After many years in a corporate career that I find pretty unfulfilling I have made the decision to follow some of my passions, screenwriting being a big one of them. There has been this feeling growing within me that I need a creative outlet for the ideas cultivating in my mind, before I go crazy!
So here I am taking those first steps on the path to a career in screenwriting. I would love to connect to creatives all over the world, but I happen to live in England.
Look forward to connecting with you guys
1 person likes this
Hi Finn! Are you still working full time in your day job? How are you fitting in writing and having a demanding job? I am tackling a full time job - and I live further than you (in Cyprus) and writing - it is very challenging to find the balance but you've gotta do what you've gotta do!!
1 person likes this
Hi Finn! I'm so excited for you. Going after one's dream is an adventure and even with the ups and downs and challenges can be so rewarding. Congrats!
1 person likes this
Hey, Finn McGowan! My name is Kay, I'm the Community Manager here at Stage 32. If you'd like to learn more about myself and the Stage32 Team, we have an intro blog: https://www.stage32.com/blog/Meet-the-Stage-32-Team Nice to meet you and welcome to the community! You've come to the right place for your foray into screenwriting! There are a ton of resources here, so definitely pace yourself! What are you working on?
If you're looking for a writing lab (series of classes), there is a comedy one coming up: https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/labs/Stage-32-Comedy-Lab-Learn-Com...
I’m sure you’ve already discovered the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), but definitely reach out on the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) for insight into characters, dialogue, and even when you want to generate interest in a virtual table read!
Keep in mind that these lounges are like the VIP Filmmaker's Lounges at Film Festivals, so this is where you can meet the people doing the work, get advice on anything you're working on, and/or give back to those who may need advice. We're a very supportive and encouraging community! I think you'd also enjoy my intro blog post on how to engage with the Stage32 Community:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/Find-Your-Community-on-Stage-32
Enjoy exploring the lounges, and don't forget to comment and respond to others’ posts, too! It's the best way to really connect! And, of course, feel free to reach out at any time. Cheers!
Hi Selma Karayalcin yes you've gotta do what you've gotta do when it comes to fitting in the writing. Since Christmas I have been convalescing from Covid so I have had more time for writing, I will be returning to work next week so the balance of fitting in writing and a demanding job will be challenging again, I do work 40 + hours a week usually. I tend to wake up very early so do the writing before starting work during the week (too tired after work).
How about you? how do you fit things in, are you working full time? when do you most like to write?
Karen "Kay" Ross Thanks for the signposting to the resources. I am currently working on a present day, British TV drama, exploring the themes of government corruption, mental health and addiction, so pretty serious stuff, although I would like to balance the seriousness with some (dark) comedy.
I work as a full time English teacher at a secondary school! I try to find time in the evenings and the bags under my eyes are proof! I can't work in the mornings as I get up at 5.30am for work. I am just grateful that I am doing online teaching at the moment as I have more time to work on what's important - and I have managed to write two more screenplays - one is in its first draft and the other is in its third draft.
How's the writing going, now that you are back at work?
1 person likes this
I'm not going to lie, it is very challenging, but I have recently started a screenwriting course by Jed Mercurio through the BBC, so I am trying to devote a small piece of time to this everyday, rather than trying to work on my own projects. One thing at a time! The course gives some structure to the writing, which is what I need right now.