THE SCRIPT IS TAKING ITS' OWN SHAPE
Topic: Working like a pro

My Review of Movie Magic Screenwriter
Topic: Working like a pro

 I’ve been using Movie Magic Screenwriter since July, 2006.  I struggled with it at first. I’ve since gained confidence in learning to use it; thus this review is that of an excited novice, not an accomplished pro. 

Still, I can sum up my review of Screenwriter in one word: Great! But, if I don't give you the lowdown on how comfortable it makes you feel while using it; you won’t fully appreciate the one word summation. Screenwriter makes you feel like a pro because you’ll immediately become more productive through using it. Screenwriter frees you to create your play, novel, or movie script without the constant distraction and annoyance of re-formatting script structure (or, while trying to remember many different keyboad strokes to do so) every time you think of fresh dialogue for the characters in your story. Screenwriter offers real-time automatic formatting: It fills in your character names, locations, and other script elements etc.. Even your script notes are placed in proper locations without hassle. Movie Magic Screenwriter has many other features that will have you working like a pro. Index Card View is one that I like most.

 

This feature allows you to use on-screen index cards to make a scene to scene action flow in your story. There is an outline/edit mode, and a card shuffle mode, in this feature. After writing, and shuffling the cards to your order by dragging and dropping, Screenwriter transfers the information you entered on each card to the particular scene in your script. Each card now shows re-numbered scene headings above your descriptive ideas, which now forms a complete outline, ready to be expanded into a script, when you switch from Index Card View to Normal Script View. You’re free now to write without distraction; for there’s nothing here to hinder your creativity.      

New Writing Tools
Topic: Working like a pro
I just ordered Movie Magic Screenwriter, a software application, from the Apple store. I understand that many professional screenwriters use this app. to write their screenplays. This is a script formatting program to help you organize, and improve your writing process. It's advertised as "the choice of Hollywood professionals" --- OK, cool. Far from being a pro, I felt it could only help if I were to use the same tools as the professionals. It was time to quit anguishing over the cost of the thing, and finally invest the $199.99 toward developing my writing skills, to better my chances at securing my writing goals. You know you've got to start out on the good foot to have a chance to succeed, right? Hey, I'll give you a review of the app. as soon as I try it out. I can't wait for it to be delivered!!! Wish me luck!

A Day At Borders
Topic: It takes a village

Something compelled me to go to Borders' book store today (June 24). I was drawn by a familiar expectancy to find exactly what, I could not say --- I never can say what it is that I'm lead to seek. I'm always in a seeking mode, and as it happens; I always find something important, and relevant to the undercurrent themes in my thoughts. I usually browse the philosophy section looking for interesting books, to check out their table of contents. After browsing a topic; I'll enter a few notes in my journal, and copy a quote or two after becoming aroused by ideas that resonates with my own. I'll then slide the book back in its place; only to return the next day to buy it. Today, a book entitled What Is Called Thinking? caught my eye. It was the work of the German philosopher, Martin Heidegger. With book now in hand, I drew a bead on a vacant, black leather arm chair at the end of a long bookcase. As soon as I started reading, I saw my own theory coming off the very first page. I wrote my excited responses, and copied an extensive quote. After placing the book back; I bought four journals --- Borders was running a buy three, get one free, deal.

At check-out, it was my good fortune to be waited on by a friendly, intuitive cashier. Her name is Jody. I bragged to her about how I had filled my 25th journal with ideas that come to me in the middle of the night, and at odd times during the day. I said I was teaching myself to become a writer. Immediately, in what seemed like a deep cosmic ritual, she cupped my hands warmly in hers and said, "You are a writer" And boom, the sudden glow and depth of her pronouncement increased my belief in myself. I felt like I had "arrived". I actually recognized exactly who, and what I was as it was revealed in the flash of that golden moment. This is a perfect example of entrainment; where the actions and words of one person is made to affect another. Jody's positive encouragement entrained a positive response in me.

