Screenwriting And Compassion

How do I create compassion in my characters? I believe it all starts inside the screenwriter. If I want to have compassion for and within my movie characters, I first need to have it for myself. Although I am often my worst critic, I try to stay in check with how I treat myself. I have more compassion for myself today, knowing that I am a work in progress. I have my struggles and I know them. I can be kinder to myself, especially when times are rough. I chose to do loving things for myself during the challenging times in life. This is how I develop a deeper sense of compassion for me. When I do this, I am able to be more compassionate towards others and those others include my characters in my screenplays. I find that my antagonists are more likable as a result and readers then care more about my characters and screenplay. How compassionate are you towards yourself?

MDJ

Hey Screenwriter! - What Inspires You?

We all need some inspiration. I often think about what inspires me to write screenplays. One time when I was having a long dry spell (i.e., basically starving to death while writing screenplays) I wrote a letter to one studio executive who had read some of my material. I wrote to him and expressed how I thought that maybe I wasn't a good writer. I was very surprised when I received a letter back from him. It was a very inspiring letter in which he explained the ins and outs of the entertainment business including the extreme difficulties, politics and timing regarding screenplay sales. He assured me, I had talent. This letter inspired me during a time when I thought all hope was lost. I still have this letter. What inspires you to write screenplays?

MDJ

Screenwriting Is A Process

"I don't pretend to understand the Universe - it's a great deal bigger than I am." - Thomas Carlyle

I love this quote. It humbles me and relieves me. When I think about screenwriting and what I know... it is really very little. What I do know about life as well as screenwriting is that there is so much more to learn. I know I need to grow as a screenwriter as well as a person. The learning never stops and when I think I have all the answers, I am in big trouble. I don't need to figure things out all of the time. I just need to show up today and do what I love doing. Today, that is writing and doing the things that make me a better writer.

MDJ

Screenwriter's Support Network

I find it extremely valuable to have a support network of family, friends and industry folks. We all know that the entertainment business is tough. I am human and I have my good and bad days. I get rejection letters. I have pitch meetings that don't go so well. I meet with that difficult individual... I once had a face to face pitch meeting with a producer who I had several previous meetings with along with interest in my material and he said, "Your name sounds familiar," while he was getting a back rub and not really giving me any attention during the meeting... This stuff happens and even with thick skin comments like that can hurt. These are the times I turn to my support network. The people in my life who remind me about what is truly important... my health, those I love and the like. Who are the people in your support network?

MDJ

Screenwriting... And Then There Is Life

I know that early in my twenties, all that seemed important was success. I moved to Los Angeles... alone. I wrote quite a bit ... alone. I worked in the industry and then went home... alone. I was so driven that I had forgotten about life. My one and only priority was work. I wanted success. Today things are very different and so are my priorities. My top three priorities are... 1) My spiritual life. 2) My family life. 3) My work life. I am happier and more a part of life. Yes, I love the entertainment industry, it just doesn't rule my life. What are your life priorities?

MDJ

Is Today The Day My Screenplay Will Sell?

As screenwriters, we would all welcome a screenplay sale today... and it may or may not happen. "Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want." This quote by an unknown source has been in my quote vault for many years. My last spec script may sell or it may not. I know that the more I write, the better I become as a writer. I try to make every screenplay better than the previous one. My writing process is just that... a process. One of discovery... about myself, my talent, my ever-developing unique style, and so much more. I need only worry about writing today. My goal while waiting for the screenplay to sell is to be a better writer and a better person each and every day.

MDJ

Thank You Screenwriter!

First, there was a story... Before any movie can be made there needs to be the story and screenplay. No story. No movie. Period. I like to take the time now and then to appreciate screenwriters that I admire, some known, some unknown. I am honored to judge many screenplay contests. When I find a gem, even if it isn't a winner, I like to let the screenwriter know that their screenplay touched me in some way. I do this with known writers as well, through a letter or in person, saying not much more than, "Thank you for writing that screenplay." There is power in those two words, "Thank you."

MDJ

The Screenwriter's Instrument...

A computer? Pen and pad? Typewriter?... This isn't the instrument that I am speaking about. We, the writer are the instrument. How do we treat our instrument? I find that I am the best writer I can be when I treat my instrument with respect. This is when I am fit physically, mentally, spiritually, when I eat healthy, get enough sleep and have a well balanced life. I think balance is the key to keeping me (the instrument) in tune. When I do these things my writing instrument is more present, more efficient, healthier and much more creative. How can I keep my writing instrument in tune today?

