How to keep writing through the holidays

The holidays can be a lot of fun, but also really stressful. How does one stay focused and writing through the never-ending parties, events and shopping? Keep your eyes and ears open. There’s always a funny line of dialogue waiting for you at every corner. These random holiday thoughts should help.

1- Why do people bother making new year’s resolutions? If you really want to change your life, January first is no better or worse than any other time.

2- People get trampled and injured at the big blowout sales. Those usually happen right after they just spent hours with family members they only see once a year at an event where the main activity is eating way too much food? Does this sound crazy to anyone else?

3- This used to be a time of togetherness, joy and wishes of peace on earth. Somehow it became a time of shopping, boozing and road rage.

4- Why do people camp out for days in cold and uncomfortable store parking lots just to buy stuff they’re going to give away?

5- What would Jesus buy?

6- How come Santa has never gone on a diet? Did the metrosexual crazy not affect him? Isn’t it time for a new suit, a haircut and a shave?

6- If the aliens saw us in line for a crazy midnight sale, would they just keep going?

7- Is eating turkey with your mom really worth the countless hours of airport security, jammed freeways and aggravation?

8- Why do we give thanks by stuffing our already overweight faces with more food? What are we giving thanks for, obesity, diabetes, heart disease?

9- Would you allow your kids to sit on a stranger’s lap any other time of the year?

10- How did the birth of Jesus become about crazy spending and sending yourself further into creditcard debt?

Plastic Concept Shot

Tim worked his magic with the photography and post-production.

Happy Thanksgiving

Unrelated to turkey day, but very funny...

In need of a break

I'm working on "Plastic". This is rewrite number four. I kind of looking forward to working on something else, or just not working at all... I have to turn in pages by Thanksgiving. This has been the busiest year for me and I can't wait to relax when my family comes to visit. I usually love this time of year. I'm trying to get in the holiday mood, instead of just rushing to get through it...

I really am in the clear

Yesterday I was sweating bullets. With so many conflicting advices from people as far as my writing and the strike, I didn’t know who to believe. It’s finally cleared up. According to Creative Screenwriting Magazine:

“Does the strike affect every studio in Hollywood?
No, it does not. The WGA is striking against the specific studios that it has signatory agreements with, a complete list of which is available here on the Guild's website. There are still several production companies that operate independent of the WGA, which are often referred to as non-signatory companies.

Can I sell to a non-signatory company?
WGA writers cannot write or sell work during the strike, but non-guild writers can still sell to non-signatory companies, since this violates neither side of the signatory agreements. (THE COMPANY I’M WORKING WITH IS NON-SIGNATORY. They were not listed under the “struck companies” on the WGA list. Check the list here.)

Can I still try to get an agent or a manager during the strike?
Yes, you can. Some reps have even said they'll be using the time they aren't working on deals or contracts to catch up on their reading and submissions. However, others warn that they are focusing even harder on their existing clients to be ready once the strike ends. In short, the challenge will still be attracting someone's attention with good writing.” (I WILL BE FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE!)

I’m relieved. Some say the strike may go on for six months or longer… Just when I was getting my foot in the door.

Plastic News

With my fellow writers working the picket line, I just signed a deal to get “Plastic” made. Again, you won’t see buying a Bentley anytime soon, but I’m one step closer to seeing it being made. One quick rewrite and by Thanksgiving the ball should get really rolling. I guess in this case it’s a perk of being non-union.

Strike

The WGA is officially on strike. Since I’m not yet a member, I don’t know how to feel about it. From what I heard, the last strike in 1988 did more harm then good… So many people think writers are just being greedy but they don’t understand without us, the movie stars would have nothing to say. We do the heavy lifting, they get the credit. I just hope the strike doesn’t go on for too long as I’m on the verge of signing a deal.