Introduce Yourself : CJ Walley - Screenwriter of Gritty Female Leads by CJ Walley

CJ, what an awesome success story on Stage 32!

Thanks buddy, I really hope it helps motivate others to use the platform as effectively as they can :)

Latest success story showing just how the connections you make here now can really pay off in time: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/stage_32_success_stories/From-Switzerland...

My hero is in the building! Great post, CJ!

That's what's up, buddy!

old wine in a bottle… popping out again? longest time man…. wa gwan with you?

Hiya, baby! Great to see you, CJ! Fantastic post. :)

Bless up, Ewah! Good to see you posting. All going good, brother. Hope all is well with you :)

Hey Beth. I'm only doing bit-parts here in the Lounge at the moment but I like to think I deliver when I do :P

And deliver, you have. :) Best to you!

If you check out the latest Stage 32 success stories video on their new YouTube channel, I talk a little bit about my experience here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HUAJJcwhTM

Great video -- I do love that accent!

Always awesome to see you, CJ!

Hi I read Devils Little Angel. The characters drew me in, and I wanted to know more, to follow their demise. A poignant moment when the girl sacrifices her milk to a dying plant. Trapped with a loathsome, puppeteer psycho, forced into heinous acts, she shows she still has a heart. Personally I would extend this idea, and carry on the rich mind play between the cast , and add to the meat of the story. It's too good to end with a "Thud". Also it is good for us film makers because it is one location, costs can dictate whether or not a film is made, more locations ...usually more money. (Even if its just for transportation). Thanks for sharing your work.

Wow! Thanks so much for that, Debbie. That's the thing with a short, by the time you've written something short and sweet there's this desire to write episode after episode. And maybe that's a possibility with Devil's Little Angel.

Back to the top :) It’s been an interesting four weeks since my last update. I’ve been doing a lot of deep reflecting and, after seeing a inspirational quote posted on my Facebook feed, I have adopted the mindset of focusing on those who inspire rather than those who annoy. We creatives are sensitive beings and it always amazes me how easily our positive energy is compromised. So I’m focusing on the love and continuing to get into some great dialogue with fellow members here. I’m now on Facebook. I always was on Facebook but not as my screenwriting alter-ego. I’ve been resistant to bring my screenwriting world into my normal world, fear of embarrassment, anxiety about living up to expectation and all that. However I got invited into an exciting group that aims to bring a collection of female-centric short films into the world and didn’t want to pass up on the opportunity. This was via an actor I connected with here by the way. Anyway, the change over went well, I actually got a really supportive message off an old friend, and I’ve added lots of new filmmaking friends there too. I did used to have a fan page but I never felt comfortable with that and have switched it off. Basically it’s come down to wanting friends over fans, something I feel much more comfortable with. If you want to be friends there then feel free to send a request: https://www.facebook.com/cridaper I made a little recording to help contribute to the Stage 32 Success Story videos you can find on the YouTube channel. A few other members have too. I felt very uncomfortable doing this, I am not the kind of person who likes being in front of the camera, but I felt very passionate about supporting Stage 32 and helping motivate members here. To be honest I could have rattled on for a good 30 mins about my positive experiences. Check out the compilation and be sure to take a look at the other Stage 32 videos available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HUAJJcwhTM My experience working with a producer is proving to be wonderful. While I’ve optioned a few shorts now, I’ve never actively rewritten one extensively. As I’ve said before, I’m in this to be part of great teams and this is certainly the case here. Being able to explore different ideas and write knowing you’re taking the script in a direction that’s more likely to be produced is so liberating compared to rolling the dice with decisions in a spec. It’s also brilliant to have somebody else’s creative input in terms of new ideas but also keeping the tone and theme on track. An actor on here was looking for some material to help build her showreel so I got in contact with her. After some discussion, I recalled that I had an old sitcom episode script kicking around. She liked it and plans to use it, perhaps even filming the whole episode if she can. She’s also had great support from other Stage 32 members. One my short scripts, SoCal Gun Girls, made it to the front page of SimplyScripts for their Shooting The Shorts reviews. This has generated a tremendous number of reads. Kudos to these guys and thanks to Anthony Cawood for validating them via one of his excellent articles (http://www.anthonycawood.co.uk/articles/4586359191) It wasn’t long after I sorted out my Facebook that I was approached by somebody. A production company owner in Miami was quick to message me saying she wants to work together once her new studio is operational. I’ve had a couple of new leads on Twitter, a guy in Sweden who says he wants to keep me on his radar and a producer in California who wants me to rewrite a couple of scripts. The latter isn’t a perfect match for me. Anybody else into writing exploitation who’d be interested? Of course all these contacts stemmed from Stage 32 in someway and I’m still seeing great networking opportunities here. A BBC/MTV script supervisor here recommended me to a UK based director who wants me to do some writing for him. That turnaround from initial contact took around 2 months, so as ever I encourage patience, you never know how those older leads are going to pay off. Away from writing I connected with an amazing member here who is a big dolphin advocate. Coincidentally, just after chatting with her here, a friend on Facebook posted about a short she’d made supporting dolphins. Needless to say details have been passed on. I’ve uploaded all my scripts to my website so they can be read online. I’ve decided I'd rather have actors freely read my scripts and want to pass them onto their contacts than process through read requests. No more barriers. And in the spirit of Stage 32 fanlore, I have added Craphands references to all my feature scripts. As RB would say, "that’s money".

