Busy Reinventing

Amazing how much can happen in a few weeks -- all because I decided that changing my job wasn't enough for the Year of Reinvention.

So, I hired a personal trainer. For the past 4 weeks, I've been meeting with him 3 times a week for 45 minute sessions. I've also been working on my own 3 other days of the week.

The progress I've made is noticeable. I feel more energized, I am stronger, and I am starting to gain a little bit of muscle. I wouldn't say I am "in shape" yet, but I am on the right path. My trainer has dared me to run in a 10 KM race in May (not really racing, just finishing) -- and at this rate, maybe I really can do it. I had my doubts 4 weeks ago.

I'm also eating better (I've brought my lunch almost every day for the past few weeks, I've been eating breakfast at home, and I've even used my stove). I'm not dieting, just eating more of the right food and less of the rest.

In terms of my writing world, my writing partner yelled at me for starting the new book without finishing and sending out the first -- so I've spent the time to rewrite my first few chapters, and done a final read through. Today it goes off to my final batch of test readers.

On that note, I've also redone my agent research since what I did a few years ago is wildly out of date. So, I now have a list of 20 or so agents to query.

I've also renamed the book (for now)....since Summer of Flight doesn't work for what the book is. The new title is "Whirlwind" -- but we'll see what the test readers think before the name gets locked in.

There's even been a hint of movement on the screenwriting side of my life. Someone actually asked about one of my scripts -- so there's going to be a bit of a meeting in January. Nothing formal, but there is potential there.

So, the Year of Reinvention is going to go out with a solid swell of reinvention and a lot of hope for the new year. I think I've chosen what next year will be, but there will be no telling until January 1st, just in case I change my mind!

Writing Retreat -- and Summer of Flight Update

I just got back from a three-day writing retreat in Windsor to work on the book.

If you recall, I fell off the planet last year -- so the book I wrote kind of got side-lined. Truth be told, I hadn't done more than look at it in just over a year. (I know, sad and pathetic is me).

But, as part of the year of reinvention, I am getting all aspects of my life back in order. Once the pilot was submitted to the contest (no word yet), my eyes turned back to the book.

Now -- I've kind of been afraid (no, terrified) to even look at it. After all, it's been a year. It was pretty much ready to go last summer (or so I thought last August). If I read it now and hated it -- I'd be really in a bind.

So, I finally bit the bullet and blocked three full days to read the book beginning to end and to make edits.

I just got home, and I can report the retreat was a wild success. I am also happy to report several things I realized while away:

1. I am obviously a better writer now than I was last year. It was amazing how many minor edits I noticed. They were glaringly obvious as I read it over. Chalk one up to taking a break before reading it.



2. I still really like the story (thank goodness!).



3. The beginning is too slow (which I already knew). I've made a bunch of edits to it (i.e., I canned most of the first two chapters). I need a bit more time to fix this part up. But it shouldn't be too bad.



4. I really do need a new title. Summer of Flight -- much as I love it, doesn't actually fit the book.

I made all my notes on paper -- and now I am keying the changes in backwards (so I end with the re-write of the beginning). I'm about half-way through keying in the edits.

Once this is done, I'll likely look for a final test reader or two just to be safe. Then, finally -- I can get it properly out the door (the five query emails last year notwithstanding).

Which is good, because I am kind of going on an unexpected research trip in late August for the Napoleonic sea adventure (with magic) novel. It would be nice not to have to worry about Casey and Company when I set off on that adventure!

Pilot Submitted

Despite a crazy few weeks, I managed to get the pilot submitted to the Austin Film Festival contest. I almost forgot about the deadline, but fortunately I remembered just in time to sneak in under the wire.

I'd be pretty thrilled if it made it into the second round, but who knows. Either way - I met a deadline.

Now, I just need to focus on the book...which means I need a writing retreat!

Jana

Update on life...

With respect to the awesome opportunity -- I actually did get a call back and two follow-up calls. The final verdict was that I don't quite have the expertise needed.

Ah well. Not unexpected -- I am more amazed at just how close I came.

On the writing front - I got some excellent feedback on the pilot. What it mostly amounted to was this: Great writing...but it's written too much like a book.

Hmm. It makes sense when I look at it that way. I've written it far too much from one perspective for television. Also, while it is a serial drama, there still needs to be a single story arc for the episode (rather than having it as part-1 of a 12 part series).

Both eminently fixable now I know what the issues are. There were other things too - but nothing devastating.

Which is good, since I found out the deadline for the contest I want to enter is actually June 1st...not July 1st. Whoops!

So this weekend's plan? Writing!

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

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.

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.

