Zero Draft Thirty: Day 26
Zero Draft Thirty: Day 26.
November 1: Type FADE IN / The Beginning.
November 30: Type FADE OUT / The End.
30 days. 1 script. Movie script. TV script. First draft. Rewrite. Whatever.
I’m doing it. You’re invited.
To learn everything you need to know about the ZDT Challenge, go here.
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Today’s Writing Quote
I reached out to several screenwriters whose scripts have been selected for the annual Black List, asking them this: What do you focus on when writing a first draft? Here are some thoughts from Chris Sparling (Black List 2009, 2010, 2013):
By the time I’m writing my first draft, I’ve already written sort of a “first draft lite” in the form of a very detailed scene-by-scene outline. So, in a way, my first draft is actually my second. Everyone has their own methodology, but this is always what works best for me.
Also, first drafts really aren’t meant to be read by anyone but you, so don’t dwell on the minutia. Power through any creative blocks you encounter; leave asterisks as placeholders where you will later go back and figure out that one “perfect” moment or line of dialogue. Keep moving forward, not laterally, and certainly never backwards.
Today’s Inspirational Thought
If you have a writing quote appropriate for pounding out a zero draft, post to Comments, Twitter, or Facebook.
If you have a video to inspire or perhaps give us a laugh, post to Comments, Twitter, or Facebook.
But here’s the biggie: Head to Comments, Twitter, and Facebook to support each other!
How many pages did you write in the last 24 hours? Or if you’re prepping the story, what did you work on? How are you feeling about your story? Are you loving or hating your writing process? Did you have a good day or a bad day? Do you have any questions about your writing process? Ready to give a virtual hug… or maybe you need one.
Comments, Twitter, Facebook. That’s where the Zero Draft Thirty community gathers. Remember: Every day I’ll be handing out the coveted Trumbo Award to the best Comment, Tweet, Photoshop, anything you come up with to get our collective juices going.
And each day in November, I’ll be dishing out a special batch of ZDT-flavored creative juju for everyone who posts.
Nothing else to say. Just. Write.
UPDATE: This observation from Steve Martin serves as a reminder of where we started our stories:
A blank piece of paper. A blank monitor screen. And now, whether you’ve reached The End, nearing the end, somewhere in the middle, the fact is that blank slate is receding in your rear view mirror.
And pretty soon, you won’t be able to see it all.
Thanks, Jonathan, for the tweet. For that, you are today’s recipient of esteemed Trumbo Award.
Onward!
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