Ceara Comeau's Blog: Lessons From A Struggling Writer
September 27, 2023
Be Your Own Actor
Well, the first episode of Amber Oak is a wrap and the premiere dates are set. I gotta say, now that things are winding down, I’m so happy to get back to writing. Of course, mainly writing scripts, but to be honest it feels like I’m taking a little vacation. Lately, I’ve been getting so many ideas for future Amber Oak scripts and some ideas for the third book in the trilogy. It may have a lot to do with the amount of creative inspiration I’ve been around.
I’ve always said that people inspire me and that stands true to this date. I have been around so many actors with this first episode and seeing them put their all into the character they portrayed—even adding to their character—that’s been so inspiring to me! With the scripts we have planned for next year, I started thinking to myself, how would the actor act this out or can I see them acting this way?
I think that a part of this new endeavor isn’t just writing scripts or trying to take the story and put it into script form, but also how I think the actor would act the scene out. Whenever I used to write stories, I would always imagine the most famous actors I could think of and wonder how they’d work the scene. Now, I’m doing the same thing, but it’s a tiny bit different than I expected. Sometimes the dialogue that I write sounds different in my head than when I have someone say it, and in a way that helps me iron out my writing a bit better. When I was younger, my dad would always tell me to read my stories aloud to hear if there were any inconsistencies or issues. I never had the patience for that, but now, I’m forced to think heavier on the dialogue than anything else. There have even been times on set where the actors look over a line that they’ve memorized and say, “Wait, did I memorize this line wrong?” and come to find out, I just wrote it in a weird way.
So, all this to say—to my fellow writers and aspiring writers…regardless of what kind of story you are writing, make sure your writing makes sense. It’s great to imagine famous celebrities acting out our worlds, but it makes it a whole lot easier if the writing (particularly dialogue) flows smoothly. So, be your own actor and act out that scene! 😊
I’ve always said that people inspire me and that stands true to this date. I have been around so many actors with this first episode and seeing them put their all into the character they portrayed—even adding to their character—that’s been so inspiring to me! With the scripts we have planned for next year, I started thinking to myself, how would the actor act this out or can I see them acting this way?
I think that a part of this new endeavor isn’t just writing scripts or trying to take the story and put it into script form, but also how I think the actor would act the scene out. Whenever I used to write stories, I would always imagine the most famous actors I could think of and wonder how they’d work the scene. Now, I’m doing the same thing, but it’s a tiny bit different than I expected. Sometimes the dialogue that I write sounds different in my head than when I have someone say it, and in a way that helps me iron out my writing a bit better. When I was younger, my dad would always tell me to read my stories aloud to hear if there were any inconsistencies or issues. I never had the patience for that, but now, I’m forced to think heavier on the dialogue than anything else. There have even been times on set where the actors look over a line that they’ve memorized and say, “Wait, did I memorize this line wrong?” and come to find out, I just wrote it in a weird way.
So, all this to say—to my fellow writers and aspiring writers…regardless of what kind of story you are writing, make sure your writing makes sense. It’s great to imagine famous celebrities acting out our worlds, but it makes it a whole lot easier if the writing (particularly dialogue) flows smoothly. So, be your own actor and act out that scene! 😊
July 31, 2023
What An Adventure!
Happy June! Wait…or is it July? These last two months have melted together so much that I can barely remember what year I’m in! I’ve been so busy with…you guessed it…filming, and I’m pleased to say we are 95% of the way finished with the film, we just have one more day in August and 2 ½ scenes to film then we will be done. At least with episode 1 😉
Putting this update aside, I gotta be real with you. This project was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. We filmed through scorching heat, rain, and even floods. But it wasn’t just the weather that created issues, we also had tech malfunctions, a number of recasts for the same role, and even a little drama on set (but what’s a massive project without a little drama, right?)
And, looking back on everything, I wouldn’t change any of it for a second. Why? Because I learned so much about myself as an artist through it. I learned how far I was willing to go to get my story to the “big screen” as it were and I also learned where I was going to stand my ground on certain aspects of getting this story out.
But, I think what kept me going through all the ups and downs was the actors. They got so into the characters that they willingly became the characters in the Amber Oak world and, I don’t know why, but it really amazed me.
Here I am hyper-fixated on getting all the shots in and making sure everyone is standing in the right places, but it was in between the scenes when I overheard the actors talking about their characters and asking each other where they thought the series was going next. They were hypothesizing the motives for other characters in the series too. It was at this moment that I knew this series may actually go somewhere.