MDJ

Building Yourself Up - Being Human - Being A Screenwriter

The entertainment industry is very good at picking apart talent. "You're only as good as your last picture," so the saying goes. Ouch! But, what about my self-esteem? Oh, entertainers have feeling... Yes we do and we have hearts too.

How do we build ourselves up in a healthy way? To stay in this business and to maintain a healthy sense of self, there are things we can do... 1) Practice kindness. 2) Practice gratitude. 3) Help others. 4) Stay humble. 5) Practice self loving acts. 6) Be true to ourselves.

These are some of the ways we can build ourselves up in healthy ways. What are some others?

MDJ

Beating The Screenwriting Odds

Tens of thousands of screenplays (treatments, outlines and the like) are registered with the Writers Guild of America and who knows how many with the U. S. Copyright Office every single year. How many of those actually get optioned? How many are sold? How many six figure screenplay sales are there every year? Do I even want to know? Ouch! The odds of making it are definitely tough. So, why do I even bother?

Here is why I bother... I love to write. I am creative. I posses special unique talents that no other individual on the planet possesses. Yes, I need to discover what those talents are and expose them in my writing. I need to remember that I do what I do because I have passion for it and nothing makes me happier than writing. I have a friend who reminds me, "Someone has to make it, so why not let it be you?" I like to focus on this type of information and feed my spirit with hope and optimism. I believe this is a formula for beating the screenwriting odds.

MDJ

Screenwriting And Procrastination

I had the opportunity to hear the award-winning screenwriter, Susannah Grant speak about a year ago and she addressed procrastination. Susannah said, "It's amazing how clean my house gets when I am working on a screenplay." As a writer, I get it. It's amazing how many other things I get accomplished as well when I am working on a screenplay. I am not always able to discover the root cause for my procrastination but I believe it is something I need to acknowledge and take a look at from time to time. We all do it to one degree or another. I know if it is a persistent issue, I need to take a deeper looking at myself. Am I afraid of success? Am I working on the wrong story? Am I ready for success? I like to explore the root cause through journaling, meditation, contemplation or with outside help if need be. Once I discover why it is I procrastinate, I am then able to move on with the task at hand, like writing!

Perfectionism And The Screenwriter

"Anything worth doing is worth doing half-assed!" I heard this quote many years ago and thought that it was one of the most left field comments that I had ever heard. Over the years I have discovered deep wisdom within those words. I need to accept the fact that my screenplay will never be perfect. Writing a screenplay is a process and if I am waiting for every single perfect condition to present itself, not only will I never begin the screenplay it will never be right. I do need to write the most professional screenplay that I am able. I just don't need to spend the next ten years writing it. I think it is valuable for me to look at other areas of my life where I feel the need to be perfect and start to let go a little bit at a time. I believe my perfectionism can harbor my writing.

MDJ

Screenwriting - A Daily Perspective

On occasion I like to review my day. I am not good at doing this every day but like to make it a practice at times. Here is what I consider a fulfilling day... I slept well. I wrote. I ate well. I did some exercise. I helped someone. I told someone I loved them. I took a risk. I tried to better myself. I was thankful. These are the things that are important to me on a daily basis. I know that my life is so much more than having the six figure screenplay sale in my day. I would enjoy that experience during my day as well, icing on the cake, definitely. I just need to keep things in perspective each and every day and practice those things that are important. The results of my dreams labors will take care of themselves.

MDJ

Journaling And The Screenwriter

I find journaling a very important part of my writing practice. It seems to clear out "the junk" from my mind and helps me to gain focus. I also feel better after journaling. Studies have also shown staggering results about the importance of journaling. One study found it as effective as therapy (and cheaper). When I sit down to work on a script I want my time to be productive and beneficial to my characters and story. Journaling helps me to have a more enriching screenwriting experience. I just need to remember to do it more often. Have you adapted a practice of journaling?

MDJ

Rejection And Screenwriting

Rejection. I don't think I know one person who likes rejection. I have come to a place in my life knowing that not everyone will like my writing, directing, acting or movies. Of course I would love it if everyone praised my talent but that will never happen. I have to put things in perspective and know that the entertainment business is just that, a business. Decision makers look at business more than art. I need to write first and foremost for myself and then keep on writing. When I finish a screenplay, I immediately begin another writing project. If and when the first piece doesn't sell I buffer the rejection by taking care of myself. Instead of beating up on myself, I do good things for myself and love myself through it. I find this works for me. How do you handle rejection in a health way?

