I MADE A THING

I just asked Siri for the temperature here and she said, "Brr! It's 12º outside." That girl, she's so funny. Snow has sifted down most of the day, all adding up to perfect writing weather. I'm experiencing ZERO temptation to get out and find that trail head.

So the thing I made is my shiny new beat board. Isn't it beautiful?

Yep, my last week of work fits on one screen. Except for all the new information and insight I've been cramming between my ears.

After earning my living as a copywriter for so long, it's easy to think of myself as a writer. And I am-ish, but screenwriting requires me to know things I have never even pondered.

Sure, I love movies. I also love cheesecake and flying on planes. But so far, I have never written movies, made cheesecake or flown a plane. And movies do seem like the easiest place to start.

(Yes, there's the Hallmark movie, but I didn't actually write that. And that's okay.)

In the time I've been here, I've read one screenwriting book, listened to another, read numerous screenwriting articles and watched videos on how to use my software. I've talked to a screenwriter—well, texted anyway. I've watched Little Miss Sunshine, then read the screenplay. I've rewatched Hanna to observe movie structure on a father/daughter story in particular. In that case, the father was teaching his daughter to be an unstoppable assassin.

Missed opportunity, Dad. The most useful thing I learned during our adventure was that when stockpiling powdered milk, stick with chocolate.

I've also been reading Bird by Bird—thanks, Hailey!—for an overall look at what it means to be a writer, plus some great techniques for procrastinating, including reading Bird by Bird.

OH. The biggest job yet was rereading my book over the weekend while taking notes. Wow, did that ever make me want to hold the presses and do a massive edit on that piece of crap. I annoyed myself just reading it. But first, screenwriting.

All that, and my first blog to boot. Best writing retreat evah. I hope you're having fun following along, or are at least comforted with each post by the knowledge that I have not yet been mauled by a bear or choked to death on a baby carrot.

Tomorrow I gotta figure out what to do with that beat board.

Before I go, it stands mentioning that although Brandon's truck has been snowed upon, sunshined clear and snowed upon once again, it has not moved since I parked it in front of this cabin one week ago tonight. And I'm totally good with that.

Being here has given me time to practice yoga for the first time ever—for the last three days in a row. Pretty convinced I'll never do that in public. I'm feeling healthy with my simple meals, and I haven't used a blow dryer for days.

The hermit may be strong in this one.

Nice chat.

Time to see what I can learn from Blazing Saddles!

xoxoxo