The first 10 pages

A cold kicked me in the butt this weekend. Despite that, I wanted to keep the momentum going so managed a bit of work.

I didn't do much -- but I did print out the pilot and read/edit the first 10 pages. Doesn't sound like a lot, but hey -- it's one-fifth of the entire show (doesn't that sound better?).

I fully expect the cold to be gone within the next few days, so will hopefully get the rest done next weekend!

Done the First Draft of the Pilot!

Done!

I feel like I’ve said nothing of importance for months on here ... oh, right – I haven’t.

But, after several weeks of settling into the new job, I’ve finally started to pick up the pieces of my creativity – and to get back to work on projects that matter! And I’m starting off with a bang.

In two weeks, I’ve:

• Finished the weird Toronto Story (first envisioned several years ago). Currently, the title is “The Everlasting”. It’s a disturbing little thing that gives me the willies just thinking about it.
  
• Finished the first draft of the pilot episode of my television show. It’s a serial drama with a fair bit of action set in modern day Toronto.

Needless to say, the second is the more important. After all, I wanted to write it over Labour Day weekend and then got sick. Then I got swallowed by work.

Now, I have a life again – which is a good thing. After all, it means this weekend I will be able to write again. Gad, three weekends in a row. What a crazy thought!

So, what’s on the plate for this weekend? Well, my brother is itching to read the pilot -- so I plan to print it out and make any immediate edits that come to mind.

Top of the list is a minor fix of sub way station names (Castle Frank -- not Donlands).

Second is consolidating a couple of minor characters to reduce the number of people in the episode. Originally, I kept adding new people – but in hind-sight, several could actually be the same.

Third is to fix any other bits and pieces – general editing of scenes, etc.

Finally, I’ll check the act breaks to make sure they work with my brother’s comments/suggestions.

Once that’s done, I’ll send my brother the first draft. This first pass is just to see if it’s not awful.

Assuming that to be the case, he’ll give it a good review and start making comments. At the same time, I’ll work on the rest of the package (i.e., series outline, character sketches, etc.).

We’ll trade off until everything is good – then he’ll get me feedback from a couple of industry folks. I’ll then do another pass at everything.

From there – well, who knows? I’ll worry about that once I know whether it’s not awful!

Jana

Day Two -- In a Tight Spot

Had a nice brunch with friends this morning. I managed to ask a few questions of one friend who happens to be an engineer.

This is good because the protagonist in the television show happens to work for an engineering company...which requires a bit of design-type stuff. Right now, I have placeholders like, "Ask XX what those things are called," and "Ask XX if this is even feasible?"

I don't actually need to know a lot -- but I do need enough to make certain scenes work -- which requires some technical stuff on engineering. Eventually the main character will spend most of the episode running, but I need to plant some office "real-life" in first, since it will become important later.

...enough of the rambling.

On the progress counter: I wrote 16 pages yesterday. Not bad, considering I usually spend my first day of writing procrastinating. I did make it to the end of Act 1, although I will need to go back and pepper a few extra scenes in later.

Today? Act 2. It involves a chase scene, some subway antics, and a big eye opener for our main character.

Jana

Why does this happen to me?

Well, the television saga continues...or wait, maybe this is the start of a new chapter.

Last weekend I went on a writing retreat. I wasn't expecting much because I've been a bit at a loss as to what to work on next. The book is finished and out making the rounds. Nothing at all exciting there. I've gotten some rejections from agents -- but not worried quite yet.

I need to do some good research before I start my next individual book (currently slated to be a Napoleonic sea adventure novel, with magic). Karina is still working on edits to her book, so Empath & Echo isn't in a rush to be written.

In truth, the writing retreat was well on its way to being a vacation (complete with lots of sleep), with no writing at all.

Enter an action adventure television series. Yes, last week my brother mentioned that a certain broadcaster was looking for an action series. I thought -- oh Action! I like Action! But I didn't want spies. Or cops. ...

So one morning of the writing retreat, my fellow writers were talking about getting tattoos (Hell no.) -- when I thought: Tattoos. Tattoos are cool. They are used a lot for secret societies in books and stuff. Wait! Secret societies! What about a show with secret societies? And so, the new concept was born. Unfortunately, I can't give you the plot -- or even the title, because too much would be given away.

Of course, I didn't have just a pitch idea drop in my lap...I had the whole first two seasons show up. With a bit of help from my writing partner, I pretty much have a fleshed out series...complete with an awesome opening scene for the pilot, and a very last scene for the first season. I do love having a friend to brainstorm with. She's awesome.

But still - I wasn't planning on writing a script. I was planning to write a mini-pitch, send it off to my brother, then worry about expanding the pitch later.

