Devon Ellington's Blog, page 280

Fri. Oct 11, 2013: Need This Holiday Weekend

Friday, October 11, 2013

Waxing Moon

Cloudy and cold

Busy day yesterday. Wrote a little over 3K on the novella. It was a section set at Santa Anita Racetrack, which I don’t know as well as the NY, KY, and New Orleans tracks, so it went slowly. But there’s some good stuff in there, and my characters are surprising me.

Worked with students, got out some pitches. I’m exasperated with a lot of the projects coming out of LA. They aren’t real, and the so-called “clients” just want to talk to hear the sound of their own voices, to convince themselves that they’re doing something. They’re wasting everyone’s time.

Worked on some grant applications, worked with a new-to-me editor.

Submitted a story this morning.

Lots to do, and a holiday weekend coming up. I’d like to at least have a little time off.

Devon

Thurs. Oct. 10, 2013: Jain Lazarus Short and More Instincts

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Waxing Moon

Sunny and cool

If you haven’t read “The Possession of Nattie Filmore”, the short story Jain Lazarus tie-in that takes place between the events of HEX BREAKER and OLD-FASHIONED DETECTIVE WORK, it’s available as a free download on the Hex Breaker site. Enjoy!

Yesterday was a day of fretting and not getting much done. Very frustrating.

I withdrew from consideration from a project because, frankly, I don’t believe it’s real. For two weeks, I’ve said that, in order to continue talks, I need to know the schedule and financials associated with the project. The only response is that the potential client wants to “talk”. First of all, I charge for phone time, like a lawyer. Second, I repeatedly said I would not schedule a phone conference without knowing if the schedule and financials worked. I was repeatedly ignored. So I withdrew. If this was a real project, the so-called client would give me this very basic information. “Talking” is a waste of time — 97% of phone calls with clients are a waste of time, which is why I charge for them — and the so-called client is not going to “talk’ me into doing the project for free.

Once I withdrew, I was so relieved. Just the frustration alone of not getting the information I needed to look over the schedule and see if it would work financially and every other way took a toll.

Did some pitches, prepped the story. First thing in the morning, a contest opportunity landed on my desk that sounded kind of cool. I rarely enter contests, but this was fun, and I had something for it, AND, because I walk my talk as far as my SETTING UP YOUR SUBMISSION SYSTEM, I had everything in place and it only took 15 minutes to submit. If I had to put everything together from scratch, it would have taken me a couple of hours, and I wouldn’t have had time to do it.

I have to finish an article today — the interview sources are dragging their feet getting the info to me, so I’m moving on. They’re not THAT important that they can’t respond to an email within the standard business protocol of 48 hours. If you’re not in the office, set up an auto-respond. If they didn’t want to be quoted, a simple “no” takes 15 seconds to type and send. The rude turn the bulk of the so-called “business community” has taken is appalling. Also have to finish a couple of grant proposals, and work on the novella, the short story, and Project B, which suddenly has an early November deadline (when I thought I had until spring to finish it).

So I better get going.

Devon

Wed. Oct. 9, 2013: Instincts Don’t Let Me Down

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Waxing Moon

Cloudy and cold

Yes, it’s fall and the weather’s getting colder.

NMLC did not win the van in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good on Monday, although the vote was very close. Thanks to everyone for voting.

Yesterday, I got some writing done on the novella, then had to handle an important meeting. The details are confidential, but the other party told me the meeting was cancelled; since I hadn’t heard from the main party, I didn’t believe it, showed up — and avoided a big mess. Of course, the other party lied to me in order to look good and eliminate the competition. I knew in my gut I was being set up, and I fought back.

The person who scheduled the meeting was NOT amused, especially when I showed the letter telling me the meeting was cancelled.

Chalk one up for my side.

Got things sorted out, accepted a script coverage client, and worked on the script. I forgot how much I love the work, especially when the script is good, as it was in this case.

Sent out some pitches. Worked with students. Got a little over 3K total done on the novella. In the ideal world, I could get it done this weekend, polished, and out. Doesn’t give me the rest I want before editing, but this is something that sort of popped up unexpectedly, and I’d like to see it through and get it out the door.

