. So far I've in that timeframe I've written 3 feature length screenplays, a 10 page horror short, I've completed two ghostwriting assignments (a novel and a novella), and most recently a TV Sitcom pilot. I also built myself a custom screenwriter CRM (with AirTable), a website, and social media stuff. I'll admit I struggle mightily with social media since I never feel I have anything meaningful to say or add to other peoples' posts.
My current goal is to finish what I'm currently working on: the next feature length low-budget dialog-driven horror screenplay. Hopefully by the end of the year.
I've been a member of Stage32 nearly two years, and learned a ton here. I've attended webinars, pitched execs, and met some great people.
Looking forward to continuing in my journey to learn, iterate, and eventually break through.
2 people like this
you are motivated and prolific!
1 person likes this
Hi, Patrick Koepke. That's great that you developed a solid routine! Congratulations on never missing a day and congratulations on all your accomplishments! I hope you have a lot more and reach your current goal!
1 person likes this
Thank you both, Brenda Lau and Maurice Vaughan ! It's been a lot of fun seeing my "slate" slowly grow over time, and getting into the groove of things.
3 people like this
Nice to meet you Patrick Koepke . Wow! 2-3 hours a night of writing! Presumably after a full day of working? I"m contemplating writing 2 hours per evening twice a week and feeling like that is a lot. How do you keep up the discipline?
2 people like this
Wow! That's amazing, PK. I wish I could be as focused and determined as you sound here.
1 person likes this
You're welcome, Patrick Koepke. A dialog-driven Horror screenplay sounds interesting.
1 person likes this
Alexandra Stevens Exactly. Luckily I work from home for my day job with no commuting, so my weekdays look like this: 8AM-5PM, work, 5-6PM, dinner and time with my wife, 7-9PM writing, 9-10PM chores (dishes, cleaning, etc.), 10PM-bedtime, winding down.
2 people like this
Emmanuel Obiejemba It's probably less about focus and more about me being a creature of habit and routine. :)
2 people like this
Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend, Patrick Koepke! So glad to always see you joining in and making the most of the opportunities here. Rooting for you!
2 people like this
Hi PK! Would love some tips on how to stay motivated to be that disciplined to write. What you've accomplished and your dedication is really inspiration.
3 people like this
Amanda Toney - Thank you! Two things:
First, I've mentioned before but I try to not just love writing, but be in love with writing. I miss it when I'm not writing, I focus on it, I think about it when I'm at the my day job, I miss my characters, etc..
Second, I should mention that my life situation is such that I blessedly don't have a lot of chaos or other priorities that tug at me like many people do, so I have the luxury of the time to spend writing that others would probably use if they had it. My sister, for example, wants to be a writer too, but she works longer hours than me, has a long commute, and has a lot going on, so she'd be lucky to get 15 minutes a night to write, which isn't enough to get back into it. I'm lucky to have a pretty low key predictable schedule.