Happy to hear you are doing well, CJ. :)

Great update CJ. Thanks for sharing more of your scripts.

It’s been another great month. Making all my scripts available to read on my website has generated a tremendous amount of traffic and downloads. Although these days it’s hard to tell what’s is genuine traffic and what isn’t. I’m not sure how or why but one of my scripts Artisto Rol ended up trending on the Sridx screenplay search engine. Bit odd to see you’re script listed alongside Django unchained and Se7en but I’ll take every little triumph I can get. Also had some lovely compliments from new friends. Had a good discussion in the Screenwriter’s lounge about writing endings. Learned a lot. Would love to see more opinions on the matter; https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Craft-Question-The-Final-Im... In response to a thread suggesting RB is nominated for an award, Stage 32 are now taking in testimonials about the site and the man behind it. I sent in a testimonial and I strong suggest others show their support; https://www.stage32.com/lounge/stage_32_success_stories/Nominate-richard... One of the big highlights of the previous month for me has been optioning my short Script SoCal Gun Girls. As I mentioned previously, this was featured on Simply Scripts. I actually never read the original review, once it was optioned, I did. OMG! It was so glowing and positive. I’m not trying to be compared to Tarantino but there’s no writer I’d rather be compared to; http://www.simplyscripts.com/2015/03/30/so-cal-gun-girls-short-script-re... Since optioning the script I’ve actually had a second director ask to be put in the line up should the current option expire. Not had that happen before. I’ve received a load of lovely supportive messages from my friends here while I’ve been taking my time writing a feature and continuing to develop this short with the producer in Switzerland. She’s still great and very happy with how things are going with the writing. Should be writing the first new draft shortly. We’ve been working on the character backstories which has been a lot of fun, and really liberating when you know you’re moving forward with the producer’s wishes. Last week I was honoured to be asked by the first person who ever became a fan of my writing to write a letter of recommendation for him to gain a placement in a screenwriting lab. Fingers crossed he gets in. Sadly I also went through a real low moment, one of my lowest yet. I won’t go into details at this time as what I fear may not come true. But it had me nearly throwing up and running a mile at 4am in an attempt to tire myself out and get some sleep. I’m not precious about my writing but, well, we’ll see. Contrasting that I made a simply awesome connection here on Stage 32. I still can’t believe it. Don’t believe it when members claim there’s no high profile people signed up here. We are all one connection away from some of the biggest names out there. Not that profile is everything of course, but it’s so good to know what level of access Stage 32 can provide. Anyway, hope you’ve all having a great month too. I’ve now got a new blog post to write.

Many thanks for this monthly update. It can save time for some people, seeing this consolidated block of best bits, if they don't have long to peruse the site and want to know interesting points to read. You should keep this up CJ, so we have a monthly "interesting bullets" list. I've already done a lot of useful reading from your earlier tips on where to look here. Great your first fan! It just goes to show the creative vibe from this site, spreads from lap top to people's lives. Sorry to here your recent spell of becoming "Marathon Man." Hopefully soon you can look back and laugh. Happy Weekend Ahead all!

Hopefully Debbie :)

CJ strikes again! I dig it too, brother. Keep on gettin' it!