Saw the pilot for THE WITCHES OF EAST END last night. Hated it. Thought it was awful. I don’t like the way it’s written, cast, developed, and really? Using the house from CHARMED? Or one that looks almost identical? I found the whole thing offensive.

Onward.

Devon

Mon. Oct. 7, 2013: The Left Coast Irritation Factor

Monday, October 7, 2013

Waxing Moon

Rainy and cold

Most important info of the day: Vote for the NMLC, a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for good between 10 AM and 11:59 PM. Please vote for us on Facebook here.

Busy weekend. Got some work done Friday morning, including a couple of pitches. Then, my friend and I went to Cape Cod Beer for a tour (tons of fun) and up to Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary for a walk.

Back for a phone conversation on a project. I had emphasized “short” conversation — which to me is 10 minutes or less, and it still took me nearly an hour to get off the phone. Now the contract negotiations are pushed back to January. Went from “the money IS in place” to “the money WILL BE in place by the end of the year.” When this is a real project, go talk to my agent. Don’t waste any more of my time, or I start charging for phone calls, like I do with the rest of my freelance clients.

Another potential client got all upset because I didn’t instantly respond to emails sent at 10:30 PM west coast time — it’s 1:30 in the morning for me, on a weekend, and I WON’T respond, even if I was still online at the time, nor would I if we were on contract. Boundaries. Again, wants to waste my time on the phone. I don’t do business on the phone, and if you want phone time, you’re going to cough up cash first. And then be billed for phone calls in 15-minute increments. Like a lawyer. Also, before we set up a phone meeting, I want you to answer my questions about contract and payment. I don’t work on spec and I don’t work for free. If the financials don’t work out, there’s no point in having the phone conversation. I’m not 22 years old, trying to break into Left Coast Show business. I HAVE a career. Negotiations, contract, initial payment, and THEN we talk about the details of the actual project.

I don’t work in pipe dreams. I work on contract.

Another potential client is interested in further negotiations this weekend — it would be a long-term steady gig doing something I enjoy, so we’ll see if the financials work out.

The nightmare interview subject finally got information to me at 4:18 on Friday afternoon , after trying to wiggle out of the deadline and I refused to let NIS off the hook(my deadline was 5 PM). I got an extension from my ever-loving editor, and it went out yesterday, along with another review and everything invoiced.

Found out that the steampunk short story I thought was due October 15 is actually due on JANUARY 15 — phew! Now I can make it sparkle. Had a great exchange with the editor.

Did some research for a couple of projects that are very different from each other, but seem to be set in the same created world. Not sure how that’s going to work yet, and I’m sure there will be some cross-pollination at some point, but it’s still in such an early stage, I’m not sure how. The research is an awful lot of fun, though!

Good first writing session — just over 1K. I’m going to try to keep the momentum on this going for a few more hours.

Have to work on an article today, and hope some of those pitches go through.

Devon

Fri. Oct. 4, 2013: Annoying Start to the Day

Friday, October 4, 2013

New Moon

Sunny and cooler

Yesterday was a gorgeous, fun day. I worked in the morning, got stuff out, did pitches, got a review out, ran some errands.

Then, my friend and I got into the car and drove to Provincetown. It was a lovely day to drive. We went up to the Province Lands at Race Point — in spite of the facility being closed due to the government shutdown, we were able to go up on the exterior observatory deck and see the gorgeous views. We went down to Race Point beach proper (one of my favorite beaches on the East Coast), and then into P-town for a walk and a lunch. We didn’t stop at the National Seashore on the way back — National, shut down — but it was still a lovely drive, and then it was off to Chatham’s Lighthouse beach to watch seals play in the water and see real beach plums.

Home, I cooked dinner, and we watched BOURNE LEGACY in the evening. It’s become one of my favorite movies; never get tired of it. I’ve learned a lot about pace, structure, detailed acting work, sound editing, and camera placement from it.

This morning is already annoying; I’m dealing with a nightmare of an interview subject for an article, who is causing me to push back a deadline — and I may have to give up part of my weekend because of this individual. I will complete the assignment and tell my editor I never want to deal with this person again. Not just that I never want to — that I won’t.

