Sunday, March 20, 2011

When it Rains...

Yes, this past week another opportunity dropped onto my desk - this one big. Really big (and not at all writing related). The fact it showed up unexpectedly -- kind of awesome.

Now, truth be told -- this opportunity is totally coming to me at the wrong time. It's not really something I should even be contemplating...but it's just too neat not to try. Sure, the chances are pretty minuscule -- but the opportunity is too awesome for me not to give it a shot.

Anyways, I've sent off what I need to send off. I don't expect to hear more, but hey -- I've given it a good go.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

When did I open the floodgates?

Still waiting to get comments on the pilot back.

Interestingly, finishing the draft of the pilot appears to mean that I have now opened the floodgates to all the other ideas I have had in the last couple of years.

The one yesterday? An anthology pitch.

I've had an idea for another anthology since not long after editing UNDER COVER. I haven't gotten around to writing it up, because I wasn't sure of the angle I wanted to take. Well, that and I had no time to even breathe, much less think about editing.

Yesterday? Well, I got the first draft of the pitch down.

Funny how life works. I do nothing last year...and am now well on the way toward making up for it!

Jana

Monday, March 7, 2011

Does it ever get easier?

I mean, seriously. The sheer terror I get when I have to show something I’ve written to another person – it’s kind of crazy. Multiply that panic by a thousand... and that’s the feeling I get when I am writing something entirely new – no matter how much I want to write it.

Take yesterday. I finished my first set of edits on my pilot script.

Brief Aside

One of the outcomes of my three forays at pitching a television show – was the realization that many production companies have no clue what they want. Better to just show them something and let them make a decision based on an actual example (i.e., proof of concept) rather than a pitch. Yes, you need the pitch to get in the door – but offering an example provides a better “visual”.

At the same time, by writing the pilot – I create an example of my own television writing. This gives me more credibility (assuming it’s not awful). So, all in all, a good decision all around.

End Aside

So, back to the pilot. It’s finished and I am now showing it to someone. Fortunately for me, I have a perfect first reader in my brother. He’s been working for a development company for several years. Their current show just got renewed for a second season. He knows what the market wants.

He can give me real feedback on whether it’s any good – and strategic thoughts on how to make it better (assuming it’s not truly awful).

So, why am I nervous?

I wish I knew.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Off it goes...

I finished the first draft edits of my TV series pilot episode tonight.

I feel pretty good about it. I am sure it's going to need a ton of work (assuming it's not awful) -- but I think it's a pretty respectable first draft. Final page count was 56.

We'll see what my brother thinks.

As to what it's about...well, I am still not ready to say what the premise is. But I can give you a hint...

To a degree, this story is my take on the secret societies theme of UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS, although the series (in the very unlikely event it ever actually got made) would be purely mainstream.

I'll let you know what my brother's verdict is.