I had a plan to write 2 scenes a week, but after other things coming up I stopped. I think I’m going to continue trying to finish writing this. 14 months ago

I had an idea that was beyond the realm of a short, way too long and complicated. Instead of giving up I kept developing it and it looks like a I have a functional outline. 15 months ago

ive just been hired to write for an amazing tv show, so im planning to utilise these new skills to write a feature that incorporates commercial viability. being around story all day will give me so many ideas. i want to grow this feature alongside my work in the hopes it will propel me to the next level once it’s ready.
it began as a short, then i worked on it for 6 months in my course. after seeing Rober McKee talk about genre i realsied its not just a comedy – it has a thriller plot lying underneath which drives the story forward and carries the comedy with it, giving it room to offshoot everywhere (rather than having the pressure on the story to just be funny of itself). kind of like A Fish Called Wanda.
so despite all this prep im still at the early stages but as its my first having all this time and support to get it started has been great. im finally feeling like the core of the story – both characters and plot – are loosely locked in and im feeling pretty confident that my story is big enough to be a really juicy feature. its based on a concept that got really strong positive recation from my class and lecturer. and – bonus – they all thought the idea was very “me” before they even knew who wrote it! the thoought of having a signature style thrills me and i feel im really onto a winner.
im still meeting once a month with my screenwriting class which is great, its super helpful to feel accountable on a regular basis.
im cautious about setting goals and my aim at this stage is just to get it to first draft stage (aka vomit draft) and then let it sit. my main obstacle will be letting myself write without criticism stopping me before i reach the end. i can be kind of a perfectionist but im determined to do as much prep as possible before i sit down to actually write. again, im hoping the methods i learn in the writers room will be of huge help when it comes down to structuring my scenes.
this is an epic goal, but one that i know im finally ready for and am so excited to be doing. if i can have my first draft punched out by my birthday next year i’ll be really pleased.
obvs in future its ideal not to take so long but i think since im still learning and this is my first, its important to take lots of time and learn as much as possible along the way.
Yay!
In terms of my writing habits, i think until ive settled in at the new place i’ll probably be too overwhelmed to write after work, so will keep it to weekends. But after a few months when im feeling a little more stable there, im hoping ill be able to catch second winds at night and work on it then. i just have to keep it alive, im feeling very creatively inspired at present but unless i keep it fresh i know how these things can run dry and start to feel stale. 20 months ago