Project 629 published by Ether Books

Ether Books has just published my fact-based fiction, "Project 629". You can check it out here: http://catalog.etherbooks.com/Products/2521. This originally started out as a short play but as I've been unsuccessful placing it anywhere I turned it into a short story. In other news, I've started a novel-writing course at the Sydney Writers' Centre which is going well, with very good feedback on my synopsis/outline for the novel. I've also penned another short story which I've submitted to the Australian Literature Review, been working on another couple of short plays, and am penning the fifth draft of TABLE FOR TWO?, which despite its 'RECOMMEND' from coverage has so far failed to garner any producer interest. So, I'm still going, still struggling...

'DeCodeMe' gets a 'RECOMMEND'

The third draft of my (sort of) romantic comedy script, 'DeCodeMe', has just been granted a 'RECOMMEND' by LA-based Extreme Screenwriting coverage services. "A timely concept that’s well written with professional plot layering and quality dialogue" they said. As a recommended script, 'DeCodeMe' will now be promoted to over 400 production companies, studios, indie producers, agents/managers, directors, actors and writers. But I'm not holding my breath. 'TABLE FOR TWO?' also got a 'RECOMMEND' from Extreme but I've had no traction on that (I'm just about to revisit TABLE FOR TWO? and do a fifth draft). If anyone's interested, you can read 'DeCodeMe' here. Despite the good news of the 'RECOMMEND' from Extreme, it's not all good news. I sent the latest draft of 'DeCodeMe' to a couple of other places and the responses from them have been less favourable. ScreenplayCoverage.com, while conceding there was a "lot of potential" in the script, said "What this script really needs is to be funnier, lighter and more fun. Despite a couple of moments where I could really see the potential of the material shining through, overall the piece really bogs down in explaining and justifying its plot" (it's a science-based plot, so there has to be some explaining). On the plus side, their reader said "I thought it was great to have a real villain in your romantic comedy, which isn’t something that I see a lot these days." And, "You have a good ear for dialog. You never fall into the comedy trap of filling scenes with silly talk that doesn’t go anywhere. This is well written, naturalistic and concise." But overall, ScreenplayCoverage.com gave 'DeCodeMe' a 'PASS' as they think its too complicated and needs to be simpler and, frankly, funnier (with more likeable characters). The reader from the Hollywood BlackList didn't like the script at all. They gave it a 3 out of 10, and my, did that hurt! They did comment on some "very funny scenes" but, contrary to Extreme and ScriptCoverage.com, said my dialogue "feels forced and on-the-nose in many places" (Who to believe?). They summarised their verdict by saying "The script could have difficulty finding a broad target audience because of the controversial nature of the theme...It is a film that will appeal to a niche adult audience interested in hypersexual comedies with characters that are off-beat." Well, I could live with that. But I just need one of those 400 production companies on the books of Extreme to take it up and get it to the silver screen before I can.

Latest Draft of 'DeCodeMe' Done & Other News

So, today I finally finished the latest (third) draft of 'DeCodeMe'. Have I been able to elevate it from a merely 'promising' script to a sellable one? Time will tell... I have taken on board coverage notes and contest feedback in the latest draft, and I do think its pacier. So fingers crossed. One producer in the States has already requested a read so its been dispatched to them. I need to update the synopsis and post the latest draft on InkTip and Screenwriter Showcase. That's my job for tomorrow. In other news... Thanks to my winning Kate Toon's micro-fiction competition last November, I've now enrolled on a novel writing course at the Sydney Writers' Centre, starting next month for six weeks. I'm thinking of novelising my competition-winning but as yet unoptioned drama script, LUCK"S RAN OUT (a literary agent in London suggested I do this). Although the story's set in England and Spain, it could really be set anywhere so long as one location is a holiday destination. So I might Australian-ise the story and set it in Sydney and the Gold Coast. Don't know yet. Don't forget, if you're ever caught short (as it were) and wanted a quick read, you can download some of my stories and one of my poems from Ether Books.

As Joaquin Phoenix would say, "I'm Still Here!"

Gosh! Has it really been three months since I last posted something?? Well, I'm still here and struggling with my writing (which may or may not be a good thing). I've been thinking a lot about how last year panned out (two screenwriting commissions, both features; got fired from both of them) and how I'm going to learn the lessons. Last year I focused almost exclusively on the screenwriting, and while I've still got the third draft of 'DeCodeMe' to finish (going to be working on that today), I've decided that this year I'm not going to put all my eggs in the one screenwriting basket. Instead, I'm going to try to press on and write a full-length stage play, start the novel that's been kicking around in the back of my mind for a couple of years, and get back in to writing poetry and short stories. My short stories have been doing well on Ether Books. Both 'Captive' and 'Daddy's Secrets' enjoyed being the top paid download; 'Captive' even beating Hilary Mantel's 'Creeper' at one point. Yesterday I went through my back catalogue of poetry and short stories and uploaded some to Triond and Jottify, which I've just discovered courtesy of another Ether Writer, Perth-based Therese Edmonds. Feel free to check them out, but if you really want to help a struggling writer and you have an iPhone, iPad or Android device, download my stories from Ether Books (I get paid for those!). Also, if you're interested, you can hear my two completed feature scripts on iScript.

My Platform Awaits...I just need to take a big leap off it and start flying!

