Wether or not these projects (six novels and two screenplays) see the light of day or not doesn't matter. What matters is that I'm writing.
Having given in and created a mild outline and/or structure for this year's script, I am very glad to be hanging on it. Even though there are already signs of the structure, once a sensible sail boat, turning into a flying pirate ship, I'm still writing about four pages a day.
Ideas and plot points are falling into my head. I'm reading about William Goldman and agreeing and feeling a little smug about his assertion that the draft, the first draft, is the best part of the script. I am a little daunted by his extensive research.
Once again I have made peace with the process which involves lots of reading of research sources as I write. It doesn't matter how much I think I already know, or how committed I am to writing what I know (so as to make things easier) I always end up writing about stuff I haven't done or know little or nothing about. The research takes extra time, expanding my writing time from an hour to sometimes three hours. Seems so inefficient. Yet without the research I can't write.
Simple things, such as what is in a cart, how foodstuffs are wrapped, whether or not tobacco was commonly available, and more complex things such as the legal obligations of a daughter to her father - need to be determined regarding the MIddle Ages before the action can continue.
I actually enjoy the research. Aside from giving me a good excuse not to write, I like learning stuff. Especially when that stuff has an immediate application.
Every year I learn this again. Some of the experience sticks from one year to the next. The motivational part: joining Script Frenzy, hosting write-ins, telling friends about my goals - all that I remember and do each year. All part of committing to the task.
I guess it's the commitment that I remember. Sort of like a sign post that says, "Start Here."
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