MDJ

Emotional Access And The Screenwriter

Am I able to give something I do not have? Movies are emotional mediums. Whenever I read a screenplay, I want to feel something. Sometimes I don't feel much of anything and this is a sign to me that I am not connecting with the script. I continually strive to be a better person and have worked at that for a long time. I continue to better myself and try to do something daily to do so. As a male, I struggled for many years to become comfortable with my emotions and express them freely. As a result, I am able to do that today and I have noticed throughout the years how my writing has grown. I have had people read things of mine and laugh out loud, cry (with real tears) as well as experience other emotions. I believe my writing of years ago did not possess the emotional depth that I would have liked because I wasn't able to go there myself. I am comfortable today with feeling my emotions and it translates through my writing.

MDJ

Screenwriting Practice

What is your screenwriting practice? I like to write early in the morning. My creativity flows strong for about two hours and then it begins to falter. I like to take a long break between same day writing sessions. Running or working out assists my writing as a type of problem solving meditation. I often have ideas come to me that vastly improve my script during these times. I then have an afternoon writing session. I like to write my first draft as quickly as possible. I then start the rewriting process to polish story. After the story is in pretty good shape, I then work on character and dialog. Next, I give my script to people I trust with their feedback and comments and then move on to more rewriting.

We all approach screenwriting differently and have our own discipline. The bottom line is to keep our practice.

MDJ

The Giving Screenwriter

Giving is receiving. I have a deep belief that we must give back to what is paying our way in life. As a writer, how do I give back? What if writing isn't paying my way today? There is power in giving and giving unconditionally. Supporting another in their pursuit of a dream has power beyond our earthly comprehension. What are ways I am able to give to the industry that supports me or that I want to support me? Let me count the ways... 1) Offer to read another writers work 2) Volunteer for a reading program 3)Mentor another writer 4)Write someone's wedding vows 5)Volunteer at a library 6)Write a PSA for a non-profit at no charge... There are a variety of ways we can give to the industry that may or may not be supporting us at the moment. It is a great lesson in unconditional giving.

MDJ

What Are You Grateful For Screenwriter?

Gratitude. Expressing gratitude has power and yes, especially during those times when we feel the least grateful. As writers, we are given gifts to share with the world. If we do not share the gift, we are not only shorting ourselves but others as well. We have the ability to create new worlds and characters that touch others in unique and amazing ways. Let's take time today to be grateful for our writing, our imagination and our creativity. These are amazing gifts given to us so that we share them with the world. If I am struggling today with my writing, maybe I should make a complete list of all things for which I am grateful.

MDJ

Making/Breaking Screenwriting Rules

Assuming we all know the basics... Great characters and stories told make great screenplays... but what about following the rules? And what exactly are those screenwriting rules? I have read many books on screenwriting throughout the years and love to read contradictions among authors. Alas, William Goldman's famous Hollywood quote is correct, "Nobody knows anything." But is this totally true? I believe we need to make our own rules and work outside of those imaginary parameters and trust that maybe we do know certain things. We are all unique. When we take a chance and do something different, we break through our own limitations and often discover something magnificent. Wouldn't it be great if in our current or next screenplay when the thought to write something crazy hits us, we just do it?

MDJ

Screenwriting Success: The Role of Fear

Am I where I want to be with my screenwriting career? Have I reached my screenwriting goals? If I haven't, maybe it's time I examine my fears. Fear has the power to paralyze our lives, all areas of our lives. I have examined and continue periodically to look at how fear rules my life and especially my writing. I have had to take a look at fear of failure as well as fear of success. I journal and explore my fears... where are they coming from? Through deep introspection, I often discover the sources and causes of many fears. I am then able to move on with my life and this often strengthens my writing.

MDJ

Screenwriting From The Gut!

We have all heard of "gut instinct" or "gut feeling." We have all had them. Are you applying that instinct to your writing? When we let our characters speak, they talk from their unique voice. When we let our story speak, it usually tells itself. Now, how do we get in the practice of doing this? I believe we need to exercise our "gut instinct" muscle. Take a situation from your own life in which you trusted your gut and write about it. Explore the thoughts and feelings around the situation. We then tap into our "gut feeling" muscle. It doesn't lead us astray. When I am then present and aware, I am able to apply this to my writing. And when I do this, watch how the characters and story come alive.

MDJ

Screenwriting: What's Your Style?

The dictionary defines style, "A distinctive manner of expression." Do you know you writing style? It's that unique expression that sets us apart from others and makes our work stand out. If I have trouble defining it, maybe a place to start is within. I can ask myself: What are some unique qualities that only I posses? Do I have a special physical talent? What sets my writing apart from others? We spend our entire life journey discovering who we are and these things carry through in all that we do.

Today, how about making a list of things that define who you are individually and within your writing?... Maybe within that list lies some insight into your writing style.