Bangin' like an 808, buddy :)

A relatively uneventful four weeks it has been for me. Although some big changes. Had a Skype meeting with the director in Switzerland about rewriting my short Stuck Together. That went really well. Really positive. She's buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm. After optioning my short SoCal Gun Girls last month, I had a second director come forward and ask to be added to the list if the first option falls through. Never had that before. I wrote a new blog post for Stage 32 - Ten Ways for Me the Best Things in Screenwriting Came for Free; https://www.stage32.com/blog/Ten-Ways-for-Me-the-Best-Things-in-Screenwr... Was approached by someone interesting in optioning another short but no confirmation yet. It's quite an involved one and he needs to discuss it with his production company partners. Fingers crossed there. Everything kind of took a dark (darker) turn with my own issues, mainly depression and anxiety. So I'm now seeing a therapist and doing CBT. This has caused me to have a significant rethink over how screenwriting has been affecting my mood. Basically writing spec features isn't making me happy at the moment and I've paused the one I'm working. I did however complete that first draft of Stuck Together and I'm really happy with it. Looking forward to the feedback. Other than that, I've gone back to writing shorts. I really enjoy writing them, plus, since I offer them for free production, it means I get to help people kickstart their careers by supplying them with scripts to practice making or use to build their portfolio. I sat down, compiled all my short script ideas, and discovered I had over one hundred! So I've lots to keep me going. So I wrote a new short this week called El Paso Loco Luchadoras and really enjoyed it.

Well it's been a great few weeks writing shorts. I managed to write one a week for the past four weeks. These have all been uploaded to my loglines section here and a few other places. I'm delighted to say that two are already pencilled in for features on Simply Script's Shootin' The Shorts blog. Speaking of which, my short Lone Star Runnies Hunnies was featured there this month. Yayz! http://www.simplyscripts.com/2015/07/06/lone-star-runner-hunnies-short-s... A fantastic review by our own Anthony Cawood. This week I've been reviewing my other short script concepts and helping a few other Stage 32 friends with their writing. Been Skyping with a few other Stage 32 friends which has been wonderful. Not a lot has happened with the shorts I have optioned but I've been approached by an exciting up-and-coming female director about co-writing a short to make in Amsterdam. Loving her attitude. Looking forward to working with her. Connected through Stage 32 of course :)

CJ; Killing it!

Just read the great review by our own Anthony Cawood... Wow! Congrats! Can't wait to read the script, CJ. The title alone is fantastic! Love it! ;)

Way to work, CJ! That's what's up! Anthony is so frickin' awesome. So are you, my friend!

Thanks guys, very lucky to have friends like you :)

Well I tend to keep race as open as possible. I want female actors of all backgrounds (and ages) to see themselves playing characters I write. That said, I do have a few latino leads in the mix.

Hi CJ, Great to see you so active. I love the title of your post by the way! ;) Are you in London these days? If you have a female role left, I'd love to audition for a project of yours. Best, wishes Anna PS: Feel free to check out my profile with showreel and Spotlight CV (also here: www.annaclarence.com )

Brandles, will have to arrange something next week. Anna, of anything comes up in London I'll be sure to let you know. Thanks for the website link, will check it out this weekend :)

Awe, that's great, thank you CJ! Also if not in London, I don't mind travelling :)

Consider us connected, Katelyn :)

Hello CJ, this is Katharina, and it sounds very interesting how you are working. We are an Indian - German production company, and it would be fun to connect. Let's stay in touch, wishing you a wonderful weekend. Sunny greetings from Mumbai

Your Truly inspirational man. Presence will always be appreciated by me and many others on here. And I wish you all the best of your next writing projects coming up.

Katharina, connection request sent. Hope you're having a great weekend :) Antonio, I'm blessed to have you as a friend, buddy. Looking forward to reading more of your work :)

Yay to the Midlands! Or maybe not actually :-/ Great to be connected with you, Joanna :)

