A NEW WEBSITE FOR SCREENWRITERS IS HERE!

About 6 months ago, I took some time to completely reorganize myself online.  First, I deleted a dozen accounts on various sites I never used.  You’d be surprised how great that feels to be rid of so many user IDs and passwords.  I also eliminated a website I was maintaining but rarely contributed to.

From there I focused on The Athletic Nerd.  My 4 year old blog got a complete makeover with a new theme, an updated logo and new graphics.  Behind the scenes, I deleted tons of outdated posts, updated others and spent a lot of time refocusing the content and my promotional techniques.

It was time for a new project.  For years, I wanted to launch a screenwriting website.  I write about screenwriting on this blog all the time but I didn’t want this new site to be a blog.  I wanted to create a place that would inspire me to write more and in doing so, hopefully, inspire others.

The Screenwriting Spark was born!

This new screenwriting website was built around a simple idea: Screenwriters Inspire Screenwriters.

There are so many wonderful writers out there sharing their experiences using websites, blogs and social media. These unique stories are full of insight. I’ve learned so much about myself and my hobby of choice thanks to dedicated people who love screenwriting too!  I decided to collect all of these resources in one place.  (Screenwriting Spark)

The site is home to hundreds of links to amazing screenwriting websites.  Beyond that, it’s also home to blog posts, videos, tips, resources, interviews and much more.

Here’s a quick guide on getting started:

• Explore hundreds of screenwriting websites
• Resources, tips and more on the blog
• Tons of screenwriting videos
• 25 amazing screenwriting blogs
• Exclusive interviews with screenwriters
• A complete guide to screenwriting on Twitter

Among the highlights is an exclusive section where screenwriters share why they love writing screenplays, the obstacles they face and what keeps them coming back.  You can add your own story by answering 6 screenwriting questions found here.

The Screenwriting Spark began as a hobby and quickly became a passion of mine.  I had so much fun researching and gathering resources to pull it off.  I’m thrilled with how it turned out and I sincerely hope people enjoy the content there.  Subscribe for all the latest Sparks and happy writing!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SCREENWRITING SPARK!

INSPIRE THE ASPIRING

THE SCREENWRITING SPARK IS HERE BUT WHAT ABOUT MY NEW SCREENPLAY?

Last summer, I challenged myself to put this blog aside and finish a new feature length screenplay.  I did.  It was an amazing experience that ended a year of doubt when it came to screenwriting.  I had spent so long thinking only of shorts I could produce I lost confidence that I could create enough content to fill the pages of a feature.

When I finished that script, I immediately began developing a new screenplay that would become my take on the superhero genre.  Towards the end of 2012, I gathered all my notes and script pages and began writing.  I made it through the first act and ran into a little bit of trouble.

Around this time, I got an idea for a new screenwriting website and decided it would become a hobby project.  I also stopped writing my superhero tale in favor of more development time.  Months passed and I continued working on both project in addition to regular posts on this job.  If there’s one thing my Summer of Screenwriting taught me, it was how to budget my time.  About a month ago, I had a big breakthrough in my screenplay.  It was a wonderfully inspiring moment as I was getting frustrated.  I didn’t know if I would ever crack the story and truly immerse myself in the world.  Thankfully, that wasn’t the case and I couldn’t wait to get started.

However, I was nearly finished building The Screenwriting Spark and I wanted to launch it before diving into a screenplay again.  Today is that day.  It took a while to finish the site but I hope screenwriters will find a creative spark there if they need it.  It certainly sparked my need to get back to writing.

Launch day is finally here.  Yesterday I woke up and my to-do list was empty. Over the last few months, I completely reorganized my online life.  I redesigned and simplified The Athletic Nerd, eliminated some of the creative clutter on my desk and designed a brand new site.  I’m all caught up.

What did I do with my free time before my shift?  I fired up the first act of my superhero screenplay, read it and began a brand new first draft.  I always say I missed screenwriting after a long lay off but that’s just a cop out.  I could have been writing all along.  I know it.  When I first started this screenplay, I thought I would have it finished before 2013 began.  I was wrong but I care more about the story now than I did in the Fall.  That’s more important to me.  Screenwriting is my escape from stress.  An activity that’s just for me.  If I don’t care about a story, it’s tough to keep my mind occupied and I wind up getting stuck.