Now, I’m not expecting to get a call from Netflix or Hulu the day after it airs. But just the fact that the actors put their all on the set for this film gave me so much hope. Even if the series doesn’t take off as I hope, I’m still going to be pumping out more episodes, writing more scripts, and (at some point) finishing the third book of my trilogy as the ending events coincide with this film series. And, who knows, maybe someday I can put the trilogy into film too…I just need a few dragons and a couple of castles. Anyone know a guy? 😉
Putting this update aside, I gotta be real with you. This project was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. We filmed through scorching heat, rain, and even floods. But it wasn’t just the weather that created issues, we also had tech malfunctions, a number of recasts for the same role, and even a little drama on set (but what’s a massive project without a little drama, right?)
And, looking back on everything, I wouldn’t change any of it for a second. Why? Because I learned so much about myself as an artist through it. I learned how far I was willing to go to get my story to the “big screen” as it were and I also learned where I was going to stand my ground on certain aspects of getting this story out.
But, I think what kept me going through all the ups and downs was the actors. They got so into the characters that they willingly became the characters in the Amber Oak world and, I don’t know why, but it really amazed me.
Here I am hyper-fixated on getting all the shots in and making sure everyone is standing in the right places, but it was in between the scenes when I overheard the actors talking about their characters and asking each other where they thought the series was going next. They were hypothesizing the motives for other characters in the series too. It was at this moment that I knew this series may actually go somewhere.
Now, I’m not expecting to get a call from Netflix or Hulu the day after it airs. But just the fact that the actors put their all on the set for this film gave me so much hope. Even if the series doesn’t take off as I hope, I’m still going to be pumping out more episodes, writing more scripts, and (at some point) finishing the third book of my trilogy as the ending events coincide with this film series. And, who knows, maybe someday I can put the trilogy into film too…I just need a few dragons and a couple of castles. Anyone know a guy? 😉
May 30, 2023
Childhood Dreams
Imagine this…
It’s summer of 2006 and you’re driving down a lonely road in the rural town of Acworth, NH. About ten miles back you convinced yourself you were on the right track to your destination. But now, the road has become narrow, a river is to your right, and thick woods to your left. There seems to be no one around for miles to ask for directions. You slow your car down as it bounces over some unexpected potholes. You’re about to find the next available U-turn when you look off to the side and see this grand, beautiful yard. But that’s not what catches your attention. It’s the thirteen-year-old girl who appears to be dancing to the beat of her own drum, literally. You think it's nice that she’s getting fresh air and has no care in the world, but you continue to drive on by, seeking your destination.
That little girl barely noticed you, she didn’t have a care in the world because she was not in this world. She had her headphones in her ears listening to a song that resonated with a story she was writing. And, she wasn’t dancing—she was acting. She was imagining how her characters would respond to a scene while at the same time imagining the actors who’d play the roles in the future live-action movie. This girl had so many dreams—this girl was me!
If you had told me all those years ago that I’d be filming my pilot episode in that very same backyard, I’d have been so confused and probably doubtful, “Who’d care about my Amber Oak stories?” I might have said. If you’ve followed my blogs, you probably have noticed that my writing journey has been a long and bumpy one, and one that will never be over as I am always writing still in some way or another.
The truth is, filming had been something I always wanted to do. In fact, when my mom found out how to self-publish my work when I was 15, I was honestly indifferent. Publishing didn’t matter to me so much as imagining the people who’d become the characters in my head. I found so much joy in my friends helping me act out scenes.
As I get ready to start filming this coming weekend, I reflect back even on the journey of getting into film. It was bumpy as well and I’ve faced so many challenges already. But the support from my friends, family, and even cast has been so encouraging. Even though I’ve been planning this for months, it feels so surreal to me. The characters aren’t imaginary anymore, they’re real.
Ever since I finished the last “Amber Oak” book, something had been nagging at me, I’d work on other stories and it’d be fun for a while, but I still kept thinking back on Amber and what she’d be doing right now. I’d ask myself the “what if's” and two summers ago I could almost hear her say to me, “My story isn’t done yet, it’s just beginning!”
I’ve met a LOT of people on this long journey to making Amber become real. And every single one of them helped me in their own way. So, to those who gave me my “wings” and to those who taught me how to use them…Thank you!
