Dispatch From The Quest: Christian Fontenot
Over the course of the 24 weeks I am working with the writers in The Quest, each will write a weekly dispatch to share with the GITS community. There are several reasons for doing this, the main one educational: Hopefully you will learn something of value for your own understanding of the craft from the experiences of the Questers. I should also add they are a great group of people, so I expect you will enjoy getting to know them.
Today: Christian reflects on reaching the midway point of The Quest:
“Truckin’ got my chips cashed in. keep truckin’, like the do-dah man
Together, more or less in line, just keep truckin’ on.” — Grateful Dead
As our Quest reaches the halfway point, I reflect on the long, strange trip it’s been. Through this journey, I have taken a 22-word logline and witnessed a story explosion resulting in rich characters, a quirky tone, a compelling act 1, universal themes, and a few surprising act break twists. The Questers have been such an amazing resource in helping my story ascend to heights greater than I could have ever imagined, and would not have made it this far with out them.
This week expedition was to discover our four primary plotline points. This wasn’t the hardest week as I have had a mental TIVO recording of my Opening, Act 1 Break, Act 2 Break, and Final scene since a mindless 10-hour road trip through North California and Oregon back in July. However, finally seeing it in writing revealed a consistent theme that will only make those scenes (and the story) better. Also all the other Prep work has helped me to draw a pencil line to connect the dots through these plotline points, and now letting the characters retrace these lines in ink will be fun.
So, yeah, I’m the guy on day one of my vacation who starts to dread going home. My story would not be where it is today without the suggestions, ideas, questions, and concerns from my fellow Questers. Reaching the halfway point in our Quest, I’m already starting to dread the end of this wacky trip when my fellow Questers are no longer aboard the writing 18 wheeler of fun to help me navigate through the soul-crushing hills of rewriting. 3 more weeks to “Fade In”. Wahoo!
There are many things we can say about writing, some of them even without resorting to profanity. But one thing is for sure: Writing an original screenplay takes time.
Some of you may have pounded out a first draft in a matter of weeks, perhaps even days. But would that take into consideration the prep-writing part of the process? Now you’re talking months, perhaps even many months from concept to FADE OUT.
That being the case, writers need to develop strategies to help sustain drive and energy throughout the process.
There is the story itself, of course, whatever emotional connection you find with it, but that can wane over time.
The Questers have the benefit of each other to rally their spirits and inspire them with creative suggestions. I do my part to support the cause.
How about you? How do you persist throughout the long process of writing an original screenplay?
Whatever tips and techniques you have, please post in comments.
Tomorrow: More Dispatches from The Quest.
About Christian: From Louisiana, now in Seattle. Turns off street lights with his mind. Regrets not learning the tuba — TUBAS ROCK! Storyteller. @cmfontenot.
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