The Adventure

To face your fear of writing, right now, is to break though the personal jail cell that you have created. It will release you from the insecurity that holds you back and open you to the unknown adventure that lies ahead.

But first you must let go of the safety you hold onto, the security that holds you back. It will be the beginning of the death of the old self, the one that makes excuses as to why you are not doing the work.

The adventure is on the other side. The thrill and the excitement of the work is waiting.

Sacrifice

The best part in Malcom Gladwell’s book Outliers: The Story of Success is tucked at the back, well after his chapter about mastery and the 10,000 hour rule.  It comes in the chapter “Marita’s Bargain” at the top of page 266:

“To become a success at what they did, they had to shed some part of their own identity…  So what does she have to do?  Give up her evenings and weekends and friends—all the elements of her old world—and replace them with [her studies].”

Many of the people I meet who want to write aren’t willing to make this bargain.  They tell me how busy their lives are and that they can’t afford it.

I know what it would take for them to start.  Sometimes I tell them and sometimes I don’t.  Often, I can tell it won’t make a difference.

If you aren’t writing, what is the thing you have to give up?  Do you think it’s worth it?

It may not be a thing, like friends or time.  It may be that part inside your head that has convinced you that it is impossible.

Some people like to be stuck and have an excuse.  Are you one of them?

This isn’t about making you write.  It is about you being honest with yourself.  If you aren’t willing to let go of your excuse, then quit saying you want to write.

But, if you do want to write, then make the bargain and begin.

Sketching with a Sharpie

Fun for me is building the first vision of a new script with a marker and a big pad of paper.  Jason Fried, from 37signals, reminded me how it also helps to “ignore the details” that cripples many writers early in the process.

Oldie But Goodie: Sketching with a Sharpie

Script by Fire/Edit by Fire - Fall/Winter 2009

I am excited and feel honored to be asked back by Gordon from the Filmpool to teach another round of Script by Fire.  They are also giving me the chance to do a new class: Edit by Fire.  Spots are limited, so sign up early.

Hope you can be a part of it.

yellowbird

How great would this be for film scouting. yellowbird, a company from The Netherlands that offers a capture and delivery system that records sound and video in 360 degrees.

(via Michael Surtees)