Screenwriting : Aspiring Writer? Here’s what Alan Watts thinks by Geoff Hall

I saw that quote on Scott's Twitter today, Geoff Hall. "Aspiring" means working to achieve a goal, so if someone's already writing, they're already a writer. They aren't working to become a writer. What they're working to achieve is getting their scripts read, selling a script, getting an agent, becoming a professional writer, etc.

Maurice Vaughan yes, what they should say in their bio is, a writer aspiring to be published.

I agree, Geoff Hall. Or produced.

The word aspiring is an admission that you don’t know what you are doing. I had a friend that was an Engineering Professor at Sydney University. His stupid would say something like “I’ll graduate in six weeks and be an engineer”. He would say “You’re not an engineer till you build something”. I think that is correct here as well. Once you build something you can cal yourself that thing.

I love the “Producers” that ask what an “option” is.

Craig D Griffiths and they are the Producers you don’t want to work with…

I do like his second observation, that those who don’t need to write, are the lucky ones!

Very true. If you can strong two words together you can be a writer. I think production needs a little more skill.

I'd say nothing wrong in calling oneself "aspiring"...means ure striving for success, but not yet there...

Many people want to become writers without asking themselves the question. Why?

Most people can write. Some people just need it, others don't.

Gennady Angelov many want to be writers because it’s an image thing. They are lured by what they think is going to offer them big financial rewards. If they only knew the truth of the matter!

Jeff Hall, and rewards too) for books) It's that magnet that attracts those who don't have to write. And spend their lives writing.

Dan G - some good and truthful generalities.

Dan M - I think we're talking about two entirely different topics here. I've been in the trenches as a staff writer. Evidently I was good enough that they paid me so I could pay the rent, make the car payment and eat. I could of been a plumber, electrician, carpenter or a jillion other things - they'd all pay the rent. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with being one of those creative sort of guys and a labor based steady income job doesn't scratch that itch.

I can play the stereo, but that's about as far as my musical talent goes and I've tried for years (guitar electric & not, 12-string, pedal steel). But all in vain. But I have discovered that I can write a pretty good picture. I'm happy with that and I really don't give a damn about the money. I've learned that if I'm doing what I enjoy & can - enough money will find me. Hasn't failed me yet.

Indeed, you gotta love the art first to keep your motivation and maintain your stamina. It's one of the reasons I bang on about finding your voice and sticking by it.

I could be doing very well financially right now by writing a certain type of content but what's the point if it crushes your soul? Better off stacking shelves.

@CJWalley love it. thank you for sharing. I've found my voice. I just need to find my audience!

Or they need to find you. First thing is you need to do is really define who you are writing for - an it ain't everybody. Your story needs to be big enough to attract a reasonable number of ticket buyers. That's the economic side of things. Then you need to look at your emotional tie to your story.

Thanks for Asking Geoff. If I may share my thoughts about our topic. I believe, I am a writer but I never had a chance to focus until one night, I had a dream. That dream became an eye opener. I immediately shared that dream to my creative partner last August who is also a member of stage32. I started writing the synopsis Part 1, had it read by two, and had it evaluated by a Screenplay Consultant, Maurice Vaughan and decided to produce an audio book with narrations with no dialogues for now, music scores have been composed, by Mike Hall, Narrated was done by Stefano Pavone from U.K. that just kept me going and going like an EVEREADY BATTERY even if my other hand is so tied up on something equally important. I am currently working on visuals which is halfway done but the dialogue is being reviewed by Mark and Michelle McCutchen. This particular dream last August of this year, gave me hope. It opened my door to write more and more henceforth. The Music Box is my very first screenplay. Genre is Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Romance with of course I believe I have a GREAT Story to tell. The beginning is pleasant, Tragedy in the Middle, with a Sweet Romantic and happy ending . As a new writer, I may have a full plate because I am constantly thinking of raising funds for my own projects . I do not want to rely on raindrops from heaven. Because I really want to make my first screenplay/movie happen. Yes it is challenging but exciting. Every Artist who is involved knows that this is written from my heart and soul. They know that they inspire me to move on with it. My project without using any credit card at all. Going back to your topic...I am excited to become a better Screenplay writer because I am surrounded with supportive artists who are on Stage32. I would not have done many projects without the team's effort. Writing is now is my top priority.

Leonor LeRu thank you Leonor for sharing this with the community here. I was interested to hear that your project came from a dream.

