Lorna Hartman: Screenwriter, voice actor and actor in Spokane, Washington.

November is upon us, fellow scribes. So ready those coffee pots. Pull up those ergonomic chairs. It’s time to get writing!

For the past two years, we’ve had hundreds of participants join in, get motivated, get involved, inspire others, and complete projects. We all know life can get in the way, sure. But if we’re being totally honest with ourselves, we also know we often get in our own way. We procrastinate, get frustrated, lose focus, or lose sight of our goals. It’s not so much the writing part that’s difficult, but rather it is difficult to sit down and do the work. So in November we rally together, share a collective mission, and support each other in our individual efforts. Sometimes it takes a village to get those scripts written. And for a third year, we hope to do just that.


The rules of Write Club are simple: Beginning on the first of the month, we’ll use the 30 days of November as a personal deadline for whatever project you are working on—be it a first draft, a rewrite, a pitch, a short, a feature, or a TV pilot. Whatever “it” is for you. There are no parameters other than what you choose to accomplish within the month of November. We’ll support, inspire, and cheer each other on throughout our 30-day endeavors. And. Get. It. Done. 



This is not a competition. This is not a win/lose thing. No word count. No page count. No comparing against one another. Nope.

This exercise is about pushing forward. This exercise is about encouraging each other to reach individual goals.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll share our highs and lows in this ongoing Screenwriting Lounge thread, and share our progress in the weekly November Write Club check-in blogs every Wednesday.

Remember participation is key. You must check in and report your progress, and participate by supporting and encouraging others all month long.

After our 30 days, we’ll take our celebratory “victory lap” by listing Write Club participants’ November project loglines. And like previous years, there’ll be a well-earned “gift” at the end, an extended push forward with whatever step may be next for you.

So whaddaya say? You in?

Haven't posted in some little while. Most recently I've done a voice-over and an anti-opioid commercial. At my day job, I'm in charge of an upcoming recruiting event, from designing the invitations to arranging the drawings and everything else. Am using my untrained graphic design skills, trained social media management skills, and more, so this is a good project to keep the day job alive and active.

Still writing three separate screenplays (another one already finished) and enjoying learning to do it better.

What's new with you?

Great to connect. What projects are you currently working on?

New acting/VO representation. Hitting on all creative cylinders--someone upgraded their video audition setup & passed a tripod on to me, guitar tuner coming, writing at speed. Good days. I'm in that middle stage where no current projects are completed yet but they're all in process. Some every day keeps the unemployment away.

Glad to connect with you. Good luck and keep us all posted on your projects.

Continuing with my screenwriting & VO work. Meeting a potential new acting rep in this area on Wednesday. Studying guitar & working on lyrics. Revving on all creative cylinders right now. It's energizing.

Made the quarterfinals in the Screencraft Cinematic Short Story contest. It's only my 2nd screenwriting-related contest entry so I'm geeking out everywhere. Cool!

Looking at attending SpIFF this year. It'll be my first film festival, and I'm honestly not sure what exactly to do. Sounds like there's more to it than just "watch a bunch of films." What should I do while there? What goals can I set? Nervous but looking forward to it.

My current screenplay isn't ready, so I'd just be going to mingle, I guess. Not particularly good at that, but willing to take a shot if I can figure out how/when/where. Any advice from the more seasoned festival-goers? What has your experience at film festivals been like?

Good connecting with you here. Best of luck in your work and Happy New Year!

As the end of the year approaches, it’s natural for screenwriters to reflect upon the past year and whether or not they accomplished their goals. My question is does setting goals for screenwriting activities motivate you to accomplish your work?

Thanks Laurie, this is great. A helpful reminder, too, that sometimes your material is terrific--but sometimes there's a right cultural moment when it works and is more likely to be picked up. And that may take time.

Sound advice.

Topic of central interest no matter what area of the entertainment business orients our efforts--thanks for addressing this. Want to keep reading.

I'm a member of several screenwriting & professional organizations and they allow use of their logo to indicate your membership. I'm new here, I've searched this site and can't find an answer. Do they allow this use of the logo? Thanks.

Helpful books I've read during the past six months: "Setlife" (Matthew Webb) and "Your CUT TO: Is Showing" (T.J. Alex). What about you?

I read several scripts a month and try to watch 2 new movies I haven't seen before on top of as many movies as possible that I have seen. I find it easier to break down movies I've seen before, so I mix them up with the new movies. New movies I try to break down as I'm watching, which is challenging. Not least because if it's a good movie I may sink into it instead of analyzing. That's the kind of movie I want all of mine to be.

Good luck and enjoy your weekend.

Hey there, Lorna. I absolutely love Spokane and its jazz. We had hoped to retire there after Fairchild but learned I'm allergic to wheat. Thanks for the connection.

Has anybody attended CWWH (Connecting Writers With Hollywood)? Or SpIFF (Spokane International Film Festival)? These are things I'm considering.