Chronicles of a Writer

The next stage

Yes, when I go, I tend to go all the way.  Usually, the best things in life occur without abandon.  So, in an attempt to throw my anticipatory personality aside (believe me, I can go days doing the "what if" game), I have officially commited to Chronicles of a Writer. It's taken a day in hell with technology, but hopefully this will be the sanctuary to all of me. In time, I hope to move my Examiner endeavors over to this blog.  With luck and a lot of persistence, this will be the it.  Wish...

Spring Awakening at the Buelle

It's been years since I first came upon this musical.  Finally, I may have the chance to experience the magic that is "Spring Awakening." Based off of the 1891 German play of the same title, the musical is a frank look at teenagers' exposure to sexuality and the ups and downs of their experiences.  As expected, the play was met with criticism to the point of being accused to be "pornographic."  Now, take this material and add the musical sensibilities of Duncan Sheik and you've got the unique...

To script or not to script?

Recently, it's been growing on me that improvisation and freestyle seem to be the order of the day.  Hey, when used properly, it works, but it does put screenwriters in a bland mood. That's not to say people have thrown away their appreciation for story as well.  Take "The Office," or comedy in general.  Sometimes sitting down in front a computer just doesn't give you the same instinct as being in the moment and coming up with the perfect joke.  Given its style, the general mockumentary style a...

THE notebook

Every writer has one, I think. You know, it's worn out from overuse and if someone else opens it, it's utterly inexplicable and indescernible to them.  It's the notebook you put your musings and ideas in, and it doesn't have any sense or value to anyone else but you. My first notebook was a hand-me-down from my best friend.  Basically, I needed to jot down some notes one day and picked up the first thing that I saw, and the process repeated itself.  Plain, black and used (the first few pag...

Plagiarism: how to avoid it

The stealing of someone's intellectual property can be a tricky subject.  First of all, it's not a crime if you don't get caught, and sometimes you'll be accused of the crime without actually committing the sin at all.  Plus, being the victim of plagiarism is an even worse pill to swallow.  When it comes to plagiarism, there is no hard or fast rule, but some habits can help you steer clear of trouble. Do Your Research Say you're writing a script with vampires in it.  Chances are you're alr...