Creative writer. Seeking links for support.

[Lydia1960]

Based in SE London, am a 55 year old woman who believes she has 'found her voice' and is currently drafting some story ideas for ebooks/ film scripts.

Complete technophobe, could be an age thing, so have no understanding of modern technology. Prinicipally, the knowhow to set up my social media properly and add the right text to draw potentially loyal followers to them.

Anyone who can offer advice on where or who to contact for such assistance, for a negotiated agreed upon fee, I would very much like to hear from.. Need to get these essential sites up and running so that I can start promoting my ideas online..all ideas welcomed..

 

[Clinton]

Oh dear, you're going to get all kinds of social media "experts" coming out of the wood work with an invitation like that!

Do you even need social media? What are you trying to achieve? What do you hope social media will do for you?

 

[Lydia1960]

You're probably right on that one! It's just my 'expertise' in technology is Absolutely zilch! Perhaps it's not an age thing, but a gender one?! That won't please the purists, and that's from an actual feminist!

Might have solve my problem with a contact that I have, though. And definitely, social media will be needed. To promote interest in my creative ideas, via messages to attract potential followers, to my values and belief systems. Self promotion, entertainingly expressed. The need for profits, to spread my brand and its influence and establish my status with this pen name..so, yep, they'll be needed!

What's your line of business, then? I thought every product etc needed the exposure of the Internet to help sell them? Am I misinformed...? Certainly self published writers do...

 

[Clinton]

To answer your question, over the last 30+ years I've bought and sold numerous businesses including many technology/online businesses. I now assist other business owners with extracting the value they've built i.e. I provide M&A advice.

Owners of smaller businesses are often avid social media users, but there are far better and far more economical ways for me to reach CEOs and decision makers at larger businesses. In fact, many of my target clients don't bother with the likes of Twitter and Facebook and wouldn't dream of having an account. For those that do, the account is often managed by an agency or by employees.

Contrary to popular belief, there are several businesses that don't benefit from wasting time / resources on social media. One of my clients sells drilling equipment to the mining industry, another supplies calibration equipment to offshore oil rigs. Businesses like these have used experts to investigate SM but came to the conclusion that it was a load of crock (for them). In fact, even the internet is dispensible as far as some business models are concerned.

For what you're describing, yes, I can see the potential of SM. But it's easy to create fake followers, fake engagement, fake lots of things. And it's also possible to cause one's personal brand a lot of damage following the wrong advice. So good luck with this contact you have. Do update us at some point with a progress report.

 

[The Byre]

Based in SE London, am a 55 year old woman who believes she has 'found her voice' and is currently drafting some story ideas for ebooks/ film scripts.

Do you know how to draft and format a film script?

Do you know the three-act / 15-beat / 36-to-40 scene structure of a film or story?

I ask these questions, because the movie business is very formal and structured in these matters, largely for technical, as well as marketing reasons. Some courses in writing for screen and a copy of 'The Writers and Artists Yearbook' may help you.

 

[Lydia1960]

Yep. You're right. Your clients are 'coming from this' from a different angle, so might not need the use of social media etc. And there is an argument to be had about the impact of modern technology on people's psyche and lives(read once that war, became much more devastating when weapons of mass destruction came into play. Guns and suchlike. Nazi Germany and those concentration camps.). So it is clear that yes, indeed, life has become very much more complicated and interweaving with all the psychological dramas that play out in each individual's psyche. Still, an unknown writer, who is restricted due to health reason, ebooks and the web, are a possible Godsend to them..

Just stumbled across a IT company that deals in such things that I am seeking advice on, so have sent off an email, to see what they can offer me on this. Might just pay, to hire someone to add all the right text and data, to set up these sites properly and then for me to take over from there. Being aware of what you write is definitely to be recommended if you are self promoting...



And yep, I am aware of the need for a properly structured and formatted film scrip. Dara Marks' 'Inside Story. The Power of the Transformational Arc...' Is one of the books I read to learn how to do that properly.

The thing I am worrying about is how to sell, on-spec, not being fit enough to participate in studios etc, should my script start to create waves of interest.. The dream, of course. Thinking more perhaps towards the films that inspired me when young:- 'Kes' and 'Gregory's Girl' type of ones. Those are the type of things that motivate me...

 

[Gecko001]

Is the OP sure that unknown authors get their foot in the door with publishers or commissioners of films and TV programmes by promoting themselves on social media?

