During the month of April, I wrote two first drafts for two different producers. After finishing the first script and waiting for producer and director feedback, I jumped right into writing the second script. Part of my motivation was time constraints but the other was that I was in the writer's zone. This has happened to me on several occasions where my output is prolific during specific periods of time. I believe it's simply the perfect combination of energy and inspiration. Does that ever happen to you?
Screenwriting : Getting into the writer's zone by Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover"
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I had an option for a TV series based on a pilot I wrote. The producers wanted three more episodes. I wrote them in a week or two. As I remember, I was "in the zone." Hasn't happened in many years since.
There's a principle that goes. The task expands to fill the time allotted. So true in my case. I have to create commitments which put me under pressure and make me work faster.
I don't find that 'zone' often what with my attention span of a gnat and all. I have had it couple times and it doesn't last as long as i'd like it to. I am envious of people who can actually write for more than three hours.
I've done all day writing sessions.
Phil, have you heard Tony Gilroy talk about the "three days of inspiration outta' the year that a writer produces the work that PAYS for the entire year?" His example of that... Explaining that he'd been at dinner with fellow writers and a (producer/guy he didn't really like) came over and said "hello." His friends said to the producer, "...Tony said that there's only three days out of the entire year that a writer produces his best work..." And the Producer said in reply... "I only wanna' PAY for those three days." I love it when I get in that zone. I'm a firm believer that the worst thing any writer can do would be interrupt what we so desperately crave, because ever too seldom it comes rushing out of our fingers. The more I write, the more it happens. The best part..? My scripts are passionate and only get better!
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Stephen: Gilroy has mad talent. But for me, I believe that in spite of spurts of energy and creativity, writing is also about consistency. Though I try different things during that process, the most important thing is the result. This month I wrote a script off a very detailed scene by scene treatment. I also wrote another script with only a few scene ideas and a beginning, middle and end I had in my head. I knew I wanted my main theme to be betrayal. I like both scripts equally; but I don't think one is better than the other. I employed two entirely different approaches that both netted good results. The more I write, the more dialed in my style becomes. And once I get past the first ten pages, I'm always energized. Though I love my spurts of manic energy, I also have times where I just sit down, dig in and get it done. Enjoy your times in the zone and I'm glad to hear you speak about your passion for what you're doing. You're a good storyteller.
As are you, Phil! I love the energy after the first 10, too!
It's when you are in the protagonist's shoes - a ticking bomb situation, but you know from experience which thread to cut.