 Recently I was listening to a fellow writer talk about writing that is a bit foreign to me: academic papers. Foreign? No. It's actually more of a horrendous memory. What a nightmare college writing was for me. Outlining for essays was stressful and dry. I always felt like I didn't know what I was doing; as if there was a method but no one taught it to me and it made me CRAZY.
What I think never occurred to me then and is a no-brainer now is a truth test this writer reminded me of: Would anyone care about the paper you're writing? Would anyone care about the thesis, the idea? DING DING DING DING Had I for a minute thought about that back in 1918 when I was in college, I bet the whole experience would have relaxed me more. It would have appealed to the writer I really am. Not necessarily a people pleaser but certainly someone who wants to think what I've put on paper has captured the attention of my reader. The "who cares" of it goes for ALL writing: Scripts, novels, poems, songs, personal essays, articles, you name it. You have to believe someone other than you would be interested. Yet if you're only asking yourself and you're the one who came up with the idea, you're not necessarily the best arbiter of the truth. Therefore... Bounce. Blake Snyder, The Save The Cat writer who's guruism is respected by serious TV and film writers worldwide used to suggest basically pitching your idea to people on line at Starbucks. Your screenplay idea -- the secret idea that you protected within an inch of your life lest someone else got to the wizard behind the curtain before you - was about to be blurted out to a guy staring at his phone with the attention span of a hungover gnat. If you can't while in line get someone interested in your idea, if their eyes glaze over while you tell them the hook that made you take a cold shower when you thought of it, you gotta ask yourself, am I trying too hard? Is this a good egg? Maybe no one will care. And if that's the conclusion, don't panic. Realize that's valuable information. Full disclosure, I don't think I ever pitched a screenplay or pilot idea to anyone in line anywhere. But I did go to my tough friends - the honest people who had no interest in anything but my success with all my best concepts. I'd bounce my idea(s) and receive their input and then decide how to move forward. If someone said something that really upset me, honestly, that usually meant either the idea sucked or they were onto something. Either which way it always got me thinking... So Lincoln, bounce. Tell people your stuff. Get feedback. DON'T BE PRECIOUS. -CGD
8 Comments
8/10/2019 01:09:56 am
We should take care of ourselves and to take care of ourselves will require some effort that is not that easy to do. There will be consequences and effects that will be seen after some time that we have committed an act. We should not be afraid of this and we should be brave because we will never know if we do not try. I have watched some films that talks about the beauty of taking chances and how it can affect our lives. 9/7/2023 10:53:10 pm
I love how you can choose from a wide range of colors, designs, and fabrics to create something that truly reflects who you are. It's not just clothing; it's a form of self-expression that adds a personal touch to your wardrobe. 9/7/2023 11:06:48 pm
It's crucial for women engaging in DIY cosmetics to research and follow guidelines to avoid potential health risks. Price points in the cosmetics industry range from affordable drugstore brands to high end luxury lines. 9/7/2023 11:20:21 pm
Businesses can set quantifiable goals and track their achievement over time. This accountability ensures that marketing efforts are aligned with broader business objectives. Additionally regular performance evaluations allow businesses. 9/7/2023 11:39:05 pm
Intermittent fasting has been a game changer for my health and well-being. It's not just about weight loss it's about giving your body a break from constant digestion. I've found that it helps me maintain stable energy levels throughout the day and sharpens my mental focus. 9/7/2023 11:46:44 pm
Excellent chairs are ensured for the massage and such activities. The prices of the are settled by the market forces. Their message is improved for the top of the shows for the jumpers in the light of the reforms for all issues. 9/8/2023 12:14:33 am
Colored diamonds add a touch of uniqueness and sophistication that is unparalleled, making every piece a true work of art. The allure of lies in its captivating color palette. 9/8/2023 12:25:47 am
Where they can withstand elements like wind and light rain, ensuring your candles remain stable and lit. While it may seem trivial, using candle holders to safely house candles can offer minor energy savings. Leave a Reply. |
CynthiaWriter, Writing Coach, Writer Supporter. Archives
June 2019
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed