Ebbs and Flows
Almost done going through my cards and I’m already sitting on about 52 hand-written pages. If I continue this, I’ll have 55-60 when I’m done with the cards. Right now, that seems like not enough. That’s OK because trying to get the story out right now, so I’ve glossed over some bits. I also didn’t have anything great for some of the cards at this time, so I know I’ll be revisiting them later. Let those scenes “incubate” for now.
I want to make this first draft as structured as possible. More structure than necessary. It’s like getting a solid frame built for your house. It’s not time yet to add hip furniture, Joe. Chill out!
My free writing has gone off on tangents; some good and some bad. I’ll plow through all the pages and see if any themes show up. I’ll admit some of the stuff I’m writing doesn’t have a lot to do with the initially ideas or plot I had in mind. This is a good thing, I think. I hope! Steven King said you shouldn’t worry about plot. All he does is pick the situation and start writing. From then on, it’s finding the story and seeing where it goes.
Besides, the rules I set are mine and therefore I can break them, damn it! That’s what writing this screenplay has been: a series of ebbs and flows between structure and free writing. We’ll soon see what I got and how it worked out…