But this idea refused to settle for just being a pitch. It's pretty much hijacked my creativity and is demanding to be written. And not just "next". It wants to be done NOW. So, I've booked Labour Day weekend to writing a Pilot Episode. I have no idea how it will turn out, but it should be fun. At the very least, it will be good experience. This will be my first actual episode script. Fortunately, I've read a few great pilots -- including the one for 24. I imagine getting the draft down won't be hard...it will be making the draft good.

And here I thought it would be awhile before I found my next project. Famous Last Words.

Out into the World

My first round of queries went out today for my novel.

The best thing I could have done was plan to submit the queries on the day I left for a trip...after all, now I have other things to worry about besides the resulting rejections (or requests for pages -- you never know).

I am going to be online throughout the trip, so on the off chance I hear back from anyone, I can respond. Although to be honest, I doubt I'll start hearing back for a few weeks yet. So, I can go enjoy Las Vegas without any worries at all. I plan to do all sorts of exciting things beyond my friend's birthday party. Tomorrow, for instance, I'll be headed to the Grand Canyon. I've always wanted to go back.

On the writing front, my attention will shortly move from the book to the screenplay. My goal is to have that drafted by mid-July.

Jana (Never one to be bored)

Quick Update

May 1st.

Considering June 1st is my (personal) deadline for getting the book out to my first round of Agents - I had better get to work. Not too much time to blog.

Did I mention I have to take five people for High Tea if I miss the deadline? Yikes. Talk about incentive. Mind you, I won't send it out unless I am ready...but still, that would be a painful penalty! On the positive side, if I do get it out the door, I am the one who will be taken out. Much nicer option.

Currently working on Draft 3. Most changes at this point are finicky - to address points of confusion, etc. Last weekend I did have some real fun when I added a thousand words just beyond "X" in order to build a relationship up a bit more. Nice to have something fun and easy to do.

Today it's back to the more challenging bits. Those are fun to address too - just in different ways.

Other things...I've pretty much given up hope on the television pitch going anywhere. That's okay. Like I said, I've learned a lot from the whole process -- more so than most new writers in the field. And, seeing as I knew zilch about TV going in, I can't really complain. I now am that much farther ahead for next time.

I have been asked to write another pitch...this time, for a show I'd never want to miss. This is kind of fun, because it'll be like writing for an anthology. I'll create something just for me. I figure it'll be the most fun to write yet, if the least likely to go anywhere. ::chuckle:: To a degree, it's a blank slate with a theme.

This new pitch also needs to get done before the end of next weekend. Yea! Nothing like multiple deadlines to make me work harder.

So -- looks like I am in for a busy few weeks. I'll let you know how it goes!

Where I've Been, What I am Doing

I had a lovely time at Ad Astra. Met some interesting new people, saw some folks I know but never see often enough, and spoke about all sorts of interesting things…like taxes for writers. ::cough::

Overall, a very productive convention.

Right before I left for the convention, I received comments on my second draft from someone whose opinion really matters to me. I admit to having been terrified while I waited – hoping this person wouldn’t say it was dreadful.

Instead, it sounds like this person liked it. Sure there were suggested edits – but nothing really crazy (yea!).

My favourite part of the comments? Having my book called “exquisite and entrancing.”

::smile:: That compliment will carry me through many a month of wondering when I do get this out to agents (Yes, I am still on track for end of May).

Speaking of which, I’ve been making a list of good YA agents, and then ranking them according to personal preference.

I’ve been reading blogs and documenting contact information, submission requirements, and the like.

It’s been very interesting to learn about all the slight differences that make individual lives easier. As someone who is finicky about formatting, I am more than happy to oblige by giving each agent what they ask for.

But still – definitely no standards in terms of preferences. From 3 pages to 3 chapters, Times New Roman to Arial (Yuck), email to hard copy, synopsis or no synopsis…its all over the map.

Once draft three is done, I’ll be starting to develop my submission packages. I can already see that will be fun!

What am I Going to Do When...

I have to wait months (or years) to hear about a novel I submitted?

I can't even tell you how anxious I am getting about the whole pitch thing -- even though I do *know* full well the chances of it ever going anywhere are minuscule.

Seriously. I really do. You'd think I'd just tell myself to shut up.

But I can't help the What if? Factor. What if? It's the nebulous, I don't really know -- that makes it so tantalizingly interesting.

Thank goodness things move quickly. I may find out tomorrow if the Development Company's going to run with it.

Either way, it will be over soon. Likely in less time than it would take an Agent to even consider asking me to submit a Full Manuscript.

In other words...I should enjoy the What if? Factor while it lasts...

