Opinions

Everyone has an opinion and I want to share mine on something I noticed this morning.  Now before I continue, please don't take this as me knocking someone for their writing ability or telling someone what they should or shouldn't write about.  This is my opinion as to how you can improve.

This morning I saw a post from a former friend's sister; ranking the characters of an old TV show that has been off the air for about six years.  I don't know if this was done for fun or if it was meant to be a serious topic to write about to get her foot in the door somewhere.  It could have been an interesting read, but unfortunately having a short paragraph about fifty-five characters loses it's entertainment value quickly. 

Now I know I'm not one to talk.  I go on rants from time to time and I'm sure people have their opinions that are good and bad about my writing.  I'm okay with that.  But here are a few recommendations I would like to add about writing based on these topics especially if you are looking to do something for professional work.

The first is to write about a TV show that is still on air.  It is something current and people can still watch.  It's not something that was popular once upon a time when you were still a teenager that most people have long forgotten about.  If you write about a current show, people will understand what you're saying and take it more seriously (If it's for fun, it's  a different story, but will only resonate with the true fans of that show). 

Secondly, I would not concentrate on talking about every character that was ever on the show.  It will become too much to talk about in one sitting and people will get bored very easily.  If anything, break it up into multiple posts where you take ten characters at a time and talk about them, their past on the show, and why you ranked them in that spot.

Finally, if you are looking to make it a more professional piece (especially if this is an older show that is no longer on the air, or one that still is), discuss how you feel the character should go.  Create your own future for the character on what you believe should happen, or create a plot arc for a series of characters.  There is a lot more creativity in doing this and can truly illustrate your writing ability.

Now again, I don't discredit the person I am referring to or anyone that chooses to put themselves out there.  These are merely my opinions based off of a topic I came across.  I hope this might eventually help that person or others that contemplate writing a topic such as this.

Updates, Trying New Things, and Getaways

I know I haven't been on here too much lately.  There's been a lot going on, and hopefully some more announcements later on this year.  For now, I can safely say I have been very busy with my writing.  I am getting closer to releasing my first official novel, and have sent two movie scripts out to a producer in Hollywood.  Currently, I am working on my first horror script and outlining my second horror script.

It's ironic that I am now getting into writing within the horror genre.  So much of my story ideas, books, and poetry were dangerously close to being considered part of that genre, but lingered on the sides of drama and suspense.  This is my first time crossing the line into the horror realm.  It's exciting but at the same time it's making me over think things. 

Most managers or agents frown upon changing your writing style.  But that's more for their clients that have found complete success in the genre they've been writing in for years.  But to me, writing a horror script is more than just choosing a different genre or writing style.  I spent years watching horror movies and criticizing them.  I have a profound respect for them and their writers, but there are also so many that were unfavored by many.  My scripts are going to breach the different sub genres.  The one I'm working on now is going to be a horror/suspense.  I figured it would be the easiest way for me to begin my journey through horror realm.  I have several others that go from slasher films, to psychological thrillers, and classic horror.  But for now I will focus on one the first script and write an incredible story that you will one day see on the "Big Screen."

The last thing I want to discuss is using a getaway to your advantage.  A getaway can be anything from taking a trip out of the country, jumping in the car and going on a long drive to a known or unknown destination, even just changing your normal routine.  These getaways are a way to relax, rest up, or even provide motivation and inspiration to create something amazing. 

For the last week, I have been away from my normal routine.  Despite the constant annoyances and added undo stress, I was able to get more writing done than I have in the previous weeks.  Maybe it was being back on my own for the first time in a while, maybe it was the silence that filled the house, or maybe it was derived from pure boredom.  In any case, the week alone proved to be beneficial to my writing.  So I encourage others who need to find clarity, inspiration, motivation, or just some sort of stress relief to always take time to find some form of a getaway and take full advantage of everything it has to offer.