Monster

Just finished a most graphic and harrowing read: “Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member”. While the writing style did not appeal to me, the content was as fascinating as it was heartbreaking. It really did feel like I was right there, like a fly on the wall. I was exposed to a whole new language and way of life. It’s crazy how many different gangs there are in L.A alone. The wars described in the book often seemed pointless, fighting for territory that in the end didn’t really belong to anyone except the city they lived in. It was really hard to believe that there are places like this in North America and elsewhere. I do recommend the book to get a flavour of real Los Angeles gang life.

Some great screenwriting books to read

Two books that I highly recommend are “Adventures in the Screen Trade” and “Which Lie Did I Tell? More Adventures in the Screen Trade”, both by William Goldman. The first is a little dated, but the advice, education and entertainment value alone make these books well worth a read.

It’s fascinating to see how a successful screenwriter approaches projects, how he deals with writing blocks and insecurities, and know that he has had his fair share of failures and disappointments.

I'm finally done... the reading that is

With a all my other work pausing for a moment, I finally found some time to finish reading Karl Iglesias’s book “Writing for Emotional Impact”. I wanted to read it before heading into rewrites on my latest screenplay, arming myself with new knowledge. I feel slightly overwhelmed. There is so much information in the book, I know I won’t remember it all. Not going to worry to much about it though. I just have to go back into the screenplay and get writing again and refer back when I need to. The Nicholls are fast approaching, and I really want to submit this year if I can. But I won’t do it if I don’t feel I’m ready.

I’ve learned from experience that the pause in visual effects work usually means that there is going to be a shitstorm soon, a deluge of work that I will have to make time for. Good for paying the bills, bad for focusing on writing a screenplay.

Things could be worse though. I could be penniless with all the time in the world. The time is great, the financial pressure crushing. Been there, done that, don’t want to do it again. I guess this is just a temporary compromise. Got to keep my eyes on the currently unattainable. I will get there.

Going to read a few books

As I wade through the current visual effects workload I have, I thought I’d start reading some books on screenwriting that I have taken note of with my limited free time. Since I’ll eventually get to the rewrite (hopefully before the Nicholls in May), I thought I’d take in “Writing for Emotional Impact” by Karl Iglesias.

I’m just a little ways into it, and it’s been enlightening. I am learning new tidbits of info, as well as getting affirmation that my first draft is on the right path. Good to know. I’d like to get through this book before I jump into my rewrite if I can.

I wish I read faster. My wife reads at a blisteringly fast pace. I wish I had that skill.

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