One good thing about all of the
snow was that it felt great to stay inside and write. As I sat writing
and watched the big white flakes fall, I marveled when I remembered that each
snowflake is unique, in the same way that each of our stories is unique.
One of the principles I use when developing a new TV series or screenplay
is to encourage the writer to be as specific as possible. The more specific we
are, the more universal we are. By embracing your personal past, ethnicity and
race, the better the work gets, and the deeper the connection with the intended
audience.
I met with my friend, Ken Atchity last week. Ken is a former professor
turned producer, and is rare combination of erudite erudition, streetwise savvy
and kindness. He has just written a new book, Sell Your Story To Hollywood: Writer’s
Pocket Guide To The Business of Show Business.
There’s a lot of meaty
information, but one thing that really spoke to me was his advice to writers
when waiting for a meeting, for the deal to close, or production to happen.
DON’T WAIT! Do something while you wait.
Work on a new project. Every
story has it’s own flow and it can take 10 minutes or ten years to set up a
project. One of my colleagues just sold a project to Netflix that took ten
years!
Ken quotes Ray Bradbury: “ Start
writing more. It’ll get rid of those moods you’re having.”
I’m looking forward to speaking
to FilmMakeHers, a dynamic group of women
dedicated to furthering their careers in the business. I will be giving a talk
about how to use The Four Magic Questions Of Screenwriting when
structuring a film or TV pilot. I’m planning to have the attendees use
the technique to either structure a new story, or review one they are currently
working on during the three-hour class. It’s so exciting to work on new
stories with new people!
Ask you write, consider how your
personal history can successfully influence your work, and appreciate your own
uniqueness.
Here's to your successful
writing!
Professor Marilyn Horowitz
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