On top of that, I pitched to a place that asked me what my article rate was. They said they wanted to use me — but they’re not paying, which is a direct contrast to their ad. I wouldn’t have pitched if they’d been honest in the ad.

Irritating.

Deep breath, and back to work.

Have a great weekend.

Devon

Thurs. Oct. 3, 2013: Unexpected Encounters

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Dark Moon

Sunny and pleasant

Busy day yesterday. I got some stuff done in the morning, pitched for some jobs, etc, worked on a review.

Just after noon, I got in the car and drove to Providence. Beautiful day to drive. First stop was at Brown University, where I had a great meeting with my former archaeology professor. She is just as terrific in person as she is in class. Great meeting. And someone with whom I’ll stay in touch on projects.

She also asked if I knew a professor here at Brown — who turned out to be one of the favorite playwrights I worked with off-Broadway in New York nearly twenty years ago! I was thrilled to hear about him again — we’d lost touch over the years.

I went over to the theatre department and he had a few minutes in between appointments, so we got to do some catching up! I’m delighted he’s in such a wonderful environment as Brown — this is one of the smartest, most talented people I ever had the pleasure of working with in New York. And to cross paths again, so unexpectedly was even better!

I had a parking ticket on my windshield –even though I was one space OUTSIDE the designated “don’t park here today zone” — obviously they targeted me because I had out-of-state plates.

Got lost getting back to the Mega bus stop, because the Mapquest directions had very little to do with the actual streets, but I figured it out. I was a half hour earlier than the bus’s scheduled arrival time, but the bus was a half hour early, so it all worked out.

My friend jumped in the car, I zoomed across four lanes of traffic, and off we went, back to the Cape. I haven’t seen her, probably in nearly twelve, thirteen years. But we picked up as though it was a few hours, not a few days. Great fun.

We had a glass of wine on the deck, I cooked dinner, we relaxed with a movie. Well, if the movie had been any good, we would have relaxed. In spite of having one of my favorite actors in it and an interesting premise, it was one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen IN MY LIFE. And I work in film, so I’ve seen my share of stinkers. It was the first time I ever saw this actor put in a flat performance, too, and I’ve watched his work for about fifteen, twenty years. I’m not going to trash anyone publicly, and hopefully, I will never be asked by this individual what I thought of it. There’s a chance we might land on the same project a couple of years down the line — and I’ll just try to avoid this particular topic!

Have to polish and send off a review this morning. One of the people to whom I pitched yesterday was interested in samples, so I sent that off this morning. Fingers crossed.

Looking forward to having some fun hanging out with my friend.

Devon

Wed. Oct. 2: Meetings and Friends

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Day before dark moon

Sunny and pleasant

I worked hard yesterday, but feel like I didn’t get a lot done. I was waiting to hear back on some contract questions. While not all the factions that needed to weigh in got back to me (which is ridiculous, especially since some of them had 48 hours in which to do so), the WGA stepped out and went above and beyond. I’ve always admired them, and it’s even better to know that they have my back, no matter what.

I feel like I’m spinning my wheels, and I hate that. I like to get things done, get definites in place, and then move forward on them.

I got one of the grants polished and hand-delivered it. The organization was pleased with it, so fingers crossed their awards committee will like it, too.

Mowed the terraced back, did some cleaning up in the yard. Time to put the yard to bed for winter.

Today, I’ve got a meeting in Providence about which I’m very excited, and then I pick up a friend at Megabus, who is visiting from the UK. We used to do the conference circuit together.

Can’t wait!

Devon

Tues. Oct. 1: Don’t Pay ‘Em, Since They’re Not Doing Their Jobs

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Waning Moon

Sunny and cool

So the right-wing crazies got what they wanted, and shut the government down. It doesn’t prove their point — it just proves that they’re bought and paid for by special interests. The American people voted the candidate into office who gave us the Affordable Health Care Act, and now this special-interest fringe crazy group is holding the entire country hostage.

The thing is, no one’s premiums had to go up AT ALL, the way it was originally worded. It was the Republicans’ 168 amendments who created all the problems in the Act that they now claim as grounds for wanting to defund it.