Creating The Screenwriting Spark was just another challenge but it did the trick.  I created a website I hope will inspire screenwriters.  It certainly inspired me.  I don’t know when I’ll finish my latest screenplay but I’m just taking things one day at a time now.  No pressure.  Just writing.

Check out The Screenwriting Spark and let me know what you think!

I’m looking for some help with a new project and if you love screenwriting, it involves you.

Send an email to jason@theathleticnerd.com with the answers to the following questions:

1. How did you discover screenwriting?

2. What inspires your writing?

3. What do you love the most about screenwriting?

4. How do you cure writer’s block?

5. What is your biggest screenwriting weakness and how will you overcome it?

6. Describe your screenwriting experience in ONE word. (Ex: passion, creativity…)

Answers need only be a paragraph or two.

Don’t forget to include your name.  You can also include your website and Twitter page.  They will most definitely be promoted.  Please feel free to pass this along to any passionate screenwriters you know as well!

15. SCREENPLAY

The Foundations of Screenwriting

by Syd Field

14. SCREENWRITING UPDATED

by Linda Aronson

13. ADVANCED SCREENWRITING

Taking Your Writing to the Academy Award Level

by Linda Seger

12. THE 101 HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITERS

Insider’s Secrets from Hollywood’s Top Writers.

by Karl Iglesias

11. LEW HUNTER’S SCREENWRITING 434

The Industry’s Premier Teacher Reveals the Secrets of the Successful Screenplay

by Lew Hunter

10. STORY

Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting

by Robert McKee

9. YOUR SCREENPLAY SUCKS

100 Ways to Make it Great

by William M Akers

8. SAVE THE CAT

The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need

by Blake Snyder

7. THE SCREENWRITER’S BIBLE

by David Trottier

6. POWER SCREENWRITING

The 12 Steps of Story Development

by Michael Chase Walker

5. SCREENWRITING FROM THE SOUL

Letters to an Aspiring Screenwriter

by Richard W. Krevolin and Jeff Arch

4. ALONE IN A ROOM

by John Scott Lewinski

3. CRAFTY SCREENWRITING

Writing Movies That Get Made

by Alex Epstein

2. REAL SCREENWRITING

Strategies and Stories from the Trenches

by Ron Suppa

Check out my exclusive interview with author Ron Suppa.

1. HOW NOT TO WRITE A SCREENPLAY

101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make

by Denny Martin Flinn

Which screenwriting books inspired you?

Last summer, I decided to put aside writing short films and focus on features again. For the longest time, I had written shorts almost exclusively. When I began writing a new feature, I found it harder to find time to work on it.

It’s all excuses really. I know it and you know it.  You either find time to write or you don’t. Whether it’s shorts or features, it’s the act of writing that’s important. So I challenged myself to finish a feature screenplay by summer’s end.

I accomplished my goal.

XTRA | The Summer of Screenwriting: Complete Series

Almost immediately I dove into a brand new feature. To this day, I’m still working out the finer details of my new script.

Lately, I found myself missing the rush of completing a short screenplay in one sitting. The immediate satisfaction you get when you can pump out a first draft in a few hours.

I think once I finish my new feature, I may take a few weeks and write a couple more shorts. Not for anyone else but myself.  But I don’t know if I’ll make it given the dream I had the other night.

THE DREAM

I don’t know if I’m alone on this or not but for years, I’ve watched movies in my dreams. I’m the camera. It’s the oddest thing but I’ve had tons of dreams like that. Sure, I’m the star in others but I was just an observer in my latest subconscious adventure.

It was set in a senior citizens center where the tenants were gearing up to put on a play. They were led by an ambitious elderly man who is easily the coolest character I’ve ever accidentally made up.

By the time I woke up, the story development was done. I had a complete concept ready to go. I just needed to write it down. Since then, I’ve often thought about my latest inspiration and what it could become if I really focus on writing a first draft.

Right now, I remain focused on finishing my feature screenplay. It’s an action script and I’m having a blast creating the world and the characters that live there.

Who knows when I’ll get to another short screenplay. What I find encouraging is that inspiration can quite literally strike at any moment. Awake or not.

I had a good night sleep too.

Click here for more Screenwriting.