AN ABANDONED TALE IS NEVER TRULY ABANDONED

A few years ago, I came up with a concept for a ‘superhero’ drama.  I was really excited about the possibilities because it was something I had never seen before.  Almost immediately, I began developing my tragic main character and the supporting cast that populated his world.

But…

Something happened…  It’s a familiar scenario for many storytellers out there.  You think you have a game changing idea but slowly, it fizzles and you lose interest.  It happens.  If the idea doesn’t keep your interest how can you expect readers/viewers to invest?

I wouldn’t call my superhero concept dead.  I loved the concept and I adored the characters but the actual plot didn’t do them justice.  I needed to do a lot more work on the story.  So my notes gathered ‘dust’ on the digital shelf that is my hard drive.  But I never forgot about the excitement I felt…

A few months ago, I had just completed a feature length screenplay called Strangers and I began developing a new drama.  One morning, I was working on some rough notes when something occurred to me.  A new approach to my superhero tale.  I dropped everything and got to work.

INSPIRATION WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT

It was an adrenaline filled morning.  I wrote for hours and before I knew it, I had mapped out the majority of my superhero movie and I loved it.  I couldn’t wait to write it.  I finally had a hook that made sense within the world I created and things just fell into place.

I felt fantastic.  Except I had a new problem.  My other script was going well and I had just finished writing the opening sequence.  What would you do?  I decided to focus on the story that excited me the most so I put my drama on hold and immediately began writing about superheroes.

That was two weeks ago…

Since then, I’ve made countless adjustments and I’ve nearly finished the first act.  It’s unlike anything I’ve ever written before and that’s an encouraging thought.  There’s nothing more inspiring that finding a story worth telling.  A screenplay you can’t wait to finish.

This idea has been in development a long time but it just wasn’t ready back then.  Today, I’m absolutely obsessed with ‘What Comes Next’.  I’m sad when my writing time runs out but still, I’m beyond excited to write again.

Screenwriting, to me, is about finding a story that keeps bringing you back to the blank page.  Eager to fill it with original ideas.  I’m writing action for the first time in years and I’m having a blast.

What’s even more encouraging is the screenplay I put aside to write my take on the superhero genre remains.  It’s always nice to know that another exciting idea awaits.

You never know when inspiration will hit.  Likewise, you never know which idea it will strike.  That’s why it’s always important to step back from an idea and look at it from a fresh perspective.  I may have waited too long to get back to my idea but it was never dead.  It was just the wrong time.

Fate is a funny thing.  I’m happiest when I’m writing something I believe in.

Bring on the next page!