MDJ

The Ultimate Screenwriting Goal

What is my ultimate screenwriting dream? Do I want the six figure screenplay sale? Do I want to win an Academy Award? Do I want to direct? Whatever the ultimate goal is, I need to take the time to envision my success in as much detail as possible. I have practiced my Academy Award winning speech over and over. I know who is sitting by me, I know what I am wearing, I hear the chaotic crowd, I know the smell in the air, I know what touching an Oscar feels like. I envision the night using all of my senses. I remember to do this exercise often. The mind has the powerful ability to draw things to us that we vividly imagine. See, Hear, Smell, Touch and Envision your ultimate screenwriting dream and do it often.

MDJ

The Patient Screenwriter

Patience. I know that when I practice patience regarding all aspects of my craft, not only is my writing better, so is my entire life. The scenes aren't coming... I take a break, go for a run, an idea hits me and I return to my writing. I finish a screenplay, send it to my agent, don't hear anything... I start writing another screenplay. The outcomes will be what they will be. I need to take the time to be patient with myself and my career and know that although I have strong writing goals and dreams, I need to be patient and not force an outcome. The outcome may be much better than I could have ever imagined if I am patient and willing to let things be.

MDJ

The Master Screenwriter

Are you a novice or professional screenwriter? Maybe somewhere in between the two? It doesn't matter because we all have the opportunity to become the Master Screenwriter. The Master Screenwriter knows the power of giving back to an industry that he or she has been blessed to participate in. It doesn't matter to the Master if he/she is an optioned, sold or produced writer. What matters to the Master is helping others. How can I do this? Let me list the ways... 1) Join an entertainment networking group and help a new writer - 2) Introduce a writer to an agent. - 3) Agree to read a new writer's first screenplay - 4) Mentor a young writer... There are many ways to give back the the industry we are so blessed to be a part of... How can I do that today?

MDJ

Screenwriter: Know Thyself

When I first moved to Hollywood, I was trying to get an agent. I remember one thing an agent told me... "When you can tell me who you are above and beyond everyone else, then call me." I never forgot that wise comment. I want to develop my talent, my unique talent. This takes time. I believe that success in anything is an inside out job. So what do I know about me as it relates to my talent?... A few of my screenwriting strengths: 1) I am a really good story teller, 2) good with creating quirky characters and exposing their flaws. One challenge: 1) I'm pretty good at dialog and trying to get better. I challenge myself to take regular stock of my talent so that I know what I have in the warehouse to draw upon for the next screenplay.

MDJ

A Grateful Screenwriter

Gratitude. I try to remember on occasion to take time to be grateful for my creative talents. I have had individuals over the years ask, "How are you able to just sit down and write an entire movie?" I take this for granted much of the time. Those days when the thoughts and ideas are just not flowing, I find it hard to be grateful. I think these are the days when I need to be most appreciative. I have the ability to create unique worlds, stories and characters. I believe this is a talent that was given to me. I need to practice this talent and share it with others. I need always remember to be thankful.

MDJ

What Drives Your Writing?

Is there an underlying force that drives your writing? Fame? Fortune? Ego? There are many things that can drive our need to write. Is there something deeper that drives us? How about our life mission? Most successful businesses have a business plan, a mission statement that is the underlying force behind all that they do. Do you have a mission statement for a successful life? Mine can be summed up quite simply, "To Inspire." This is the the mission that drives every area of my life. If I am able to inspire one person today, I am successful and have taken another step in fulfilling my life mission.

MDJ

Screenwriting & Success

When I am at the top of my game and everything is going well... Producers, agents and studios are calling, scripts are being optioned or sold, life is great. I am a success. How often does this happen? Often or not, this is placing success outside of myself and out of my control. I am setting myself up for disappointment sooner or later, even if I am on the "A" list.

I need to redefine what success is so that I can be successful everyday. What if I define success as just writing today... a sentence, an idea, a paragraph, one screenplay page, etc... If I define my own success and make it a manageable chunk, then I am a success every day. In doing this I build myself up each and every day and then set myself up for greater successes.

MDJ

The Persistent Screenwriter

One key element to success in any endeavor is persistence. There is so much competition in the entertainment industry. The statistics paint a grim picture of success if one makes them their focus. One of my favorite quotes that I heard many years ago... "There are people in Hollywood who are successful today simply because they didn't give up when they should have." I love this quote. I have forgotten the source but the wisdom these words hold speak to that place within me that must push on while keeping my eye on the prize. And the prize is the ability to write, which I do today. The little steps I take to fulfill my dream bring me closer each day.

MDJ