Well it’s been another great month. The director in Amsterdam who contacted me through Stage 32 has been a lot of fun to work with. She sent me a load of info and mood boards for a script she was working on but couldn’t finish developing. After a chat on Skype I was able to put together a treatment and she came back with “This is amazing CJ, it's the best first draft ever! Just amazing to see your process and how you get me.”. She says she feels invincible now she has a writer who understands her. The script is now complete, cast and crew on board, and should be going into production ASAP. Since then I’ve started working with her on the script for a music video. The band manager has already approved the treatment. Not written a music video before so this is a little new. Enjoying it though. I continued helping a fellow writer-director in LA with her script. She was very thankful and mentioned she wished she had known about me while at UCLA as she would have certainly used one of my shorts for her projects. Since then I’ve been trying to network my way into a few film schools and making some headway. Skyped with Regina Lee who’s been sharing some solid gold knowledge and experience in the screenwriting lounge here lately. We had a lovely chat. I learned a lot. She also reached out and helped me progress with my networking into film schools as mentioned above. I had the sudden urge to write a short, so got behind the keyboard and completed another short script called San Diego Impala Cholas which is set to be featured on Simply Scripts - Shootin’ The Shorts at some point. Speaking of Shootin’ The Shorts, I’m delighted to say two of my short scripts have been featured in the past couple of weeks, one of which is on the front page today; El Paso Loco Luchadoras - http://www.simplyscripts.com/2015/08/14/el-paso-loco-luchadoras-short-sc... Dixie Gash Bandits - http://www.simplyscripts.com/2015/08/21/dixie-gash-bandits-short-script-... El Paso Loco Luchadoras is dangerously close to getting optioned, it all depends on the green light of some professors at a film school in Texas. Fingers and toes crossed it makes it through approval. Following my chat with Regina, I Skyped with a lovely guy in LA by the name of Barnett. He give me loads of frank honest insight into the industry and also gave some advice on approaching film schools. I’m now the member of a great group on Facebook. In a nice twist, last Saturday I was approached by a film student in Sydney who wanted to option my short By God. It’s a done deal and the plan is to start shooting in November and hopefully get the final film into some festivals. Other than that I’ve been Skyping with some of my wonderful Stage 32 friends such as Beth, Brandi, and Kass. Had a lovely night with my girlfriend lying in a field watching the shooting stars from the Perseid meteor shower. In rather unusual news I also won a monthly underwear modelling competition, LOL, the life of a screenwriter. Stage 32 absolutely works, guys! Keep at it, keep networking, keep asking yourself what you can give out to other creatives and how you can collaborate. Hope you’re all having a great month too :) Oh and here is a picture of what I'm up against everyday. Writing with one hand for teh win!

GORGEOUS CAT! I can tell who is king of your castle, holding paws up to camera, in appreciation of more adoration. Congratulations on all your ascending projects.

Thanks Debbie. Cookie is certainly king of the castle in this house.

Hi CJ - great to hear of all the valuable connections you've made here on Stage 32! It sounds like you've really taken the time to reach out and help others reach their goals as well. I've taken some great courses through Stage 32 and am looking forward to being part of this community. I am also a screenwriter, having worked as a copy and video writer for over 20 years, but more recently focussing on film. Since May I've been uploading a new short film/video on my youtube channel every week (at https://www.youtube.com/user/janlaidlaw ) It's keeps my creative juices flowing and was inspired by a course I took here at Stage 32 by Michael Wormser on building an online audience. I am also focussed on rewriting and polishing some of my existing feature film scripts. I write comedy (usually). I am glad to hear you are writing scripts with strong female leads, there is definitely an audience for that and a need. Nice to meet you and glad to hear of your successes!

Brandles, just trying to network into film schools to get my short scripts in front of student directors. Janet, great story about how you're keeping your creative juices going and networking on Stage 32. I've subscribed to your YouTube channel :)

Thanks for subscribing CJ! :)

Will make amends to that as soon as I can!

Thanks for adding me!

A little bit of a quieter month this time. My short script El Paso Loco Luchadoras did make it by the professors at the film school in Texas after the director made some changes. So that's optioned and will hopefully be in production later this year. Looking forward to that one. I got the music video script finished. That was quite fun to write. All action and no real dialogue. I believe that's getting shot very soon. Having grown up watching music videos like crazy it feels so weird to have written one. Love working with the director in Amsterdam who calls me her "partner in crime and [her] Louie in Casablanca". As I've said before, I'm in this for the teamwork. That's what makes me happy. My short Dixie Gash Bandits drew attention from three directors. One based in Montreal was just the kind of director I want to work with but I was too emotionally connected to the story being based in Dixie. So instead I've offered to write him something fresh and more orientated to his location and logistics. He'll get first refusal on it. Loving writing that at the moment. I wrote a short script called Crazy Kitty which was a lot of fun. A little more horror based. I now have over 2000 followers on Twitter. I know it's just a number but it's nice to connect with so many people and read about their lives in other areas of filmmaking. On the advice of my therapist, I took a little break at a spa/activity centre. It was great to chill out for a bit and recharge. Sadly I still have bad insomnia but I'm working on that. Relaxing in the spa was great but also tackled a climbing wall and did an aerial challenge with a zip line over a lake - scary but fun. Two more of my shorts have been featured on Simply Scripts - Shootin' The Shorts with some great reviews; Stone Cold Sober - http://www.simplyscripts.com/2015/09/11/stone-cold-sober-short-script-re... San Diego Impala Cholas - http://www.simplyscripts.com/2015/09/14/san-diego-impala-cholas-short-sc... I've been so impressed with what Shootin' The Shorts is doing for short script writers, I've written a little Medium article about them to send some love and hopefully some exposure back their way; https://medium.com/@cjwalley/how-simplyscripts-shootin-the-shorts-is-cha... Here's a shaky selfie of my girlfriend and me after doing the zip line. She had no fear and beat me to the bottom - but that's what I love about her.