Two of my projects came out of dreams: Seeing Rachel (a feature length project about sex trafficking and “0w1:believe” a novel, a supernatural story about a totalitarian State and a group of young artists and coders, whose belief in non-violent resistance feeds their passion for freedom).

I think we all know as writers, conception is always easier than giving birth, of bringing our work to the world. I have to believe that the Universe having sent the seed, may want to see the fruit of that seed.

The last few years have been troublesome, as I have struggled to find people to help me in bringing Seeing Rachel to the world.

Doug Nelson Hi Doug, oh I’m way past thinking my films are for everyone, haha! I like your twist on it, “or they need to find you”. That has given me something to think about

My story is big. I tend to write big world dramas. Think of Silence of the Lambs with its somber tones, meets the sinister nature of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

My emotional tie to my story. As in it’s too strong?

This has provoked a lot of discussion, thanks for sharing Geoff! This is an issue all artists are plagued with I think. Art has been devalued to a degree that many creatives feel they can't say they are something unless they are "successful" at it. What "successful" is then is a subjective bar that everyone defines differently. Do you create the art of your choice? Then you are an artist. This goes hand in hand with "fake it till you make it". If you don't have confidence, or at least project confidence, no one else will have confidence in you either. If you don't call yourself a writer, then no one will hire you as one either.

"The Music Box" is going to be exciting to see onscreen, Leonor! And you're working with Stage 32 members to bring your story to life. :)

Maurice you made a big difference in my life. I can't thank you enough for allowing yourself to evaluate "The Music Box". After you have evaluated, I asked Mark McCutchen to check the scripts that I wrote. I am very nervous about the whole process, making baby steps allow me to step up to the next level. Thank you Maurice for your honest feedbacks. Tonight, Mark and Michelle McCutchen have submitted to me the edited-dialogue. Mark made the adjustments without changing the meaning. He definitely softened the accents on the scripts that I wrote. Even reading this message...you can tell my accents...Ha!!! When I read the re-edited script...My jaw dropped and I thought they sound so good and compelling.

Geoff, You're welcome, your projects sound big!!! Seeing Rachel, Silence of the Lamb..Wow! Ha!!! I agree with you..no such thing as easy most especially when you are writing. Everything must be done in a perfect place, perfect mood, perfect timing to write. I always think of what inspires me the most. I write because I am very inspired to do so. I when I am inspired I sit down, in a quiet place and that is when I take advantage of a peaceful moment. Sometimes if I am on that state of mind "Very Inspired", everything happens so fast. I dream about it in August...now I am working on the editing process, I got the narration and Music completed, I listen to the Narration to layer the footages that match the music and narrations. It is challenging and overwhelming sometimes...but rewarding when I see that my story is coming to life, just like what Maurice has mentioned. OMG! I better stop right here right now.! Ha!!!

Thank you all so much for the valuable comments. Everyone is contributing a lot. I am learning everyday.

Niki (sorry tagging isn’t working again) thank you. Yes, success is subjective in that way. For me, success is finding my audience and going on a journey with them. In my terms, yes I create the art of my choice. I have discovered my ‘voice’ and I’m happiest and most at home when writing. The only thing that tops that is directing; when I’m doing that I am just in a sort of zone, where everything is in its place.

My confidence has grown since connecting with the Stage32 community. I think it is in part to do with talking through the different processes we each use to do our work. Knowing that we are all on a journey and at different stages, it’s good to be in a place where there is no naysaying judgments and cheap put-downs. I have found that really helpful.

You're welcome, Leonor. And that's great! I'm glad the script came together, and it has a pleasure working with you.

I tell folks who come to my panels that if they put words on paper they are writers. If they sell those words, they are professional writers. If they can live solely off their writing, they should be hosting the panel, not me. Using 'aspiring' is just a buffer for imposter syndrome.

Geoff Hall (Tagging really has a mind of its own!) It's one thing to hear that there are many different paths to get to where you want to go, but it's another to see it with your own eyes. It is really helpful for me too, to see all the different processes people have and the avenues they take. It also helps me remember that supporting one another leads to more success than competing or jealousy.

Niki well said: “It also helps me remember that supporting one another leads to more success than competing or jealousy.”

I haven’t got enough time to worry about other people’s careers. Mine is a full-time preoccupation!

Now that I'm retired, I'm not concerned about my career but I enjoy helping others in their hunt for career paths. Usually, 'til one of 'em pisses me off.