 

[The Byre]

And yep, I am aware of the need for a properly structured and formatted film scrip. Dara Marks' 'Inside Story. The Power of the Transformational Arc...' Is one of the books I read to learn how to do that properly.
The thing I am worrying about is how to sell, on-spec, not being fit enough to participate in studios etc, should my script start to create waves of interest.. The dream, of course. Thinking more perhaps towards the films that inspired me when young:- 'Kes' and 'Gregory's Girl' type of ones. Those are the type of things that motivate me...

I assume then you know all about physical formatting (courier 12-point, indents for dialog, etc.) If you don't, get a copy of 'The Hollywood Standard' by C.Riley.

Tip - read 'Save the Cat' by Blake Snyder. When you've finished it, read it again! It's cheesy and it's funny! OK, Mr. Snyder is no big shakes himself, when it comes to having written tent-pole blockbusters, but it's dead on the money! It will also teach you how to structure and pitch a script that may just possibly sell on-spec!

Then read 'The Complete Screenwriting Course' by Charles Harris. When you've finished it, read that one again as well! Always remember his GOATS rule!

Keep those two books by your side, lend them to no one and refer to them often!

Four more tips -

1. Making movies is a team effort and they cost a fortune to make. Keep that in mind, as you write, so that you make life easer for the team, if and/or when they come to make your movie! You are now a member of a team at least 100-strong, even if that team doesn't exist yet!

2. Think in images, not words. Movies are not radio plays! Move the story with action, movement, cinematography and music and not by having a load of characters standing about, flapping at the lip!

3. Stay as far away from gritty urban dramas as is humanly possible! They always bomb! Nobody wants to see all that "Look out! He's got a knife!" and "Dad, I'm pregnant!" rubbish. The audience has enough of that in real life!

4. Watch the classics from The Third Man to Fargo, from The Shining to The Road to Perdition and work out how they always comply with the 3-act, 15-beat format!

P.S. Never forget rule three - ever!!!

 

[The Byre]

Is the OP sure that unknown authors get their foot in the door with publishers or commissioners of films and TV programmes by promoting themselves on social media?

Forget SM! Write one decent script with a killer log-line and in an attractive genre, such as comedy-thriller and leave SM up to the studio. That's their job! They will start the SM campaign, usually as they begin principle photography.

 

[Lydia1960]

Yep. I know making waves is THE way to get noticed. Using Social Media, but I am completely computer illiterate, on all related aspects too, believe me, so that's going to be a challenge.

And thanks for those recommendations. Noted. Did take a long distance course with a former Hollywood screenwriter, who gave me tips on how to format properly, including POGS, for every scene, Protagonist, Opposition, Goal and the Upping of the Stakes. That was invaluable advice.

The suggestion of team effort is very daunting to me, and really, quite impossible, due to health problems which means I cannot travel, so even if the lucky break was to ever show up, alas I could not accept it. That's why I need to sell on-spec, and I was also informed that I'd need two properly structured, formatted scripts before an agent would even check them out. So not sure what I'll do when this one's completed. Soon I hope. There must be some way round that..?

Good advice, methinks, about urban dramas. There are plenty of tales to be told that can reflect a positive stance on humankind, rather than highlighting its dark side. Leave some optimism with the audience. This script I am drafting is a triangle, where a young male falls for the charms of his mate's girlfriend, with all the emotional twists that can be wrought from such an idea. Simple one, but who knows. Maybe Fate will be kind to me on this one...?

And yep, the classics. That's what I was raised on, so totally concur with you on that one. Just inputted 15 beat, relating to scripts, online, and a woman's blog came up. Quite interesting. Will note down that too. Definitely need to read up on some well crafted scripts. Will check some out. As for the Campaigning on Social Media, that'll mostly be for the ebook version of the film script.

 

[The Byre]

This script I am drafting is a triangle, where a young male falls for the charms of his mate's girlfriend, with all the emotional twists that can be wrought from such an idea.

And the log-line is . . . ?

 

[Lydia1960]

Not constructed yet, but just had a private message from a member on the writer's forum I frequent, who seemed willing to offer her services to me, regarding social media etc, for a fee.

Checked out her blog, and its layout and punchy tone for giving out advice, which bespeaks of her expertise. Thus, have proposed that we should collaborate on this and other ventures, as I believe, hope, I have enough talent to potentially make 'a killing..?'.

Won't know until it is put out there on the internet cosmos. Not being able to utilise properly these media, I really do need assistance, for a percentage of any profits made. Could be lucrative, if done well. The PR? If she declines, someone suggested advertising locally for some wiz kid on these matters. Who knows...?

