Two Quotes for Today: What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? – Vincent Van Gogh (Dutch Painter)
If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One’s destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things. Henry Miller (American Writer)
Art by JeMA hung here in February.
Some day soon,
Coffee Shop Confessions
at
The Coco Moon
by
Mary Aalgaard
will be performed.
I have not had the energy to work on my historical novel, War is Not for Girls. I spent some time this weekend assessing my lack of creativity. I had lunch with the above mentioned JeMA. I told her that it’s not that I don’t like the story. I do. I love the characters. They’re alive in my head. The setting is real, but I wasn’t making any effort to work on it.
I started talking about an idea I’ve had for about a year to write a play set in a coffee shop. I want to use all the great conversations I’ve had (and listened to at other tables) and bring them to life.
She said, “What is it you like about playwriting that’s different from novels?”
I said, “The script is pliable. You are part of a creative team. It starts with my ideas, the characters and story that I create. Then, the director interprets the script. The actors bring the characters to life, and it’s all presented to the audience who experiences the drama.”
She held up two books, “Would you rather read this one, Writing the Breakout Novel, or this notebook (either symbol of you starting your script or writing a play)?”
I pointed to the notebook.
I started writing the play right there. The next day I went to the coffee shop and wrote some more. This morning, we were in the Coco Moon where her art had hung, and I talked to the owner who welcomed the idea of performing the play. She gave me some ideas for the script.
Folks, I have new energy! I can’t wait to write more.
The novel is going back in the crockpot to stew for a while. When the time is right, I’ll open the lid again and add some spice. For now, I’ve got something fresh brewing! I’ll introduce you to my characters later this week.
Ah, that hits the spot.
Journaling Prompt: Describe a time when you abandoned one project because a new idea just couldn’t wait.
Sounds like a great idea, Mary! Sometimes we need a little distance from a project–then we can come back with new vigor and ideas! 🙂
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Mary, your positive energy radiates. I’m sooo happy for you. Love your idea and can’t wait to hear how it goes. Keep sipping that coffee; you’re onto something. As for dropping projects, when a better idea comes along…and, somehow, I know it is and swim with the current. Usually works. Good Luck! Write on!
Love your idea, so much life really transpires in those beloved coffee shops. Lots of personality and drama to infuse your story, can’t wait to read more. And I can’t say I’ve really abandoned one project for another, but I have juggled two at once, going back and before between two manuscripts!
The process is pliable. And, Joanne, you know it was fun thinking about how they like their brew.
Mary,
I am so excited for you and the new story and direction! Bravo!!
And your comments from Friday (and yesterday) could not have been more serendipitous. I have long (loooooooooooong) had the dream of writing a screenplay. I even dreamed about it once: cast, crew, story, the sign that hung above the theatre…everything! This morning, I got an email from NaNoWriMo and discovered they are doing something called ScriptFrenzy! in April. I signed up. Then I read your comment about writing a play and thought you might be interestd. It’s for screenplays, plays, short films, ect. Anything that’s meant to be written for a performance. I have the button with a link to their site on my blog if you’re interested.
You are very brave to take this new direction! I’m getting ready to take the plunge myself!
Jen
Jen, I have goosebumps!
I could do the script challenge. I’ve already started this one. I even have a few actors lined up. I took notes on cards this morning as I read blogs. Do you follow Alexandra Sokoloff? Today’s post is on the opening scene/first act.
That is so fun! You have me excited! Awesome!
Fellow scriptwriter! I like that 🙂 How interesting, how fun. I could not believe it either 🙂 I don’t think I’ve totally given up novels, but right now, scripts seem the way my soul is tugging me. And as I opened up your blog this morning, I realized the name is “PLAY on the page”. Interesting twist on words, now, isn’t it 🙂
I do not follow Alexandra’s blog but I’m going to stop by today! The scriptfrenzy site has some wonderful hints on how to write a script. I started reading it yesterday and think I’ll bury myself in their tips this afternoon.
This is a new energy and badly needed! Here’s to keeping the fire fanned! Best of luck on your new journey and I can’t wait to see where this new direction takes us both! It’s good to know I’m not alone 🙂
Happy Wednesday,
Jen
Yes, Jen, the energy feels great. Will check out scriptfrenzy (I like that title) soon.
Play on!
Mary, Louisiana Belle gave me an award, with instructions to pass it on to five people. Please go to my blog and pick up your award, Over the Top, posted to the right. I’m delighted to give it to you.
Sweet! Thanks, Kittie.
Mary,
I love how you embrace your direction. You will be a fabulous scriptwriter. I am so excited for you and your journey. I can not wait to sip my coffee and watch your play!
Thanks JeMA – Big grin!!
Love your blog! I found you over at Kittie’s! *congrats on your award* I am now following you! Yay!!!
My current WIP is a piece I actually had been dying to write and was desperate to take it on so I chose to let go of the piece I was working on and it paid off! 32,000 words in two weeks, not too shabby!
Jen, Nice to meet you. Thanks for following! And, Doube Wow, on all those words. They must have been aching to flow out of you. I’m feeling that way with the script. I have to keep notecards handy for the next line or scene idea!