We shall have to have one of our Skypes soon, Brandles!

The man, the myth....

CJ, what is your secret to gaining Twitter followers? I still don't entirely "get" Twitter. Except for learning about popular trends. BTW, I like how you are keeping your updates on the same thread. Maybe I should do that. Keeps people you've connected with in touch.

Janet, when it comes to social media the good advice, often shared by those such as RB, is to be yourself and be part of a community. That means forming valuable bonds and mutually interacting with others. I'm proud to say that my Twitter followers are more than a number, they are friends. As I've said before, friends over fans, fellows over followers. The critical thing is not to use any social media platform for monologues or narcissism. Thanks for the kind words about keeping updates to one thread. I feel it helps keep the forum a little tidier but also I want this thread (and hopefully others like it) to show how Stage 32 is really working for many of us. The fact is trying to build a creative career is tough at the best of times and motivation can drain from us when we don't seem to be moving forward. My intent is to help keep others dreaming and striving by demonstrating a slow steady growth in terms of creative fulfillment.

"screenwriter of gritty female leads", we can definitely relate on that part!

Hey CJ, good words about social media and I agree completely about being authentic. I am a Facebook user and I don't always know quite to do with Twitter's short format, except maybe follow trends... I'll look you up on Twitter and follow you, and maybe learn something?! I appreciate your intent to encourage and stay connected with others as we pursue our dreams, one small step at a time. A little nudge, or a word of encouragement during a creative struggle can make a world of difference. There are always those wanting to knock you down so it's good to surround yourself with people who would rather build you up. I was having an off day awhile ago when I took my dogs for a walk and a stranger approached me. She said "Are you the one who makes those videos?" It turned my day around. Everyone starts somewhere, and usually that is at the beginning. :) The people who find "success" seem to have strategy, passion and perseverance. And yeah, "talent", whatever that is. :)

Janet, it's funny how a little comment can turn those off days around. Stay strong, I think you have a great attitude. Eveliendorien Twins, glad to read it!

I’m going to blast straight out the gates with the awesome this month. I WENT TO A STAGE 32 MEET!! And as if that wasn’t good enough I MET RB AND AMANDA. As many of my Stage 32 friends will know, I’ve been hankering for an official UK Stage 32 meet so, when the announcement that there would be one at Raindance hit, I was pretty much running down the street to the train station. I’m far from a Londonite and struggle with crowds of people, but I felt nothing but complete comfort walking into the room where it was already buzzing and RB was stood at the bar arm-in-arm with Elliot Grove (looking like two seriously cool dudes). The big hug promised in the article in the beginning of this thread between RB and myself happened, it didn’t get weird. There was a tremendous loving energy in the room. There were no cliques, everybody was humble. I felt like I was witnessing the new generation of filmmakers and performers, all riding the wave of something special that’s changing the industry. Amanda was working like crazy to make sure those who couldn’t attend still felt part of the fun on social media. There must have been over a hundred in the room all milling, chatting, and laughing - anyone that approached RB received a beaming grin and a warm embrace. I made some great new friends (you know who you are) and, through passionate discussions, learned a lot. I left with a grin on my face that lasted for days. Back in the land of writing, I completed the assignment I decided to take on for the director in Montreal. I worked up a new crime-drama titled MONTREAL BLIZZARD VIXENS and sent it to him with his fingers crossed. Success! He loved it and has optioned it ready to shoot as his next project. Following the review on Simply Scripts - Shootin’ The Shorts, my short STONE COLD SOBER was picked up by the Las Vegas Film Collective with the intention to shoot in November. The director shooting my short BY GOD in Sydney sent me some updates on casting and locations so I could stay in the loop. Great guy - I love directors who take time to do this. He’s doing a top job. As is the dude shooting my short LAS LOCOS LUCHADORAS in Dallas who sent me an update to say casting was going ahead, Stage 32 delivered in the most amazing way while I was travelling down to the meet in London. A director contacting me saying he’d be speaking to a woman called Virginia Hey and was looking for some writing support on a short. My jaw nearly hit the floor. I’m a lifetime Mad Max fan and grew up binge watching Road Warrior - to be suddenly orbiting the Warrior Woman herself is just so ridiculously serendipitous it’s freaky. Apparently she’s onboard and I’m hoping to get involved and help in any way I can. Today I’m completing my latest short titled MANHATTAN MADAM which I will upload to my usual channels later. Very happy with this one which is centred around a more mature female lead. Of course there’s been a few bumps along the way, the music video in Amsterdam was cast and shot last week and looks amazing. However production issues may have compromised the script a little. Will have to see on that one. But it was weird to be getting up in the morning knowing somewhere in the world somebody is trying their hardest to bring your words to life. The short I wrote last month sadly didn’t make the cut for Simply Scripts - Shootin’ The Short. A poor performance on my part I have accept there, but they can’t all be winners. My short script SAN DIEGO IMPALA CHOLAS got picked up via Reddit by a film group in Northern Colorado. I was excited at first but stumbled across a thread on their Facebook group where they were saying some pretty harsh stuff about it and not respecting my terms and conditions in terms of making changes. I walked away from that one with a lesson learned. Anyhoo, here’s a pic of the magic moment that made my year.