 

[Breaking Good]

If all you're looking to do is pay someone to set up your social media accounts - find a friend who can do this for you. It will only take 30 mins to set up the accounts and show you how to post on them

I'd worry that hiring a company may result in you being fleeced

A website would be a different matter altogether.

 

[Lydia1960]

Already hired a web design company for that. A website. Not that conversant when it comes to 'socialising on the net' via all those media sites. As I am disabled now, really, I cannot get out to discover all the things in my 'neck of the woods', London, or elsewhere, so am considerably restricted as to the knowledge I possess to entertain potential followers, with which to win over their loyalty, for sales, promotion of my brand and status gathering.

Also, I could spend more time doing what I wish to do, which is being creative, as opposed to searching the net for entertaining tidbits for followers. Just a personal choice. That's all I do desire in my life, now, to write, read, listen to music, look at nature and make contact with genuine types, those who fit my criteria when it comes to their value systems, matching mine. When you get to this age, and your health isn't so great, you yearn to concentrate on the things that are most important to you. So see what happens next? Watch this space...!

 

[The Byre]

You are working on a film script, but you don't have a log-line????!!!!

But you do have SM contracts and website contracts in place!

The words cart and horse spring to mind! You are starting an ad campaign without any product to sell! As that great writer, philosopher and poet, Dizzy Rascal said, "Bonkers!"

Step one - log line!
Step two - treatment.
Step three - structure map.
Step four - scene-by-scene treatment.
Step five - write script.
Step six - take script to script doctor.
Step seven - rewrite.
Step eight - get agent.
Step nine - agent sells script.
Step ten - work on new script.

If you are serious about being a writer - write!

What you are doing, is playing at being a writer!

 

[AllUpHere]

Agree with @The Byre, you are well and truly putting the cart before the horse. Script writing is no different to marketing any other service based business, and you are doing it completely back to front.

 

[Scott@KarmaContent]

You might want to check out the BBC's Writers Room. Lots of good resources about writing, submissions and the latest opportunities. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/

 

[Lydia1960]

Don't panic, folks! All is in hand! I DO have a log line, but it needs working on. That's why I joined a writers' forum, to seek out those with expertise on this and other aspects to creative writing. They have various groups on that website, that I have linked up with. So they are on tap, night and day, should I need them.

Principally, it is my ebook/s that I have set up my website and SM for, as it is necessary to garner the curiosity of those who are checking out the search engines etc, to prick their interest enough to come take a peek at my writing...

I have about 30/40 pages to go on my first ebook(which I am speculating as to which market to aim this toward, 'the straight one' or 'lesbian and gay', or both, two versions of the same original premise, just tweaked to meet each genre's requirements? More potential for sales perhaps?). So I am hoping that it will be about another 2/3 months to complete, hopefully sooner?

My script just needs editing, and structured into a proper format. I have the entire story, just needs to do that. Get formatted. And there has been mention of various books that can assist me on this, or even a course, where I can cut to the chase, the bits that I need clarifying on, rather than the whole course, to finish off this draft. So all is definitely in hand.

Yep. Heard of the BBC's Writers Room. It is mentioned on that forum. Life's just a bit troubling for me, here where I live, right now, so that has had my mind in disarray. So having to learn some coping strategies to get by. That's the dream. To create a presence on my social media, sell ebooks, establish my name, and gain a contract for any film scripts connected to these stories. Feel there is a better chance of selling scripts that way, if there is a 'track record' of success, maybe...? So continue upwards and onwards, j'espere....?

 

[The Byre]

Well, good luck and all that, but knuckle down and do things properly. Just because you are ill and 55 years old (that's ten years younger than me BTW!) does not mean that you can afford to not think like a professional! That means starting with structure and moving to written text - NEVER the other way about! Or as Benjamin Franklin said "Plan your work and work your plan!"

A professional writer writes 2,000 words a day. If you are not writing at that rate, you are playing at it. From PG Wodehouse to Jeremy Clarkson, from lowly provincial hack to JK Rowling, they all whack out their 2,000 words or more.

I have given you all the information you need to become a professional writer, from the books you must read, to a ten-point plan in how to write a script or book. Never mind all that other stuff, just work logically, and don't go putting carts in front of horses!

Don't bother too much with social media, until such time as you've got something concrete to push. The idea of going for the LGBT market is good and well-placed product there can bleed over into the straight market, in much the same way that the local gay bar is often the hottest ticket in town for the straight community!

Now off you go and get a copy of 'Save the Cat!' and write that log line TODAY!

 

[Lydia1960]

Thanks for the pep talk! Just in need of that! Not always easy to be, or feel creative, in a very stressful environment, and being in poor physical and mental health, these days, but I take on board your strong words of encouragement. That'll help fuel my passion...!