It’s summer of 2006 and you’re driving down a lonely road in the rural town of Acworth, NH. About ten miles back you convinced yourself you were on the right track to your destination. But now, the road has become narrow, a river is to your right, and thick woods to your left. There seems to be no one around for miles to ask for directions. You slow your car down as it bounces over some unexpected potholes. You’re about to find the next available U-turn when you look off to the side and see this grand, beautiful yard. But that’s not what catches your attention. It’s the thirteen-year-old girl who appears to be dancing to the beat of her own drum, literally. You think it's nice that she’s getting fresh air and has no care in the world, but you continue to drive on by, seeking your destination.
That little girl barely noticed you, she didn’t have a care in the world because she was not in this world. She had her headphones in her ears listening to a song that resonated with a story she was writing. And, she wasn’t dancing—she was acting. She was imagining how her characters would respond to a scene while at the same time imagining the actors who’d play the roles in the future live-action movie. This girl had so many dreams—this girl was me!
If you had told me all those years ago that I’d be filming my pilot episode in that very same backyard, I’d have been so confused and probably doubtful, “Who’d care about my Amber Oak stories?” I might have said. If you’ve followed my blogs, you probably have noticed that my writing journey has been a long and bumpy one, and one that will never be over as I am always writing still in some way or another.
The truth is, filming had been something I always wanted to do. In fact, when my mom found out how to self-publish my work when I was 15, I was honestly indifferent. Publishing didn’t matter to me so much as imagining the people who’d become the characters in my head. I found so much joy in my friends helping me act out scenes.
As I get ready to start filming this coming weekend, I reflect back even on the journey of getting into film. It was bumpy as well and I’ve faced so many challenges already. But the support from my friends, family, and even cast has been so encouraging. Even though I’ve been planning this for months, it feels so surreal to me. The characters aren’t imaginary anymore, they’re real.
Ever since I finished the last “Amber Oak” book, something had been nagging at me, I’d work on other stories and it’d be fun for a while, but I still kept thinking back on Amber and what she’d be doing right now. I’d ask myself the “what if's” and two summers ago I could almost hear her say to me, “My story isn’t done yet, it’s just beginning!”
I’ve met a LOT of people on this long journey to making Amber become real. And every single one of them helped me in their own way. So, to those who gave me my “wings” and to those who taught me how to use them…Thank you!
Childhood Dreams
Imagine this…
It’s summer of 2006 and you’re driving down a lonely road in the rural town of Acworth, NH. About ten miles back you convinced yourself you were on the right track to your destination. But now, the road has become narrow, a river is to your right, and thick woods to your left. There seems to be no one around for miles to ask for directions. You slow your car down as it bounces over some unexpected potholes. You’re about to find the next available U-turn when you look off to the side and see this grand, beautiful yard. But that’s not what catches your attention. It’s the thirteen-year-old girl who appears to be dancing to the beat of her own drum, literally. You think it's nice that she’s getting fresh air and has no care in the world, but you continue to drive on by, seeking your destination.
That little girl barely noticed you, she didn’t have a care in the world because she was not in this world. She had her headphones in her ears listening to a song that resonated with a story she was writing. And, she wasn’t dancing—she was acting. She was imagining how her characters would respond to a scene while at the same time imagining the actors who’d play the roles in the future live-action movie. This girl had so many dreams—this girl was me!
If you had told me all those years ago that I’d be filming my pilot episode in that very same backyard, I’d have been so confused and probably doubtful, “Who’d care about my Amber Oak stories?” I might have said. If you’ve followed my blogs, you probably have noticed that my writing journey has been a long and bumpy one, and one that will never be over as I am always writing still in some way or another.
The truth is, filming had been something I always wanted to do. In fact, when my mom found out how to self-publish my work when I was 15, I was honestly indifferent. Publishing didn’t matter to me so much as imagining the people who’d become the characters in my head. I found so much joy in my friends helping me act out scenes.
As I get ready to start filming this coming weekend, I reflect back even on the journey of getting into film. It was bumpy as well and I’ve faced so many challenges already. But the support from my friends, family, and even cast has been so encouraging. Even though I’ve been planning this for months, it feels so surreal to me. The characters aren’t imaginary anymore, they’re real.