Hi CJ Congratulations on your recent successes with your writing, I'm a big fan of your "Gritty Female Leads." I like the way that even in the most dire circumstances, they are not humbled by circumstance, and have extreme tenacity for survival. I can't wait to see Montreal Blizzard Vixens on screen. I'm sorry I missed meeting you at Raindance Festival, as I got there late this year, but did however have a couple of meets with RB. Hope to see you there next year. I've some great pics of London Stage 32 meets, but for some reason I can't properly upload photos on this I pad I'm using. I will try uploading on a desktop publisher , when back friends office. Debbie

Would have been great to meet you, Debbie. Maybe next time. Would be great to see your pics. Thanks so much for the kind words on my characters, it means a lot :)

Well it’s been another surprisingly good month. The director in Canada got back to me with some logistical requirements for MONTREAL BLIZZARD VIXENS and I wrote a new draft using a new location and adding some character backstory. We’ve also decided to make the script bi-lingual to represent Montreal fairer. To my surprise he updated me to let me know that’s gone into pre-production already. It was great to see RB reflecting on the Raindance festival in London during On Stage With RB this month. So much love in the room. Again, I can’t tell you how much those hugs meant. It still seems surreal to finally meet so many people in person. I optioned and then un-optioned my script LONESTAR RUNNER HUNNIES to a director in Connecticut. It seems he underestimated the logistical needs. Not wanting to leave him with nothing, I wrote him a new script to suit his requirements called CONNECTICUT COTTONMOUTH COED which he’s optioned and keenly moving on with. I didn’t chase up the Virginia Hey project. Something just didn’t feel right about that. I’m not going to get lured by names. Learning and researching has been my priority this month. I’ve been doing a lot of studying of plot types, situations, and theme. I’ve compiled a ton of data which has led to me creating dozens of new story ideas. (163 life affirming themes identified and 58 plots/situations listed) One day I really hope to share this with Stage 32 members - but only once I’ve seen it can work. A couple more directors approached me this month. One sadly wanted to option a script that was already allocated elsewhere. The other, from Melbourne, just messaged me on Facebook with support and a fondness for my work, which was a lovely surprise. I’m now writing him a script called ROTTON based on concept he had in his head. He’s really happy with the treatment and I’m finishing up the first draft this weekend. What’s been fantastic to see this month is my scripts being shot and some photos from the production emerging. It’s just so amazing to see real people trying to make your words reality. Mind blowing. The first I learned about, via Facebook, was my script EL PASO LOCO LUCADORAS being shot in Texas, this short has no been renamed EL LOCAS LUCHADORAS. Then I got an email and some pics sent from the production of BY GOD in Sydney. Amazing. On the flip side, I may have suffered some form of idea theft. It’s hard to say. A film group I decided I didn’t want to option a script to still seem to be going ahead and shooting it anyway. I wouldn’t mind so much but it seems they are still planning on completely rewriting it too. Keeping a close eye on them. In other news my GF and I have put a deposit down on a new home to rent and are moving back closer to friends and family. It’s a very english looking townhouse in a completely different environment. Really looking forward to a change in scenery. This may mean I have to start looking for a part-time job and have less time for writing, but I’ve been sitting in front of a screen non-stop for too many years now. Anyway, here’s a pic from the opening scenes of EL LOCAS LUCHADORAS and my original words.

