research ranch

So happy to hear that the map exercise was helpful to some.  Here’s another sparky spark  - get things going - or breathe new life trick.  Pick up something you ALMOST finished or start something totally new.  Write down subjects you want to know more about - either from your head or from the script that never got closure.  You’ll be amazed by how it is EXACTLY the missing link in your script - the point that will lead you to the core of your story.  Try it - report back your findings.  Make a turkey sandwich and do it now.   happy thanksgiving.xtheprof   p.s. in your research, pay attention to the full names of things and how finding exact language engages your imagination .  Let one site lead you to the next and exhaust all leads.  The story will find you - just keep moving.                            

the formula has no clothes

I cringe - protect my head from falling debris.  Several of you mentioned the “f” word so I’ll say  it right back to you with feeling - FORMULA.  It’s that popular group MYTH that hangs around like a ring of smog anywhere two or more writers are gathered together.  Do this and do this and you’ll have that.   sound easy?  good luck with it.    This is a post I started and never finished.  It has a twinge of bitterness.  N’est ce pas?   This past semester at USC has been flacardenful of delobinous struden twilla - no need for a dictionary - I just use the word AMAZING to the point that it applies to everything. A great semester that ends soon.  Next semester I’m teaching a course called WRITING THE SHORT FILM.  So, for the next few days - I’m posting exercises that were fruitful these last couple of months.  Then we’ll be caught up. I found this in Bill Roorbach’s book WRITING LIFE STORIES - really great book that will remind you of how much material you have in your own life - tune in to the way YOU tell stories.  He’s a kick ass great writer. Buy his books and they will change your life.  OK: Draw a map of the first neighborhood you can remember. Where did you live - where did you shop? - where did you ride your bicycle?  Where were you afraid to ride your bicycle?  OR  draw the map of  the story you’re working on -  re energize your script - if you really focus on making this map as intricate as you can - the floods will come - ideas - stories - conflicts.  Consider using glitter even.all for now.theprof