I had an interview for a Writer's Residency position at The Arts Platform this week. Didn't get it, but I got some great feedback on my application today. They felt the three projects I pitched need to be at a further stage of development. They particularly liked my idea for a play, though, and encouraged me to start writing it asap and to apply again for the next round of residencies in late 2013. I'm glad I applied and they've encouraged me to take advantage of other opportunities that will come up in the new year for script reads and networking. This has helped crystallise my work plan; it's all about the next draft of 'DeCodeMe' and the play from now on. The political drama I was working on with FilmStreet 1930's Studios has died a death, at least for me. They didn't like my interpretation in the rewrite of their first draft, so I'm off the project. Which is fine, as I can concentrate on my play and 'DeCodeMe' now. Or at least I can once I've moved house...which is what's taking up all my time at the moment. But I have a good platform for when I do get back to the writing. Two main projects which are different mediums. I'm excited at the thought of tackling them.

Encouraging feedback on 'DeCodeMe'...

Got some great feedback on 'DeCodeMe' from the Cynosure Screenwriting Awards yesterday: "This was a most delightful and entertaining script! Its unique premise was hilarious. The author did a great job weaving a seamless story including a plausible suspension of disbelief. It is an outlandish concept which works! He/She did so with touching on a delicate subject but maintained its witty and amusing main story. All of the characters are well defined and Grant is very likeable. The audience really feels for him. What stands out most is the intelligent and witty dialogue giving depth to all of its characters. There is a clear and human quality among each of them. This is shown well with the problems that lie between Raphael and Max as well as with Tiffany and Grant. Tiffany’s jealous rage is also hysterical. The dialogue is absolutely wonderful. Although the script is well stocked with comical scenes, witty dialogue and well defined characters, there are a few flaws. But all in all, the story works as a whole. With a few of these issues addressed, this would be a phenomenally smart comedy, with an abundance of humor and amusement." Very encouraging as I prepare to write the third draft, which hopefully will take the script to the next level.

Ether Books' 'Writer of the Day'!

Ether Books made me their Writer of the Day on Friday. You can read my interview with Ether Books here.

'DeCodeMe' a finalist in the 2012 Extreme Screenwriting screenplay contest

I'm back from holidays in Vietnam to two pieces of good news!! First, my ultra-short micro story won Kate Toon's 'Squeeze Writing Competition' and I now have $100 to spend at the Sydney Writers' Centre. And second, my romantic comedy feature, 'DeCodeMe', has been selected as a finalist in the 2012 Extreme Screenwriting screenplay contest.

Feeling fresh, and confident I have found my voice!

Got some good feedback from the Fresh Voices screenwriting contest about 'DeCodeMe'. I won't find out until January whether its reached the quarter-finals or not, but they scored it a 81%, with 9s in the Voice, Premise/Concept, Theme, Script Format and Cast-ability categories. I won't go into the details but they end their report on my script with: "Overall this is a solid foundation, and I think you have the talent to construct the best possible version of this script on it." Nice and positive, then, and I can't wait to get working on the third draft.

Still working on the first draft of the political drama though. After that's done I'll be tackling the third draft of 'DeCodeMe'.

Been listening to some excellent podcasts from the National Theatre on iTunes. Loved the interview with David Hare, where he says of writing: "On some plays you're in total agony. You haven't got the slightest idea where you're going and you're working for every single line."

I've had that feeling, so still hope for me yet!

Vote for my micro story

If you're on Facebook, please check out my piece of micro fiction (500 characters - letters of the alphabet, plus spaces that is; not actual fictional people) that I've entered into a writing contest. You can find it via my Facebook page (click on the image headed 'Squeeze your story into a FB update') and this will take you to the comments section where the stories/entries are. To vote for my story, just click 'Like' next to the story. Voting is open until 9am (AEST) on 27 September. Thanks!

Deadlines are there to be missed (or re-negotiated)! And 'DeCodeMe' gets some positive feedback and pointers for the next rewrite...

So, I was supposed to have delivered the first draft of a political drama by the end of August but for a number of reasons I haven't been able to. But nevermind, deadlines are there to be re-negotiated so I have another month!

After that I'll be tackling the third draft of 'DeCodeMe'. I've got coverage on it from a couple of sources and also got feedback from screenwriting competitions, so I'm looking forward to sifting through those and trying to elevate the third draft to a higher standard than the existing second draft.

Some of the feedback has commented on some structural issues, and some has said that the story just isn't romantic enough or funny enough (which is a problem for a romantic comedy). However, there have been some positives, including this:

"This is a fun script that has some quite high concept ideas and has melded them in with a real character driven story...In conclusion this is a great script, entertaining and it’s got a few messages to tell. All that is really needed is a few more minor rewrites and minor tweaks and you will probably have a winner on your hands. Good job so far, keep writing."

'Keep writing' I will! Obviously, not all of the feedback has been so positive but it's great that at least some readers are recognising its potential. 'DeCodeMe' might still be a jewel in the rough right now, but I'm convinced that it's a real gem of a story that will surely start to sparkle once it's polished a bit.

But first, I've got to finish that political drama. Head down, fingers flexed, off we go...

Showcasing my scripts on Screenwriter Showcase

I went to the premiere screening of The Brothel last night, an independent Aussie film which my actor mate, Mark Williamson was in. It was good fun and has the potential to be a cult classic. I hope it does well on the festival circuit.

I've recently updated my profile on Screenwriter Showcase. So any producers out there can download my three completed feature scripts (they're also on InkTip): the competition winning drama, LUCK'S RAN OUT; the dramedy TABLE FOR TWO? and the comedy/romantic comedy'DeCodeMe'.

I haven't made much progress with the political drama I have to turn in by the end of this month, so I'm going to have to go some in the next few weeks...