Always :)

Good Stuff, CJ.

CJ, a pleasure, as always, to read your updates. Really chuffed all is going so well for you! More than a little gutted I couldn't make it to the UK S32 meet-up this time around, but I'm looking forward to the next!

Thanks, Spike. Fingers crossed for next time, buddy :)

I really enjoy your updates aswell, they go from strength to strength, and I hope to meet you and Spike at the next Stage 32 London meet next year. I did get to meet the Stage 32 team luckily, but my time was limited this year, so I missed out on all visitors. Hope your home move went well and your cats are already settled in.

Looking forward to meeting you too, Debbie!

Thanks Debbie, the move is yet to come. I'm not looking forward to a one hour drive with cats who freak out at the 5min run to the vets. I'm sure Pike, yourself, and me will all get to share drinks together soon.

Speaking of "Pike", I can't wait for the new DAD'S ARMY movie! "Stupid boy, Pike" Haha! ;)

I really want to be at a meet-up and overhear someone ask your name so I can shout across the room "Don't tell him, Pike!"

Oh, you make me smile, CJ! As long as you don't take to shouting across the room "Stupid boy, Spike!" Although, now I've said it... I can definitely see it happening, more than a few times!! :D

Another great post, CJ! Love the new pix too! Way to keep on gettin' it, my brother!

Okay, so I missed a month as things have been really turbulent. On the flip side, not a great deal has happened in the world of writing. So a quick catch-up. The short script called ROTTEN got picked up by the director in Melbourne and should be shot this year. I optioned another short script called MANHATTAN MADAM to Clarissa Hoffman on here who was looking for some material for her showreel. The Luka State music video I co-wrote a script for got shot in Amsterdam. Sadly a big chunk of the narrative didn't make it due to production restraints. It is however beautifully shot and directed, and a bloody good tune to book. Link at the bottom. Apart from that, I've been working like crazy on life affirming themes, character flaws, and story endings. As a result I now have well over a hundred short story frameworks to build on. 2015 ended on a turnaround. The Director in Zurich hoping to shoot my short script STUCK TOGETHER contacted me on New Year's Eve asking if we could Skype and basically, that evening, asked me if I'd be interested in expanding it into a feature. This was cool as it totally shows her level of dedication to the project. Everything is on track with that as per her original plan, so I'm working on that script when I can. Everything has revolved around moving house and I'm pleased to say I'm typing now from my new office in a delightful little townhouse here in the middle of England - we've even got a lovely layer of snow on the ground today. So in a way 2016 and year five of writing for me has kicked off with a great start. I hope is has for you guys too. Here is the Luka State: Bring This All Together video. You can read the original script for it over on my website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD4rbIXzvqc

We both write gritty female leads :) Very cool.

There's my boy.

Sorry for the delay, Brandles and co. Just wanted to say your support is always appreciated - now more than ever :)

I do love my Stage 32 friends to bits :)

I agree with Brandi and Fiona it's great you have a fan club. I love your work because you don't "box" strength of character just to the male sex. Call it what you want "Gritty Female Leads" ......Or ......"Chicks with Dicks" or my own personal favourite expression "Strong Feminine Personalities". .......Bring it on CJ, we love it.

"Strong Feminine Personalities" - That's a great turn of phrase, Debbie. I've been lucky enough to have some amazing female role models in my life and you're one of them :)

Thanks CJ, A warm rosy glow has filled me up. Will cheer me on as I'm approaching the mundanity of my next airport stop.

