Hi Mickey! Thanks for the lovely treat for my inbox -- I love reading your blogs. I, also, am a plot-heavy/focused writer and love hearing how you process through challenges because they often reflect my own! I'm also (attempting to) take out a romance fantasy pilot based on a book series I got the rights to and my big struggle has also been the "simplify it" part! I did finally figure out how to pitch the characters in a easy to swallow way, but bumped up against the "we're not seeing new writers right now" thing. Le sigh. Hollywood. It's maddening and to see you compare it to gambling, well... that's accurate. 😅
I did want to say that I think you should go for making that trailer, if that is what sounds fun and exciting to you! I just wrapped my second short yesterday (first time purely writing, directing and producing but not acting). It was thrilling and crazy-making, wildly busy and oddly calming in turns, but I am so happy I took the plunge and just did it. I have been so frustrated with waiting for the system to give me a chance, that I finally just said screw it and did it myself. Why wait for a chair at the table to open up when you can just pick one up from the waiting room, walk in and sit down at the table yourself?
If there's anything I get out of your posts is that you are always seeking joy, curiosity and excitement in your writing process. If the idea of making a trailer sparks joy for you, you should give it a shot! If it doesn't go the way you expected, you'll at least learn something in the process. And if you need any help or advice, I would be happy to help however I can! All the best!
What a gem you found at the bookstore! I love that you're considering the next person.
And !!! you're so right about getting to know that character first to find where they'd hide things. I've been writing a dystopian murder mystery comedy and I definitely found myself hitting a wall with the murder itself; time to explore the relationship first :).
Like I said, it seems obvious but so easy to forget! The good news is, once you remember and start digging in that dirt, it opens up a lot of cool stuff.
Looking great! And I love that, if you do the math, the original owner of that book on writing would have been 64 when she bought it. It's never too old to begin or to hone your craft. :-) Thanks.
Mickey, thanks for continuing with your Substack missives. It's wonderful to keep up with your life and career ... and, of course, the writing inspiration. Onward!
Hi Mickey! Thanks for the lovely treat for my inbox -- I love reading your blogs. I, also, am a plot-heavy/focused writer and love hearing how you process through challenges because they often reflect my own! I'm also (attempting to) take out a romance fantasy pilot based on a book series I got the rights to and my big struggle has also been the "simplify it" part! I did finally figure out how to pitch the characters in a easy to swallow way, but bumped up against the "we're not seeing new writers right now" thing. Le sigh. Hollywood. It's maddening and to see you compare it to gambling, well... that's accurate. 😅
I did want to say that I think you should go for making that trailer, if that is what sounds fun and exciting to you! I just wrapped my second short yesterday (first time purely writing, directing and producing but not acting). It was thrilling and crazy-making, wildly busy and oddly calming in turns, but I am so happy I took the plunge and just did it. I have been so frustrated with waiting for the system to give me a chance, that I finally just said screw it and did it myself. Why wait for a chair at the table to open up when you can just pick one up from the waiting room, walk in and sit down at the table yourself?
If there's anything I get out of your posts is that you are always seeking joy, curiosity and excitement in your writing process. If the idea of making a trailer sparks joy for you, you should give it a shot! If it doesn't go the way you expected, you'll at least learn something in the process. And if you need any help or advice, I would be happy to help however I can! All the best!
Love it. The best part is hearing your voice in my head as I read this. Inspiring as always. I miss you pal.
Matt! I think about you a lot these days as I'm at the gym, kicking myself that I didn't follow you around and learn your ways 25 years ago!
Looking good. Great work! Great issue as always. “Character. Relationships. Emotion.”
Thank you!!
What a gem you found at the bookstore! I love that you're considering the next person.
And !!! you're so right about getting to know that character first to find where they'd hide things. I've been writing a dystopian murder mystery comedy and I definitely found myself hitting a wall with the murder itself; time to explore the relationship first :).
Like I said, it seems obvious but so easy to forget! The good news is, once you remember and start digging in that dirt, it opens up a lot of cool stuff.
Looking great! And I love that, if you do the math, the original owner of that book on writing would have been 64 when she bought it. It's never too old to begin or to hone your craft. :-) Thanks.
Thanks, Dan! And yeah, I love that she was still leaning in her 60's. I'll be doing the same.
Great piece Mickey! And congrats on the weight loss!
Thanks, Brian!
Mickey, thanks for continuing with your Substack missives. It's wonderful to keep up with your life and career ... and, of course, the writing inspiration. Onward!
Hey, Scott! Thank you so much. I appreciate it, and I know you are all about this character driven approach!