Screenwriting : Me and my writing in the last 12 months by Evelyne Gauthier

I don't think there's anything wrong with your brain. I think, as creatives, our interests tend to wander. I love reading the process other writers use, and yours is truly inspiring. The more projects you have out there, the more options you have to work, and the more work you'll be able to finish and give to the world. Keep it up!!

Evelyne, I'm a little bit like you in that I like to work on three scripts at a time...and that's what I embarked on last September while you finished your short story-cum-short movie. (One of the screenplays I started five months ago, "Cynthia Harmon," is now up here on Stage 32.)

Thanks for posting...and all the VERY BEST to you! Glad you're here on Stage 32!

Dido. Tbh I'm not sure why I even bother with my own original features considering it's not what executives want to read, but it's all in good practice. Just keep persevering Evelyne. Three quarters of the time it's not our brains, but us second guessing ourselves.

James Welday : thanks! I'd say my problem is that I lack focus and sometimes have trouble finishing what I started. I feel like I'm running around like headless chickens. I would probably need to write full time to actually finish all those ideas, but I have a full-time job (and two kids!). It can get a bit frustrating. But I'm used to that. @Jim: thanks! I thought maybe it would make people laugh and cheer people up a little. We often share our successes, which is good, but we talk less often about our difficulties. So, I tought: why not?

Frank Baruch Sometimes, I think we just need to write what's on our minds simply to get it out. And practice makes perfect. Don't worry, I'm certainly not giving up. :)

I definitely see your point. haha I work full time and have a family as well. What I've learned is to plan what I'm going to use my writing sessions for and not deviate from the plan. I try to wake early before work every morning and put a solid hour (sometimes 90 minutes) to write. The house is quiet and I can focus.

Jim Boston Evelyne Gauthier James Welday You guys are awesome! The only thing holding me down is monetary woes. I work full-time as well, but I couldn't imagine having to balance a job, a family and a writing career. AND find time to participate on this platform. It's very inspiring.

Frank Baruch it's not easy, but worthwhile in the long run!

For me I write out the initial idea to a story in my notes then I go and finish what I’m working on. While doing that I’ll research -lightly the new story. But I don’t actually try to write everything that I think of I do not down the basics. Once finished with a script I’ll already know which archived story idea is the next one I will write. If you feel you are starting but not finishing try my approach. Those initial thoughts may not actually work for a screenplay, I’ve abandoned ideas way before page one. If I couldn’t freestyle a story off the seeds what makes me think I can bang an entire screenplay?

I write down my ideas in a notebook and let them sit while I focus on finishing the project I'm working on. Now and then, I flip through the notebook and see if the ideas still get me excited or not. Whatever remains will be there ready to be tackled when I finish my current work. My brain can't cope with multiple (more than 2) projects at a time. I get muddled.

Frank, you're awesome, too!

I also work full-time and, more often than not, have to wait until weekends to do any writing. (Sometimes, I get to sneak a few lines in on a weekday before heading off to my second-shift job.)

Monetary issues also keep me from spending money on Stage 32 pitch sessions and script services (and on the Writers' Room)...and I've given up on entering contests.

But I'm sticking with screenwriting...this is my fun.

All the VERY BEST to you, Frank...glad you're here on 32!

Annelies Morlion, that's pretty much what I do as well. But I often have to fight the urge of writing something else than my main WIP. :)

Jim, I try to write almost every evening during the week and on weekends. It's not always possible, but the more regularly I write, the easier it gets. The longer I wait between writing sessions, the harder it is to get back into it.

James Heggs, Actually, it looks like what I'm doing right now (although it may not be obvious in my post :D). My challenge is to not get distracted and to stay focused. Taking notes on ideas keeps me from thinking about them too much, otherwise they keep running around in my head. Once I get those ideas out and take my notes, my mind is clearer to get back to my WIP. :)

Jim Boston Thanks buddy!

I do a lot of goal setting, but there is only so much time in a day.

We're both on the same boat. I don't have a lot of discretionary funds either, so I wearily spend money on services. For starving artists like us it's always an ultimatum between spending our paychecks on services or spending our paychecks on rent. The rate of inflation in California doesn't make it any easier.

Good luck on your end too, Jim!

Do one thing at a time until it's done. Do it quickly and well. Then on to the next. Simple.

Thanks, everyone! Don't worry about me. If I can manage to finish writing 20 novels, 6 short stories, and two scripts, I will manage to finish my feature as well. In fact, I've taken a writing leap in the last few weeks! Sometimes, all I need is a pat on the back... or a kick in the butt! ;)

Kicking myself in the butt seems to have worked. I've written 17 pages in the last 3 weeks! Yay!

There are many nootropics that help with calming and focusing your mind. Also diet plays a big part.

Robert: In my case, I have noticed that when I don't sleep enough, it affects my concentration.