Ever since I finished the last “Amber Oak” book, something had been nagging at me, I’d work on other stories and it’d be fun for a while, but I still kept thinking back on Amber and what she’d be doing right now. I’d ask myself the “what if's” and two summers ago I could almost hear her say to me, “My story isn’t done yet, it’s just beginning!”
I’ve met a LOT of people on this long journey to making Amber become real. And every single one of them helped me in their own way. So, to those who gave me my “wings” and to those who taught me how to use them…Thank you!
It’s summer of 2006 and you’re driving down a lonely road in the rural town of Acworth, NH. About ten miles back you convinced yourself you were on the right track to your destination. But now, the road has become narrow, a river is to your right, and thick woods to your left. There seems to be no one around for miles to ask for directions. You slow your car down as it bounces over some unexpected potholes. You’re about to find the next available U-turn when you look off to the side and see this grand, beautiful yard. But that’s not what catches your attention. It’s the thirteen-year-old girl who appears to be dancing to the beat of her own drum, literally. You think it's nice that she’s getting fresh air and has no care in the world, but you continue to drive on by, seeking your destination.
That little girl barely noticed you, she didn’t have a care in the world because she was not in this world. She had her headphones in her ears listening to a song that resonated with a story she was writing. And, she wasn’t dancing—she was acting. She was imagining how her characters would respond to a scene while at the same time imagining the actors who’d play the roles in the future live-action movie. This girl had so many dreams—this girl was me!
If you had told me all those years ago that I’d be filming my pilot episode in that very same backyard, I’d have been so confused and probably doubtful, “Who’d care about my Amber Oak stories?” I might have said. If you’ve followed my blogs, you probably have noticed that my writing journey has been a long and bumpy one, and one that will never be over as I am always writing still in some way or another.
The truth is, filming had been something I always wanted to do. In fact, when my mom found out how to self-publish my work when I was 15, I was honestly indifferent. Publishing didn’t matter to me so much as imagining the people who’d become the characters in my head. I found so much joy in my friends helping me act out scenes.
As I get ready to start filming this coming weekend, I reflect back even on the journey of getting into film. It was bumpy as well and I’ve faced so many challenges already. But the support from my friends, family, and even cast has been so encouraging. Even though I’ve been planning this for months, it feels so surreal to me. The characters aren’t imaginary anymore, they’re real.
Ever since I finished the last “Amber Oak” book, something had been nagging at me, I’d work on other stories and it’d be fun for a while, but I still kept thinking back on Amber and what she’d be doing right now. I’d ask myself the “what if's” and two summers ago I could almost hear her say to me, “My story isn’t done yet, it’s just beginning!”
I’ve met a LOT of people on this long journey to making Amber become real. And every single one of them helped me in their own way. So, to those who gave me my “wings” and to those who taught me how to use them…Thank you!
April 28, 2023
A Novelist's Mind
The best part about being a novelist is all the things you can create with absolutely no restrictions. You can write about other worlds, future societies, aliens, magic, and alternate realities. Heck, you can transport your readers to different parts of the country that they’ll probably never see—well with a little help from Google.
But, being a screenplay writer is a whole different ball game. When I first started writing screenplays, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, and I guess to some degree I still feel that way. But I was unfamiliar with terminology and the format, so I started asking filmmaker friends I knew and one told me to write the screenplay how I saw it.
Now, that’s the biggest mistake to say to a novelist with a crazy imagination. Write what I see? Well, I see a castle here, I see fairies over there, oh and I think there’s a dragon in the mix. Hey, I need a school too, think I could land a school? Yeah, that’s pretty much the thought process I had in writing the first round of screenplays, I wrote exactly what I was seeing.
It’s taken me this long to realize that I don’t think that advice, “write what I see” was meant to be taken that literally.
Being a low-budget independent filmmaker, I get the locations that I’m able to. If that means making a town hall look like a school and a fire chief’s office, then that’s what I’m going to do.
And the more I looked at my future screenplays, the more I realized that I had been too specific with the locations I had in mind. I can’t guarantee I’m going to get a specific room in a specific building, but I can, at the very least, write down what I want the room to be used as in the scene. That right there gives me the opportunity to write the screenplays, send them off to the reoccurring leads, and start looking for locations. If one location falls through (as several have in the past with just my pilot episode of Amber Oak), well, I know I just need a room to have the right look.
