Introduce yourself!
I think I can safely assume that after the lengthy holidays, we’re all pretty much back into the regular swing of things. And since it’s the beginning not only of a new year, but a new decade, I figured it would be a good time to propose a toast:
Ah, wrong toast.
There we go! A toast to all of you who have helped to make this humble little screenwriting blog… well… a humble little screenwriting blog. Okay, maybe not that humble.
In 2010, GITS had 1,215,574 unique visitors.
Plus between Google Friends, Google Reader, and Twitter, the site has at last count 4,480 followers. [Look, can’t we just get the Followers number over there on the right-hand side of the blog above 1,000? It’s driving me a bit daffy to be this close. You can help keep me from losing my marbles by signing up.]
Also in 2010, The GITS Club, a peer script review site, came into being. Hosted by Jeff Messerman and Mike Scherer, it has 409 members, big enough to draw some sharp, interesting writers, yet intimate enough not to be overwhelming.
Furthermore I know of at least two spec scripts that sold last year by writers who read this blog. One by Greg Russo (“Down”) whose exclusive GITS Q&A you can read here. And I’ve got another interview coming up soon a writing duo who sold a script to a major studio last fall. What’s really inspiring is that both of these specs were penned by “tyro scribes,” Variety’s term for screenwriters who break into the business by selling their first script. So there you are: living proof that you can become a professional screenwriter by writing a great script!
[By the way, I’d love to do more interviews with screenwriters, TV writers, and business professionals this year, and have got several lined up already. If you are a screenwriter, TV writer, producer, manager, or anyone from Pixar (janitorial staff included), and you wouldn’t mind sharing some of your insight into the craft with the GITS community, please email me. Trust me, it’s easy and won’t take much of your time.]
And of course, Tom Benedek and I launched Screenwriting Master Class, a unique online resource for anyone interested in learning how to write a professional quality script. Our first set of classes officially launch today and I’m happy to say we are almost sold out (there are a couple of spots left in the Prep classes, so here’s your chance to carpe diem and learn how to break a story in 6-weeks).
Finally what I’ll remember most about this blog in 2010 was the amazing writing community that frequents this site. I read comments and receive emails every day from some of the most interesting people from all over the world, your words bubbling with passion about movies, TV, plays, and writing. You truly do inspire me to keep doing what I’m doing here.
So while we’re at it, let’s take this opportunity to get to know each other better:
* If you’re a regular commenter and want to express what you’re hoping to accomplish as a writer this year, I’d love to see what you’ve got on your mind.
* If you drop by to check out what’s going on, but haven’t commented up til now, here’s your chance to break the ice.
* If you have a writing or movie blog I don’t know about or haven’t listed, please post your URL and tell me a bit about your site.
* And if you have any suggestions for the blog or ideas for things you’d like me to post about, I’m happy to consider anything.
In other words, come on in, the water’s fine!
Thank you for making this blog part of your life. My deepest hope is that something you read here inspires you to write better… steers you toward smarter writing choices… helps you to persevere… and ends up advancing your career as a writer.
Cheers to 2011!
May your words flow like wine!
And may a million dollar spec script sale be thine!
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