Well I have mixed feelings about writing this month. With my non-writing work picking up and moving to new location where I can socialise more, I’ve barely found any time to focus on my projects... well, I say “my projects” - more on that later. I’m amazed by how writing less seems to generate fewer ideas, I used to be making notes all the time, but now I’m barely making any. I no-longer go to sleep thinking of how to make stories or scenes work, I no-longer day dream. This is strange having spent four years focusing on writing so intensely. Writing has become another task on a long to-do list, relegated to the bottom of practical priorities while still the highest of emotional needs, paradoxically a guilty pleasure I feel guilty to forego nearly every waking moment that passes. I’ve started writing a new short, something UK based for once. I’m implementing new craft techniques and that’s working well. I am enjoying working on it when I can, but can’t help be reminded what took me five days to write is now taking over five weeks. I’m still expanding a short into a feature at the director/producer’s request and, to be honest, it feels like a huge mistake at this stage. I’m so used to cutting things back to the bare minimum, it feels backward to bulk a story out. I’m doing it properly, but I guess I feel writing features on spec is so pointless. I was contacted by a director who’d optioned one of my short scripts a long-time ago to tell me she’s back on the case with producing it. This was a nice thing to hear. I made some changes to the script and sent her some audition reading material. Fingers crossed she can make it happen this time round - I have a lot of faith in her. I’m enjoying that. My writing anniversary passed by at the start of the month. This is year five for me. I feels like everything is slowing down and petering out. My writing will just be a fleeting moment in my life. It’s like the light’s gone out. I know I’m promising too much and becoming diverted. I’ve agreed to write a feature for someone who approached me out of the blue, mostly because she’s friends with a musician I admire. I now feel guilty when I’m not working on that project and focusing on my own. Only in the past week I’ve agreed to put a short together for an actor on Twitter, even though I don’t have time to spare. I need to rethink what I’m doing. Sorry to be so melancholy, but I want to keep this diary genuine. Hopefully I can get back on track over the next four weeks.

Thanks for the update CJ. It's great you keep the post genuine, it's the reason I always go back to it, "melancholy" .......I would say more a passioned writer. Don't feel too trapped by this seemingly strange "Twilight Zone" you now seem to be in. Don't forget you are probably in over-drive, from your new move, which is faster paced . It's so easy for negative thoughts to creep in, when the mind is exhausted, and a new way of life must seem overwhelmingly strange. We are not robots, us sensitive writers, don't let the guilty abandonment of writing daunt your every moment. You have not abandoned your old friend writing, you are just doing other things, stemming from writing. The light is inside you, it's "not gone out" , it just feels like it's gone out because you've probably been rushing around like a headless chicken recently. Congratulations on your "Feature". Your so lucky to have the cat, I can't keep them cos I'm always on the move. I do sponsor some though in sanctuaries, just being around them kicks me back into "relaxed and on the ground mode." HAPPY WEEKEND.

Totally relate, CJ. I felt that way last year this time, so I set up S32 Meetups to find a crew as hungry as me - and I did. Now our team has everything needed to complete projects, and I 'work' on stories we're shooting. I'm excited about storytelling again because the ball is 'our' court'. We're doin' it - buildin' stories ouselves - TODAY! Wow, what a feelin'!

Debbie, thanks for that, much appreciated. I love animals and love my cats to bits - I should take some lessons from them on chilling out. Shawn, you're an inspiration, dude. You've grabbed the bull by the horns, climbed on board, and started rodeo riding for the crowd, love you for that. I'm going to get a plan together and start tackling the situation positively.

My man... thanks for the kind words, CJ! I know you got this! ... Love u too, dawg

I agree @Fiona, I too love this long thread and I'm sure CJ will soon find the eye of the hurricane. @all I had a stale period of writing recently, stemming from rushing around, trying to find the right new people to pool my creative talents with and learn new technical skills. I was so drained from airport stops, and walking into different Indie groups as a "Stranger" aswell as sharing different digs that I had nothing left in my batteries for my characters. In fact I avoided my characters, because I didn't want to produce "stale or unworthy" writing. LOL In the same way I wouldn't want a friend to be around. However, I didn't avoid altogether, I found a rough book helpful to jot down any swift inspirational "glimmers" poking through the mist. This week I've been looking at my little daft sketches which I do to remind me of the feel of the scene, side by side with the couple of sentences I managed to get down on the page, on the day. It looks like a school kids rough book, BUT I've got several major scenes from the reminder, of the brief inspirations I had on bad days. @Shawn CJ is right, we need pioneers like yourself, who just go out and do whatever it takes to get something off the ground. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.......(Unforgettable Rap!).

CJ. fans are waiting for an update of your month. If The Cat snarls when you at computer, humour with a roast supper. Hope Feature going well.

Sweet update! Thanks for sharing - and - coming back to visit in the lounges on Stage 32!