The screenplay writing journey has definitely been that—a journey. And one I’m definitely not going to give up on, I just have to wear two different hats—one for novels and one for screenplays. In a way, both help with my creativity and they honestly challenge me as a writer.
I have no idea who initially said this quote, but it 100% rings true for me this month:
“You don’t always need a plan, just go!”
But, being a screenplay writer is a whole different ball game. When I first started writing screenplays, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, and I guess to some degree I still feel that way. But I was unfamiliar with terminology and the format, so I started asking filmmaker friends I knew and one told me to write the screenplay how I saw it.
Now, that’s the biggest mistake to say to a novelist with a crazy imagination. Write what I see? Well, I see a castle here, I see fairies over there, oh and I think there’s a dragon in the mix. Hey, I need a school too, think I could land a school? Yeah, that’s pretty much the thought process I had in writing the first round of screenplays, I wrote exactly what I was seeing.
It’s taken me this long to realize that I don’t think that advice, “write what I see” was meant to be taken that literally.
Being a low-budget independent filmmaker, I get the locations that I’m able to. If that means making a town hall look like a school and a fire chief’s office, then that’s what I’m going to do.
And the more I looked at my future screenplays, the more I realized that I had been too specific with the locations I had in mind. I can’t guarantee I’m going to get a specific room in a specific building, but I can, at the very least, write down what I want the room to be used as in the scene. That right there gives me the opportunity to write the screenplays, send them off to the reoccurring leads, and start looking for locations. If one location falls through (as several have in the past with just my pilot episode of Amber Oak), well, I know I just need a room to have the right look.
The screenplay writing journey has definitely been that—a journey. And one I’m definitely not going to give up on, I just have to wear two different hats—one for novels and one for screenplays. In a way, both help with my creativity and they honestly challenge me as a writer.
I have no idea who initially said this quote, but it 100% rings true for me this month:
“You don’t always need a plan, just go!”
March 29, 2023
Books vs. Film Adaptions
This month has provided so many lessons for me that I had no idea which to choose. And since this blog is about an author’s adventure through life, let’s talk about books—more importantly books vs. screen adaptions.
If you were to have asked me two years ago, what I thought about turning my books into a film. I’d probably ask you, “Maybe…what’s the catch?”
As a kid, the answer probably would have been more, “Yes, sign me up! When’s the red-carpet premiere?”
A lot has changed between these two answers, and most of that has to do with my perspective. I love to watch books come to life on the screen. But, every single time it ALWAYS comes with a catch, and that catch is generally the screenplay writers left an important detail out.
And, I know I’m not alone in this aggravation. As a reader, I want to see everything on the screen. But as a screenplay writer myself, I know that can’t always happen whether it be due to budgeting or even locations. So, I make do with what I have.
Some might say, “Then, don’t turn it into a film at all! Keep it on the pages!”
Sure, we could do that, but that leaves out a group of people who prefer visual storytelling vs. written storytelling.
As an author, I want to get my stories into the hands of every person in the world, but, to do that, I have to find creative ways to intrigue a larger audience. Maybe we shouldn’t look at books vs. screen adaptions in a “who’s better” sort of way. Why can’t they both be considered good?
For example, I’ve seen a lot of people who have read the Harry Potter books and have seen the movies who have struck up debates on the internet about what the author meant by one thing or another. There have even been times when the screenplay writers wrote Easter eggs into the script that tie back to the books!
In reality, a good book-to-screen adaption should work together, one directs people toward the screen and the other directs people toward the book.
Sadly, many screenplay writers just see what will sell nowadays so the adaptions don’t do a book justice. But, if more authors who had the opportunity to get their work onto the screen had an involvement in the script, I bet things would dramatically change!
If you were to have asked me two years ago, what I thought about turning my books into a film. I’d probably ask you, “Maybe…what’s the catch?”
As a kid, the answer probably would have been more, “Yes, sign me up! When’s the red-carpet premiere?”
A lot has changed between these two answers, and most of that has to do with my perspective. I love to watch books come to life on the screen. But, every single time it ALWAYS comes with a catch, and that catch is generally the screenplay writers left an important detail out.
And, I know I’m not alone in this aggravation. As a reader, I want to see everything on the screen. But as a screenplay writer myself, I know that can’t always happen whether it be due to budgeting or even locations. So, I make do with what I have.
Some might say, “Then, don’t turn it into a film at all! Keep it on the pages!”
Sure, we could do that, but that leaves out a group of people who prefer visual storytelling vs. written storytelling.