Indeed. This tells you it does take a village to raise a child. My agreement with that old saying was re-enforced by Jody's heart-felt act of support. You see we're all capable of encouraging, and entraining others to become all they can be. This, HELPING OTHERS TO SUCCEED, is a cosmic ritual. It's the spirit of people helping people to realize their inherent potential. We're all playing a vital part in what I call, The Human Cosmic Ritual. This natural, improvisational rite of assisting others is simply the eternal spirit of being there for someone, just when they need it most. Obviously, it will take a huge creative effort from everyone on the planet to raise a civilization of caring, creative people; people more inclined to help than hinder one another.

As it regards writing, you have proof that even great authors need help; because you've noticed how every author (whether well known, or not so well known) invariably writes, "I want to thank my editors for their help in making this book possible". I'd like to make it known that I'm very grateful to Jodi for adding a bucket full of jet fuel to the creative flame within me: Thanks to you, Jody, I will continue writing my book and screenplay with renewed conviction, and energy. 

Postponement

Alas, there actually isn't any good news to speak of at the moment. Fox won't be coming down any time soon. Due to circumstances beyond our control, Fox and I will have to wait before we can make our plans happen. In the meantime, we'll direct our attention to working separately, through email attachments, etc..

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Getting Ready to Roll
Topic: Good News
My grandson, Fox called last night. We got our heads together on details about his upcoming bus trip here to Winston Salem. I've been working alone on my screenplay, ENTRAINMENT (the book and film) for some time, and now that Fox is coming down, I am encouraged to say the least. I told him about the paint job I just contracted to do, and that he could help me with it while we did our writing in between the work of painting. He seemed enthusiastic about the idea. He is a fine young fellow. I couldn't ask for a better helper, and the job couldn't have come at a better time either: We'll have mucho funds to buy a good camcorder to practice making films and, of course, to buy food. There will soon be two mouths to feed, so we'll be "good to go" when he arrives. I'm happy that Fox is coming to join me. But I also feel a little concern. I admit there are moments when I wonder if we can pull this off; for there will be many obstacles to overcome. Yet the thought of accomplishing that which seems to be the impossible is so attractive, that I am driven to make it happen. After all, it is said, the play is the thing. Technorati Profile

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Mr Big Stuff
Topic: Laughing at yourself
I saw a Cadillac commercial the other night. It showed a Black marching band composed of many many drummers playing paradiddles on their drums while a sleek looking Cadillac eased around the thoroughfare where the ensemble paraded. What a great production, the scene was very appealing. It was an entertaining piece of film. It made me feel that I could actually do something like that with the film that I want to make. It inspired me, and I wanted to tell them about it. I sent the Cadillac Company the following email. I clicked the sent button inadvertently, thus I never had a chance to proof my message; but I was confident I had written a nifty little self-portrait of an artist at work. Yeah, right (check out the typo's, and the double dribble): 

GOOD NEWS
I'm happy to say that a young man is coming here to Winston Salem North Carolina. He is coming to work with me on many writing projects. He is coming from Grand Rapids Michigan. This young man is my grandson. His name is Chris Burns, but I have taken to calling him Fox, because his favorite t.v. show is The X Files, and the main character was named Fox Moulder. My grandson introduced me to the program when I drove up in 1997 to stay with him, my Daughter and the rest of their family. I stayed four years. We watched the show together, and I became an instant fan. Now Fox is coming to stay with me. Together, he and I will produce what I think will be a great movie, one that everybody will be talking about. Ever since Fox was a little fellow I've had the feeling that we would write a book together. I remember giving him his first typewriter. We went to the store to buy a new ribbon for it, and what a happy moment that was. It made me proud to see his face. He looked so serious. I knew I had a young writer by my side when we walked out of the store that day. So, come on down Fox. Let's live the adventure.

Where Is My Blog?
How did I lose my blog? Maybe with this entry I can find it again, maybe.