The Possibility Curve

I’ve been stuck for a while again. That seems to be how it goes, at least for me. Yesterday I went out for coffee with my best friend, Suzy. She always wants to know the latest on the screenplay. While I was explaining the new plot and where I was facing a challenge. What do you know I figured it out. Perhaps she is my muse??

The key to my rewrite is a total overhaul in plot. Before I can move forward with ANYTHING else I must finalize the plot. Writing a screenplay is like building a domino castle on sand. Any crack in the foundation will bring the whole story down. I have been struggling with at what point does Christopher disappear. No scenario that I could come up with really, logically made sense. In one case it worked for the hero as the story moved forward. But, it didn’t make sense according to the hero’s past.

If I don’t know why or how or when… then I can not go forward. If I’m not clear then the audience will NEVER be clear.

Now that the plot is coming together I can begin working on structure. I’ve found making 4 rows of 3 x 5’s on a board works best for me. I know many people prefer doing this piece on their computer. That is what I did on my first draft. However, I’ve found that when I get stuck there is a little part of my brain that gets activated when I do something tactile.

About the 5th card in is my inciting incident. Card 10 things change for my hero, his world it turned upside down and we break into Act II. Card 20 is the mid-point. Card 30 we break into Act III. Card 40 the payoff. Each of these cards must provide a significant change to the plot.

When I touch and move cards and look at them as I walk through my office a different set of neurons start firing off. I also like being able to walk in and write a short note on the 3 x 5’s. This builds the structure as it occurs to me.

Hmmmm….  I need to go move a card.

My goodness what a process. I’m on my third totally different version of the plot. I think I’m finally on to something as it blends the best of the first two. I’m trying to gather information and examples of how to write a dream/nightmare in a screenplay.

I use 3 by 5 cards as recommended by Save the Cat. This is my favorite book so far on screenplay writing. How many twists and turns can you have? After the movie Inception, I’m guessing you can’t have too many.

Once again I’m excited about writing. I have a number of other pressing ‘to-do’s for the programs coming up which take priority. However, this process proves the Intelligent Risk Taking Premise that if you find something you love to do… you’ll figure out a way to do it.

I love TUT’s messages (www.TUT.com). The one this AM had a link to an audio clip. In the audio clip Mike Dooley talks about how  we feel often as if there is something wrong with us. (Yes, that’s me from time to time.) That we feel we are doing something wrong and hit glass walls and ceilings. (Guilty.)

The wisdom is that if you think there’s something lacking in you that is what you’ll manifest. The lesson is that there is nothing lacking in you other than belief that you are whole. Changing this belief changes everything.

Although he is preaching to the choir, today the choir (me) was listening intently. I stopped what I was doing and stated aloud to the Universe that I was whole. There was nothing wrong with me. I’m simply perfect just the way I am.

Guess what?? The day unfolded and the Universe answered.

I received:

A direction based on the documentary Deliver Us from Evil. (Warning, this is a dark and edgy film but incredibly well done. A must see from my perspective.)

An extension from Sundance until October 1st

A referral to give the opening Keynote on Risk Taking

A connection to a director

A connection to a possible new agent

A new friend

Universe, I’d like to publish my official Thank You. I feel perfect, centered and ready to move forward confidently. I’m eternally grateful. Here we go…

Well, I’ve asked the Universe for a clear sign. So far nothing.

I’ve decided based on the advice of numerous mentors to write a love letter to the Universe clearly stating my desires. Saying “Yes” to this new path and saying “NO!” to some other opportunities the Universe has deemed I need to respond to.

I’m also including that I am READY, willing and able to move forward. Also, that I’m releasing my need to control when and how. I’m willing to surrender and trust. Easier said than done.

In the film business a concept statement is called a Logline.  Newly minted…

A man, avenging the woman he loves, uncovers a conspiracy so corrupt, that if revealed will destroy the Catholic Church.

The reaction so far is GREAT.

I’m  stuck again and feeling badly about myself and my work. I’m human! I have submitted my original screenplay to all of the other competitions but Sundance. It is due to them in 10 days.

I met with my son, Connor, on Friday (He’s in film school and just landed his first PAID role in a feature length film). I thought he’d help me with some of the scenes. Five hours later I had an entirely (and I mean entirely) different story. Sort of the same message and plot but TOTALLY different.

Now I now have two completely different stories. AND I have no idea which one is the correct one to pursue. And a deadline in 10 days. Holy Smokes Bat Man! I’ve sent you the signal and I’m waiting for you to come rescue me…

Universe I’m officially asking you for a clear signal on which way to go.

I’m back on top of the world. Sundance just emailed me and based on the ‘agent’s recommendation they have invited me to send my entire screenplay directly to them. I live for deadlines and this one is September 1st.

I’m continuing to work in a vacumn. Some days go well and some don’t. This is a humbling experience for me. Taking risks are hard.

It’s one thing to talk about it, encouraging others and it’s another thing altogether when it’s you out there on the line. No matter what it is important for me to remember how hard all this is.

I know I need to make changes but I’m not sure which way to go. I feel lost. The more I learn the less I know. The more I turn to others for advice the more conflicted I am. I know what to think and do. I need to trust myself and the universe. Knowing and doing are different things.

That ugly Monster Within is beginning to whisper and I am beginning to doubt myself, my abilities and my courage. The more I listen the louder he gets.

I fell lost. It’s time to turn to my Inner Circle and reconnect to my intention. I need to reground. Be clear with myself and my desires.

The Universe is throwing roadblocks in my way and I must recognize each is a choice. I can turn away from this goal and recreate old patterns or I can send a clear message that I’m choosing to move in a positive forward direction creating a new life.

Universe, I choose to move forward.  I’m asking for your help without limiting you to how or when.  In publishing this blog I’m publishing this to the Universe.

It is about time. I got back a great review with the exception that the middle is slow (I already knew that).

This helps me as I was beginning to get quite down on myself over the story. OK, now I have direction.

I’m SO excited I can hardly stand it. The Hollywood Agent who thought my story too controversial for them wrote Sundance recommending that they read my script. Sundance said YES!

Today is an awesome day!