As an author, I want to get my stories into the hands of every person in the world, but, to do that, I have to find creative ways to intrigue a larger audience. Maybe we shouldn’t look at books vs. screen adaptions in a “who’s better” sort of way. Why can’t they both be considered good?
For example, I’ve seen a lot of people who have read the Harry Potter books and have seen the movies who have struck up debates on the internet about what the author meant by one thing or another. There have even been times when the screenplay writers wrote Easter eggs into the script that tie back to the books!
In reality, a good book-to-screen adaption should work together, one directs people toward the screen and the other directs people toward the book.
Sadly, many screenplay writers just see what will sell nowadays so the adaptions don’t do a book justice. But, if more authors who had the opportunity to get their work onto the screen had an involvement in the script, I bet things would dramatically change!
February 28, 2023
Creativity in Unlikely Places
I’d be lying if I said that I had been thinking most of the month about this blog post. Truth is, I’ve only really thought about it in the last hour!
Although February is the shortest month of the year, it seemed to be shorter this time around. That’s probably because my film team and I have been working nearly around the clock sifting through auditions that have been flooding our emails.
Honestly, I’m floored by the number of creative people I’ve seen audition for the different roles in the first episode of the Amber Oak series. It’s really inspiring. In fact, seeing these people act out my characters inspired me for other characters in the trilogy that has been going eternally slow. And, believe me, it has nothing to do with the film. There are so many moving parts in the last book of my trilogy it’s felt overwhelming to me.
But, Ceara, it's your story and ideas…how can that be overwhelming?
Great question! My brain is always moving constantly, I’ll get an idea, then another, then another until finally I’m so overwhelmed that I can decide on what a character is supposed to do and the usual internal conversation I have with them is silent.
But, being around creative people has gotten that flow going. I can’t say I’ll have the third book out immediately or even in the next few months. But hey, this is what I call progress!
Although February is the shortest month of the year, it seemed to be shorter this time around. That’s probably because my film team and I have been working nearly around the clock sifting through auditions that have been flooding our emails.
Honestly, I’m floored by the number of creative people I’ve seen audition for the different roles in the first episode of the Amber Oak series. It’s really inspiring. In fact, seeing these people act out my characters inspired me for other characters in the trilogy that has been going eternally slow. And, believe me, it has nothing to do with the film. There are so many moving parts in the last book of my trilogy it’s felt overwhelming to me.
But, Ceara, it's your story and ideas…how can that be overwhelming?
Great question! My brain is always moving constantly, I’ll get an idea, then another, then another until finally I’m so overwhelmed that I can decide on what a character is supposed to do and the usual internal conversation I have with them is silent.
But, being around creative people has gotten that flow going. I can’t say I’ll have the third book out immediately or even in the next few months. But hey, this is what I call progress!
January 30, 2023
It Takes A Movie...
“It takes a movie to make a person.”
At first glance, it looks like a word switch, and originally it was. But over this past week, I realized how much truth there was in this statement. Hear me out.
Last weekend I spent some time with my aunt who is a professional set dresser. She’s been on the set of many popular films and concert venues. We had such a great conversation about the film industry and I’ll never forget her words of encouragement. It meant a lot to me as I was starting a new venture. That jumbled phrase was her last bit of advice. We had a good laugh about it for a good minute, but then I got to thinking. She’s right.
Regardless of the art form you choose, in a way it shapes you. You first go into it with a concept of what you’d like to do, but the more you practice and study your craft, the more you grow. But it’s not all about learning the art itself, sometimes you find out more about yourself and I’m not just talking about your strengths and weaknesses. I’m talking about something on a deeper level. Maybe your art is teaching you need more patience, dedication, or time management.
And these are the things you can take with you to not only further yourself in the art you’re working towards, but in life in general. This film endeavor has taken my skills to a whole new level. I’m able to take on more tasks simultaneously. I’ve had to learn which of those tasks I need to prioritize first and I’ve developed skills I didn’t think I could do.
And although art can “make” a person as it were, this kind of goes to show how it can shape the world we live in.
At first glance, it looks like a word switch, and originally it was. But over this past week, I realized how much truth there was in this statement. Hear me out.