So, reading up on those books you referred to, would be better than taking a short course on this topic? Wouldn't Dara Marks' book:- 'Inside Story:- The Power of the Transformational Arc...', which I have scrutinised for factual advise on all of this, wouldn't that supply all the necessary details for such things such as format, acts and sequences etc? Certainly have learnt a lot from her advise on film scripting techniques. Do I need anymore books on this topic?

I have signed up for membership with IMDbPro, where you can gain the contact details of various people within that business to be able to make enquiries or put a proposal to them, with regards to an idea or synopsis... Good idea, don't you agree?

And, yes, I'm thinking BOTH versions for my ebooks, 'straight and queer', to maximise any profits that can be made. One successful lesbian writer in North America, suggested it might get too entangled if I offer two versions of the same ebook idea, just tweaked here and there, under the same pen name. That each potential readership would get 'confused' by any messages I put out with regard to promoting my separate storyline ideas online.

Was thinking that I could set up two social media sites for each readership? So as to keep the messages etc that I will be sending out separate from one grouping to another...? Might air that idea on the writers' forum to see what they suggest? I'll check online for 'Save the Cat..', to see if it just won't tell me things that I have already studied and learnt..

 

[The Byre]

1. Don't bother with courses in how to write! Just write!

2. It helps, before starting to write for that day, to read an author that you deeply admire and whose writing turns you on. e.g. I love PG Wodehouse and I particularly like his original use of the metaphoric overstatement, a device that has been copied by almost every comedy writer, from Jeremy Clarkson to Rod Liddell.

"Jeeves, she dogs my every footstep. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if, on taking a bath, I was to find her nestling in the soap dish!"

"He told me that several local rustics brandishing pitchforks, actually shot up out of the ground!"

Spike Milligan also copied this device "The pain shot down my leg, crossed the road and shot up the lamppost on the other side!" He later went one step further and turned metaphor into action - e.g. Eccles having the time of day written down on a piece of paper, or Moriarty living in a dustbin ("I'm in the one with the television areal on it!")

Wilde sort of began this process with the linking and inverting of unrelated and related opposites - "Britain and America are two countries that have almost everything in common, except language of course!"

"Poor woman, when her husband died, she went blond with grief!"

Of course, that whole school of comic writing really began with surrealist writers like Leacock, Lear and Carroll. (Montezuma met a puma coming through the rye. Montezuma made the Puma into apple pie.)

3. LGBT - it's really four separate markets that overlap here and there. I suggest that you start with L, as S (both M and F) will read L, but L will give all that "He pushed her down onto the soft bed, grabbing her heaving . . . " the old body-swerve!

You could straddle the genres - "Our heroine is torn between her boring police detective husband and her lesbian school friend and secret lover who is also a petty criminal. Things come to a head when the two women go to Las Vegas to entrap and rob single men. B-story is kids and their loves etc., plus the husband discovering his wife's role in the scam." (I leave the heavy lifting up to you!)

There you go - the premise to one killer erotic-comedy-thriller and all for free!

4. Read them all! 'Save the Cat' is a Marmite book. If you want to write a commercial story (book, play, film, whatever!) it is a must-read. The dirty secret of all commercial screen writers is that they nearly all have a copy and they all use Snyder's formula of 3-acts, 15 'beats' and 36-40 scenes and plan the story using scene cards pinned to a board, the way he proscribes. What is remarkable about his method, is that ALL successful stories, from Shakespeare to the New Testament seem to follow the same formula. Many people absolutely hate the book and what it stands for, but then many people hate Marmite.

I like Marmite, so to hell with 'em!

 

[Lydia1960]

Marmite? I can take it or leave it... Thanks for the illustration of comedic sentences. Wilde was my preference. Witticism. That's a very tricky thing to do, 'off the cuff..'. Imagine the dinner table conversation when the likes of a 'Great Man' like Wilde was partaking of the cordon bleu of the day? Sticking to the 'Queensbury's Rules', from what I recall of his historical footprint...

So, yep, I've taken on board everything you've specified and, if need be, I'll apply some of that to my own needs. Humour is not my forte, when it comes to creative writing, though. Strictly dealing with the real, harsh facts, rather than the 'prettied up' version that humour offers to those who employ its usages. Thanks again for your input. It's been interesting to debate on such topics...

 

[Steve Alphabet]

Are you on meetup.com? There are plenty of groups there (http://www.meetup.com/topics/screenwriters/gb/17/london/). If there's one on near you then maybe going to one and talking face-to-face with others would be better.