With my screenplay for Dig Down entered into three screenplay competitions, each with varying levels of feedback, I found myself in a rare position…
I could actually relax.
Going all the way back prior to previous summer, I had been either outlining a new story, writing a new story, and adapting not one but two of my books into scripts and entering them into contests for feedback and exposure. And even then, I still felt I wasn’t doing enough with my writing-mainly because I didn’t have the time with my new position to really flesh out the new book I’d been working on, and new exciting ideas weren’t really forthcoming.
When I decided to stop working on a draft for a new story, I had thrown myself into adapting Dig Down because I felt it would not only serve as an outlet for my writing, but also with my attention on that, I wouldn’t be trying to force a new story idea.
And now that I had drafted, edited and submitted my script into contests, the only thing left to do with Dig Down was wait.
While I did, it allowed me to focus-and enjoy-other things. I’d done what I could to this point for my script. The only thing left at this point was to wait for feedback.
This was great because I have other hobbies and interests outside of writing. Since the pandemic, I’ve been taking courses on coding, and used the time to start developing a small video game. And while I was tinkering with that, I started to learn how to code actions to a controller (these interests always seem to continue to build on themselves). I also started running for the first time in years, only a few laps around an indoor gym. As of this writing, I’m now up to twelve miles, and this weekend, I’ll be running a half marathon for the first time in 6 years.
And a funny little thing happened during this waiting period back in the early months of 2023. While I was listening to audiobooks while first getting my legs under me (and my lungs back into running shape-that felt like a long time coming), a little 3 hour novella about a touring band…
…it gave me an idea for a new book.
The only thing I’ll share for now is that it centers around a band going on tour, the only detail that my story has in common with this audio-novella.
Just like myself, I decided to give you a short break on updates from my screenwriting. I’ll start sharing the feedback that was coming in, next time.