Last weekend I spent some time with my aunt who is a professional set dresser. She’s been on the set of many popular films and concert venues. We had such a great conversation about the film industry and I’ll never forget her words of encouragement. It meant a lot to me as I was starting a new venture. That jumbled phrase was her last bit of advice. We had a good laugh about it for a good minute, but then I got to thinking. She’s right.
Regardless of the art form you choose, in a way it shapes you. You first go into it with a concept of what you’d like to do, but the more you practice and study your craft, the more you grow. But it’s not all about learning the art itself, sometimes you find out more about yourself and I’m not just talking about your strengths and weaknesses. I’m talking about something on a deeper level. Maybe your art is teaching you need more patience, dedication, or time management.
And these are the things you can take with you to not only further yourself in the art you’re working towards, but in life in general. This film endeavor has taken my skills to a whole new level. I’m able to take on more tasks simultaneously. I’ve had to learn which of those tasks I need to prioritize first and I’ve developed skills I didn’t think I could do.
And although art can “make” a person as it were, this kind of goes to show how it can shape the world we live in.
December 30, 2022
Unpopular Opinion
When I’m not writing, researching, or reading, I find myself watching movies. Now, I like a variety of movies and often I find myself watching ones that are inspiring—such as heroic feats during historic times. But there’s one type of inspirational movie, in particular, that I’ve grown to dislike over the years.
These types of movies follow a famous person’s life from where they started to how they got to be so successful. Many of these movies show them being at rock bottom and then finding a big break, but I feel that in some ways the movie almost glamorizes the struggle the individual had to go through to get to where they are. And, it also can give a false impression that in order to be successful, one must struggle.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “starving artist”, and so many artists identify with this. In fact, I used to see myself as this nearly four years ago.
I was starting a new life with my husband, we were moving into a new place, and I was free to write and do anything I wanted to do with my art. I had it in my mind that I was going to live off my writing and hope that someday I’d make a big break and be found by someone who wanted to invest in my story ideas.
Sounds a bit fantastical, doesn’t it? Well, at the time I thought it was foolproof. Sure, I didn’t have a lot of money, but in the back of my mind, I was content with having so little because I was so certain I’d get a lucky break.
Well, let me tell you, that didn’t happen. In fact, I ran so low on money that I had maybe a couple hundred to my name and it was at this point, I realized the “starving artist” life wasn’t for me. I needed money if I was going to keep going to comic cons. I needed money if I was going to advertise my books well, and I needed money if I was going to upgrade my cover designs.
So, I started working a 9-5, something that I swore I wouldn’t do. And, I’m still working that same 9-5 three years later. Is it my favorite job? Absolutely not. I still want to pursue my artistic endeavors, but I need a constant paycheck to do that.
I’ve been asked before, “Well, if you don’t like this job look for something better.”
Sure, I could look for something completely different, the problem is I don’t want to. I don’t want to be a career 9-5, I want something that will help propel me into what I’d like to do. I’ve met other “starving artists” who are in the same boat that I was all those years ago. I see them make the same mistakes that I did. On the flip side, I see other artists still working that 9-5 while pursuing their dreams.
See, I realized that unless I lived in NYC or California and just happened to meet a rich investor, the likelihood of getting that lucky break is so slim, I would have a better chance of winning the lottery. Now, please don’t get me wrong, there are artists out there who are living well off their art. That’s fantastic, I applaud those people. But what I’m saying is, not everyone is able to do that immediately. It takes hard work, trial and error, and sometimes you have to take a few steps back. Maybe you have to go back to the beginning a few times.
But looking back, I’m so glad I decided to do the 9-5 because it is so rewarding to see how far I’ve gone these past four years. I have gone from broke to successfully writing books, to now producing and creating films! I’m proverbially creating my own inspirational movie so that one day, maybe twenty years from now, I can look back on the person writing this post and be so proud of her determination.
These types of movies follow a famous person’s life from where they started to how they got to be so successful. Many of these movies show them being at rock bottom and then finding a big break, but I feel that in some ways the movie almost glamorizes the struggle the individual had to go through to get to where they are. And, it also can give a false impression that in order to be successful, one must struggle.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “starving artist”, and so many artists identify with this. In fact, I used to see myself as this nearly four years ago.
I was starting a new life with my husband, we were moving into a new place, and I was free to write and do anything I wanted to do with my art. I had it in my mind that I was going to live off my writing and hope that someday I’d make a big break and be found by someone who wanted to invest in my story ideas.
