Chronicles of a Writer

Going in the right way: why should writers write?

As a regular visitor of Professor Beej's blog, his latest post about writers really hit home for me.  I don't usually do this, but I'm going to start by citing an example from a fictitious television show.  It's not without purpose, I promise. Anybody a fan of The Office?  Of course you are, or if not, I highly recommend it. At the beginning of season 5, Pam spends 12 weeks in New York in order to take graphic design classes and see what New York has to offer for her passion.  After 12 wee...

Great Expectations of a Writer

This is something I struggle with all the time. When you figure out that life is more than a series of random events, you're left with one option: life happens for a reason--or at the very least--you have control of your future.  But, when you become aware of the fact, there's no turning back.  Every decision you make and every action you take, it's you.  That means you alone are responsible for the consequences as well. If I had the aptitude to be an accountant or some type of office work...

What makes a good villain?

I've been thinking about this for a while.  As far as my resources can confirm, there are two school of thought on this one. Evil, Pure and Simple This is why Lord Voldemort dominates!  Like a plain and simple hero, sometimes a villain works best if that character is just evil, no further explanations needed.  Drama stories often use this archetype to clink out dispensable characters for bullet fodder.  But, let's face it, we love evil because 99% of reality gives us the gray area.  There'...

Letting others read your script

Oh, the nerves. While a writer should be a professional at gaining thick skin, the anxiety of exposing your baby, your writing, your words.  Well, it's a risk that can make you feel like you've been kicked in the groin. Yesterday, I gave two of my professors and a classmate a pilot that I recently finished.  It's been a while since I've polished a work enough to get second opinions, but the rush of anxiety hit me like an anvil.  On one hand, positive reactions can reaffirm my direction as ...

The four spots to perception: real life to characters

As I sat waiting in a doctor's office today, I came across an interesting article in Psychology Today discussing the competing conceptions of who we are, whether it be based off of personal or public perspectives.  This, in essence, is how mixed signals and misunderstandings come to be. The Bright Spot This exists when both you and outside observers have the same ideology regarding your aptitude.  For example, if you are talkative and vivacious in public, others will see you as a just that...