Hello, fellow scribes. I've got, what I believe, is a really good story in my head that I can't get out. But, it's not for the reason(s) you might expect.
I write a lot for my primary job but it's only a part-time gig (29 hours). Then, I'm off to deliver pizzas at night. As you might imagine, my schedule is tighter than tight. By the time I flesh out an idea, it's time to punch the clock again. It's very difficult to remain focused when you're facing these kind of challenges while simultaneously providing for your family.
While the aforementioned project remains a priority for me, I am constantly being bombarded by other ideas for film and episodic TV; ideas I'm convinced would be successful if I could get an audience with an industry insider.
You could argue that I'm being overly optimistic or that pitching an idea is a lot easier than banging one out on a keyboard. You would be right on at least one count. I readily acknowledge that. But the time "crunch" is born out of necessity -- I can't do anything about it right now. I have no work benefits whatsoever and taking time off work would shatter an already fragile household budget.
I'm not trying to evoke sympathy -- just dealing with a tough situation and would gladly welcome any insights and/or meaningful advice that might help me channel my creativity.
Potential unrealized is potential wasted.
Thanks in advance.
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Your situation is pretty common, believe it or not. For the other ideas just quickly jot the down in a spiral or legal pad so they're not forgotten. As trite as it is, you'll have to have several scripts that are in top form and ready for submission. Coming out of the studios on the film side I can tell you that your script must be as camera ready as possible. What does this mean? It means no one has time to do development on your script. If the execs have to spend time developing the competition is leaving them behind. While there''ll be a few notes from the director/talent the onus is squarely on the writer's shoulders now. Keep going, bang out a page or two (or more) a day, and you'll get there.
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My learned colleague Mister MaxXx is 100 percent correct. You have to put yourself out there any way you can. You might want to read my post from earlier today. It's about this very topic.
https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/Do-your-own-bidding-until-s...
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We all have the same 24 hours per day. But if time is infinite, how come I never have enough?
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Your smart phone can take dictation. You will see a microphone beside the space bar on the keyboard. Talk your notes out.
Then cut and paste your notes into a document
Then knock that into a treatment.
Then get WriterDuet. The iPad, phone and web interfaces are great. You can then spend 15 every lunch break working. That is 1.25 hours a week.
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Write down what comes to you if you can't memorize it and save it for when you can make the time.
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Craig Butter Butterworth, I feel you!
I've got a full-time (40 hours a week) job in a plastics factory, and I help out at the church I go to.
Also, I'm lucky right now that the plant I work at doesn't open on weekends. (In the past, it did open on Saturdays and/or Sundays.)
So...these days, I do most of my writing on weekends (right on for weekends!) and on vacation days. And since I work second shift at that factory, sometimes I'm able to write on a weekday morning before I'm off to the plant.
Even if it's just one page at a time, I'm cool with that.
I pursued a screenwriting career during the 1980-1994 period, and I've still got the scripts I turned out back then...but since 2016 (the year I decided to give screenwriting another try), I've been going back over those scripts with the best chance of gaining attention and I've been working to get them up to snuff.
What's more, the refurbishing work has stepped up since I joined Stage 32 this past January.
And I've completed one completely new script since 2016 ("Really Old School") and I'm currently working on a completely new one ("Pixie Dust"). I had to go to using note cards and/or my computer myself to flesh out the ideas that became those two scripts.
If Dan's writer friend and I can do it, you can, too.
Craig, all the VERY BEST to you!
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I am saying this out of support not to try and compete.
I have a full time job in the Intelligence industry
I have a brain injury that has left me with dyslexia
I care for a family member with chronic depression
You will find time if you want to. Be strong.
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As Sofi Odelle said, write each ideas that come up down and get back to it when you have some free time. More your concept is fleshed out, easier it is to build it. Then you don't need to write ten pages a day, write what you can with the time you have and more you'll do it, more your material will be shaped into a screenplay. But if you write it just now and then, it will never happen...As Craig D Griffiths said it on point, if you want it, you'll find time, simply a question of organisation and drive.
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My advice is to not fuss about the writing aspect of it. To instead use your mind to create every aspect outside of writing. Screenwriting exists only to translate what the mind sees, It's purpose is to pass on in words a vision. So Get hold of a voice recorder and when your delivering those pizzas spend the time in your mind creating scenes and if a line of description or dialogue comes to you tape it. You can spend a year creation visuals and plot in your head. I do this before I ever begin to write. Don't bog down your creativity by thinking because your not putting word to paper your not being productive in your goals. Not finding time is really just your mind telling you, you can't to protect your ego from fear. I spent twenty years having no time. I had time, I just lacked belief in myself so I used the excuse. It all starts in the mind though so just cut yourself some slack and do something you can do with the time you have available.
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Set short term goals. Page a day = first draft of a feature in three months. Two months for a pilot.
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Here are some ideas to consider:
-get a job with a lot of down time where you can write (security?)
-get a job that pays more than your current job so you can work less
-cut costs so you can work less
-do seasonal work, heavy half the year, take the rest of the year off to write
-get a job with a heavy 3-4 day work week and use the rest of the week to write
-if you have kids and depending on their age, have them get part time jobs and help out
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Craig Butter Butterworth I understand your situation. I find myself in a similar one, and I'm sure many others here also have similar constraints. But, the reality is that, you have to make the time within those 24 hours to pursue your passion. It's not easy, but not impossible.
Even if it's a little writing a day, it doesn't have to be 3 hrs. Even if half hour, get something in.
There's also the option like Frankie suggested, to look for a job that frees up a bit more time, but bro, at the end of the day, you've got to make the sacrifice and carve that time slot out. You sound passionate about this. So I know you can accomplish it. Best wishes bro!
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Expectation! You're out of Time and Out of Money, your Screenplay is your Lottery Ticket to a New and Better Life. Am I Close? "cause this is/was me. A hundred ideas and a Spread sheet of 17 and 3 unfinished to finished Scripts and every single one of them a Potentially a Commercial Success. So what'd we do? Me and You, that is. Lose the expectation; I think there's a Meme going 'round. "Peace begins when expectation ends." Write for yourself, enjoy your Story and soon enough it'll be there and you'll get your following, success. all the best Mate.
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A lot of great advice from each and every one of you. Thanks for taking the time to engage with me. My spirit (and motivation) have been reinvigorated. Much obliged!
Some solid advice given already, Craig. Your situation is not uncommon. Keep doing what you can. Perseverance is key. If you ever want to discuss your writing in more detail, you can always contact me.
Thanks, Tony.