Sounds a bit fantastical, doesn’t it? Well, at the time I thought it was foolproof. Sure, I didn’t have a lot of money, but in the back of my mind, I was content with having so little because I was so certain I’d get a lucky break.
Well, let me tell you, that didn’t happen. In fact, I ran so low on money that I had maybe a couple hundred to my name and it was at this point, I realized the “starving artist” life wasn’t for me. I needed money if I was going to keep going to comic cons. I needed money if I was going to advertise my books well, and I needed money if I was going to upgrade my cover designs.
So, I started working a 9-5, something that I swore I wouldn’t do. And, I’m still working that same 9-5 three years later. Is it my favorite job? Absolutely not. I still want to pursue my artistic endeavors, but I need a constant paycheck to do that.
I’ve been asked before, “Well, if you don’t like this job look for something better.”
Sure, I could look for something completely different, the problem is I don’t want to. I don’t want to be a career 9-5, I want something that will help propel me into what I’d like to do. I’ve met other “starving artists” who are in the same boat that I was all those years ago. I see them make the same mistakes that I did. On the flip side, I see other artists still working that 9-5 while pursuing their dreams.
See, I realized that unless I lived in NYC or California and just happened to meet a rich investor, the likelihood of getting that lucky break is so slim, I would have a better chance of winning the lottery. Now, please don’t get me wrong, there are artists out there who are living well off their art. That’s fantastic, I applaud those people. But what I’m saying is, not everyone is able to do that immediately. It takes hard work, trial and error, and sometimes you have to take a few steps back. Maybe you have to go back to the beginning a few times.
But looking back, I’m so glad I decided to do the 9-5 because it is so rewarding to see how far I’ve gone these past four years. I have gone from broke to successfully writing books, to now producing and creating films! I’m proverbially creating my own inspirational movie so that one day, maybe twenty years from now, I can look back on the person writing this post and be so proud of her determination.
November 28, 2022
Lessons From the Characters
Choices. Even at a very young age, we all understand the general concept of choices. Sometimes they get us into trouble, and other times we’re rewarded by people or the universe. But oftentimes we forget just how impactful these choices can be to our daily lives. This is something I was reminded of just this week, in fact.
I added about a thousand words to the third book in my trilogy (yay me!). And as I was writing, I started thinking about the characters and what they represented. It was then that I realized that they represented choices. Each one, for a variety of reasons, said they didn’t have a choice in their ultimate decision. Some of these decisions were heroic and saved lives, whereas others were detrimental to the character themselves.
That’s when I started to see the lesson I needed in my own life. All too often, I find myself saying the exact same thing: “I don’t have a choice” or “I wasn’t given a choice.” The truth is, and like many of my characters discover, we all have a choice.
The farther I go along these creative avenues, the more I’m finding that the choices I need to make I really don’t like. Most of the time it’s because they feel impossible to accomplish, but they’re essential to reach my goals. The trick is to not jump to the first option that’s presented to me and weigh the pros and cons of each path.
“Well, what if you have to make a decision immediately? You won’t have time to think about a path!”
Good question, there really is no good answer to that. Sometimes, when that particular situation comes up, it boils down to your conscious and what you feel is right. Does that mean you’ll make the right decision? Maybe, maybe not, but regardless of what path you choose, all you can do is keep moving forward.
I added about a thousand words to the third book in my trilogy (yay me!). And as I was writing, I started thinking about the characters and what they represented. It was then that I realized that they represented choices. Each one, for a variety of reasons, said they didn’t have a choice in their ultimate decision. Some of these decisions were heroic and saved lives, whereas others were detrimental to the character themselves.
That’s when I started to see the lesson I needed in my own life. All too often, I find myself saying the exact same thing: “I don’t have a choice” or “I wasn’t given a choice.” The truth is, and like many of my characters discover, we all have a choice.
The farther I go along these creative avenues, the more I’m finding that the choices I need to make I really don’t like. Most of the time it’s because they feel impossible to accomplish, but they’re essential to reach my goals. The trick is to not jump to the first option that’s presented to me and weigh the pros and cons of each path.
“Well, what if you have to make a decision immediately? You won’t have time to think about a path!”
Good question, there really is no good answer to that. Sometimes, when that particular situation comes up, it boils down to your conscious and what you feel is right. Does that mean you’ll make the right decision? Maybe, maybe not, but regardless of what path you choose, all you can do is keep moving forward.