Ad Astra Schedule

For something different - I got my schedule for Ad Astra, which runs April 9 - 11 in Toronto. I asked them only to put me on panels Saturday and Sunday, because I am not sure when I'll be arriving.

In any event...here's where you'll be able to find me:

Sat 11:00 AM
Ballr. East
Editing Your Own Work: Authors and editors share tips on how to spot the problems that are so easy to miss in your own work, how to add a bit more polish to your writing, and how to prepare your draft so that editing goes as smoothly as possible.

Sun 1:00 PM
Ballr. East
An Editor's Dream: Learn the characteristics that editors appreciate in an author.

Sun 2:00 PM
Salon 243
Business Basics of Writing: Learn about all the business-side and organizational jobs that come with starting up a writing career, and good resources for getting that done.

The "Notes"

I received the written notes today from the development company. I have to admit I liked getting these as it let me view their comments in a more holistic manner than I received from the phone call.

Overall, the comments made very good sense. Key thoughts outside of the ones mentioned the other day included:

• A need to ante up the tone of the show...apparently I aimed it too young. I wonder if that's because I've spent so much time writing a young adult novel lately?
• A need to show more about how the characters would interact. It wasn't readily apparent in the episode synopses (synopsises, synopsi?) and the character sketches were individually focused. Kind of obvious in hindsight. I'll be adding a "Team Dynamics" section to address the issue.
• A need to mention key sub-plots (where I'd just focused on the major theme of each episode).

Overall, I should be able to address their comments fairly easily. Fortunately it wasn't so much about what they didn't like, so much as about what else they wanted me to mention. I figure that's not bad at all, considering how much I am still learning.

Wish me luck for the next draft -- which I'll be doing this weekend.

Oh...and as an added note: you have to love the quick turn around times I've been getting on the review of materials. The desire to be "first out the gate" is really working in my favour at the moment.

The Extended Pitch

I just finished the Extended Pitch for the TV show concept.

This one was much harder than the first -- mostly because I had to do a lot of research on the concept. It was easy to come up with a pitch, but sketching out all the characters was complicated. Not to mention coming up with episode ideas, each of which had to revolve around a specific case. I am the one who managed once to write a mystery that had no mystery at all, so you can see where I might have trouble.

But, all is good. I got the pitch done -- and even had a chance to review it with a friend first.

So, off it goes to the company. They'll be speaking about it on Tuesday, so I should know shortly if they like it, if they are going to keep moving forward with it, and what -- if anything -- they want to change.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Development Meeting

So.

I had my first Development Meeting.

I have to say that because it was the first -- something to be remembered. From what I've heard, getting a meeting can sometimes be hard. That the meeting was to discuss my ideas for an original TV show? Kind of awesome.

Anyway -- the meeting.

First off, it was over the phone. This was useful, considering people were in several cities, including both LA and Toronto. It was also hard, because I couldn't see the people I was talking to. I couldn't read the visual cues they might have been sending.

Mind you, my friends would argue that I'd have missed them in any event, so not a big loss.

In general, the meeting was basically a long, open discussion. Everyone on the call had different ideas and different thoughts. I had been warned about this in Austin -- but being on the receiving end of it was odd. It was like a weird form of deja vu -- being in a situation I had heard about, but never expected to be in.

One thing I was surprised by -- they kind of deferred to me when it came to the concepts. People asked questions, gave comments, said what they liked, offered open ended questions about where things could go -- but they made a point of saying I would have a lot to think about, and should use what I thought was most right for the story.

In other words, they treated me like a real TV writer, with all the confidence that entails.

Now, I just need to prove that their faith is well-deserved.

So -- next steps. I need to write an extended pitch, similar to the first one I wrote back in the fall. This will be a bit more complex, because of the type of show -- but will follow the same basic premise.

Then, we'll likely have another call. After that -- who knows. I guess we'll see.

Where did the month go?

I don't actually remember most of January.

You can blame that on some wacky cough medication. Now, I am on several inhalers, and -- while still sick -- feel I may have finally hit the bottom of the slope and can now start the long journey back up to to full speed.

It better not take another six weeks. Seriously.

On the good side, the TV pitch (formerly known as the secret project) is still under consideration for development. Things were slow moving in January but it seems they may hold interviews with potential writers in the coming weeks. In other words, it isn't a "we gave up" yet. So that's a good thing.

In the interim, I was asked if I'd be interested in throwing out some concepts for another type of show. Similar to the first request, this one seems to have originated from a "broadcasters are interested in [fill in blank] shows.

Did I mention my brain hasn't worked properly in six weeks?

I said I'd see what I could come up with. It just might take a while. After all, I need a chance to recover first.

In the meantime, I probably have the brainpower to watch a bunch of procedural dramas.

After all, it would be research.