Situation Change

 I just got back from a horror con in Chicago.

I have attended this particular con (Days of the Dead) ten times now.

And while I love cons, fandom and meeting my heroes... I am no longer content with just going to these cons as a star-struck fan.

I want to have my own table at these cons.

And not as one of those self-published indie horror authors, looking to sell a book or two and gain a new fan/reader for life (which, incidentally, there is nothing wrong with that... I bought five books from three different indie authors this weekend alone), but as a screenwriter whose films have garnered a massive following.

I want to be one of the headliner guests.

I want to have Dan O'Bannon (another St. Louis horror screenwriter)-sized billing and recognition.

I just wrote a scene in Mall Santa.

It's a scene that has lived in my head for months. 

I need to find the energy and time to write and to keep this momentum going.

I want to be a part of that storytelling machine out West that I love so much.

I need to stop admiring it and break down the doors so I can be a part of it.  

 

Breaking News

This just in: I just wrote a scene in my new screenplay (my second Christmas horror film) that actually made me choke up and cry a bit.

I'm serious.

It was, what I thought, a sweet character moment.

I honestly can't tell if this is narcissistic or not...

Whatever.

Back to writing.  

I love these characters so much, I want to hang out with them a bit more before I sleep.  

 

Momentum

 I am now 7 pages into my second Christmas horror film (Mall Santa).

Progress is as swift as eddies of snow in a Midwestern winter.

I love starting a new project.  

Especially one that has lived in my head, rent-free, for over a year.

I cannot wait to get this out of my head, onto the page, in front of the eyes of my family & friends and submitted to film festivals. 

 

 

Advice from Arnold

I want to share a nugget of wisdom (which will make more sense when I post the coverage I received from Stage 32... and my rebuttal to it) I received from a place that has become (over the course of 2+ years) a well-spring of good info. (in terms of nutrition, fitness and mindset) and inspiration.

Arnold's Pump Club (I've hyperlinked where you can sign up for their free (and awesome) newsletter). 

 "The future is not something you wish for. It is something you build, rep by rep, every single day. It doesn't matter if you're hitting the gym, building a business, or trying to do good in the world. You can either have results, or you can have excuses, but you cannot have both. So stop listening to the naysayers and the voices of doubt, trust your gut, and focus only on the next action. That is how you keep moving forward and, ultimately, conquer."

Throughout my life (and now into my 40's) Arnold has been a source of great entertainment (I recently re-bought End of Days on 4K... still such a masterful movie and unsung piece of late 90's action-horror, IMHO) and now he is a great source of inspiration and motivation.  

Stage 32 Coverage

 So.. I submitted to that horror screenplay competition on Thursday (October 30th) night... and today they sent me my coverage.

 That was fast.

Wonder why the "VIP" I pitched to on June 30th (4 months ago) hasn't gotten back to me.

C'est la vie.

Anyhow, haven't read the coverage yet (though I will copy and paste it once I do), because I don't want it to upset me in any way, because...

Tonight I write the first page or so in my second Christmas horror film, titled Mall Santa.

 Writing is largely what keeps me sane and happy.

And, I swear, just thinking about writing this script (which I have all mapped out in its 3-act structure) gets me excited and fills me with joy I seldom get except, well, at Christmas. 

And here! We! Go! 

Write It Out Challenge from STL COunty Library

 Every summer I participate in the St. Louis County Library's Adult Reading Challenge (just for some library swag... tote bags, etc.) and now they have a writing challenge for Halloween into November.

Given that I plan to start writing my second Christmas horror movie (perhaps as soon as tonight!) this is perfect for me! 

Every day I find more and more reasons to love my local libraries (both in the County (suburbs) and city). 

 

Stage 32 + Mammoth Pictures Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest

 Just submitted Personal Demons to this.

I opted for "Yes! I want to receive coverage notes on my screenplay and have the option to submit a new draft for only $99! 12th Annual Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest Screenwriting Contest"

Total cost: $178.50

I don't love how they've handled the pitch I made to a "VIP" back in June, but if this pans out even remotely, they will have redeemed themselves.   

 

Hello Erik, Your Stage 32 Script Services screenplay contest submission is complete! Your order details: Item: Stage 32 + Mammoth Pictures Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest Order number: 3925974946370563439. Please keep a copy of this email for your records. If you have not already done so, please submit your screenplay here: Submit Your Screenplay You have also selected the following addons with this purchase: Yes! I want to receive coverage notes on my screenplay and have the option to submit a new draft for only $99! 12th Annual Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest Screenwriting Contest Please note that coverage purchased with your contest submission will be returned after the winners are announced. Please check the contest page for winner announcement dates: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/contests. If you have any questions, please contact us at writerhelp@stage32.com. Thank you, and good luck! - Stage 32 Script ServicesTeam

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