The fact that these asshats are getting paid during the shut down is what really infuriates me. They should be locked into chambers, without pay, until they DO THEIR EFFING JOBS. They need to be held to same work standards as anyone else who works for a living is. If you don’t do the work, you don’t get paid.

Meanwhile, the special interests are handing ‘round brandy and cigars, having gotten what they want. Chaos, and another step towards turning this into a medieval feudal society with them as nobles and the rest of as serfs.

My solution is far too radical and would get me in trouble with the people monitoring all our communications, but I’m sure there are cooler heads with decent solutions.

On the writing side, I worked on the short story yesterday, worked with students, on pitches, and on some other stuff. I’ll know by the early next week if Confidential Job #2 wants to go to long-term contract. Fingers crossed. I had fun with the short piece I did for them.

Another potential long-term job wants yet another meeting. I am willing to have ONE more meeting, and then, we either go to contract, or that’s it. I’m not doing weeks or months of development work without a contract and without being paid. I’m ready to throw down the gauntlet with this. I really want to do it, but there are too many warning bells going off, and I don’t want to go any further without money and contract in place. The individual’s insistence that I approach through an agent, and now the reluctance to deal with the agent disturbs me.

I re-read the project I’d put aside a few months ago. I like it a lot, but I’m not sure how to get it back in the roster.

I need to finish off the grant proposal today and drop it off up the street, and get some material written up for Confidential Job #1, and work on an article due next week.

Working on the short story this morning, first thing. Then we’ll see how everything else shakes out.

Devon

Mon. Sept. 30, 2013: Learning From the Best

Monday, September 30, 2013

Waning Moon

Cloudy and cool

Lots of writing this weekend. I did the pieces for Confidential Job #2 and sent them off; started work on the article for the new editor; worked on the short story for the anthology, worked on the grant proposal.

I also have an idea that formulating. It’s still a bit beyond my reach, like grabbing for mist. The more I work on it, the more I think it’s tied to another idea I’ve been playing with.

The short story is a lot of fun, but requires a huge amount of world-building. I mentioned that on social media and got a snarky message about how it’s not “worth” doing massive world-building for “just” a short story. Of course it is, if I want the story to work.

It’s set in a different world. That world needs to be created. What is normal for the characters has to feel normal, what causes the conflict has to be unique. All of it has to be rendered in a sensory manner to make it immediate for the reader.

And, the more I work on the world, the more I think it’s the same world as those two formulating ideas, although, at this point, I don’t see character cross-over.

Just want to take a moment to talk about the series finale of BREAKING BAD. It was thoroughly satisfying, while not pulling any punches. Vince Gilligan remained true to himself, true to his characters, and fulfilled the promise and the contract he had with his audience. People who want to write good television can learn a lot from this guy. I’m not giving any spoilers — go watch it for yourself. It’s worth it.

A lot to get done today, so I better get going!

Devon

Mon. Sept. 27, 2013: Learning From the Best

Monday, September 30, 2013

Waning Moon

Cloudy and cool

Lots of writing this weekend. I did the pieces for Confidential Job #2 and sent them off; started work on the article for the new editor; worked on the short story for the anthology, worked on the grant proposal.

I also have an idea that formulating. It’s still a bit beyond my reach, like grabbing for mist. The more I work on it, the more I think it’s tied to another idea I’ve been playing with.

The short story is a lot of fun, but requires a huge amount of world-building. I mentioned that on social media and got a snarky message about how it’s not “worth” doing massive world-building for “just” a short story. Of course it is, if I want the story to work.

It’s set in a different world. That world needs to be created. What is normal for the characters has to feel normal, what causes the conflict has to be unique. All of it has to be rendered in a sensory manner to make it immediate for the reader.

And, the more I work on the world, the more I think it’s the same world as those two formulating ideas, although, at this point, I don’t see character cross-over.

Just want to take a moment to talk about the series finale of BREAKING BAD. It was thoroughly satisfying, while not pulling any punches. Vince Gilligan remained true to himself, true to his characters, and fulfilled the promise and the contract he had with his audience. People who want to write good television can learn a lot from this guy. I’m not giving any spoilers — go watch it for yourself. It’s worth it.

A lot to get done today, so I better get going!

Devon