How To Be A Writer By Writing And Selling

I’m finding these days that it’s just as enjoyable to write my stories as it is to send them out to awaiting readers.

I always looked at writing as write now sell later, or write then sell, then write, then sell, like 2 distinct actions, demarcated by some sort of fence. But, now I see that what makes me happy as a writer is just knowing that someone, somewhere, is waiting to read what I have written.

I feel this is a step since I recently held strong to the idea that I as a writer must write, write and write some more, then hit the pavement, and push, push, push.

But now I am sensing a melding of these two actions. I thought I had it all under control until the real world intervened. It seems that now is the time to deliver, for I have FINALLY let a sufficient number of people know what I am all about (writing novels and screenplays) that I am getting requests from publishers, producers, readers, friends, and folks who have joined up on my website to read my book.

How To Be A Writer By Keeping The Faith

I think it’s funny when I tell people about my work. Some sigh and explain how happy or fulfilled or interesting their life could be if only they could tell stories for a living.

I tell them it’s not as easy as they may think.

I find correlations almost everywhere I look.  For most of my working career, I’ve made a living as a home improvement contractor. Looking back on some of my most interesting and memorable jobs – ones that I seem to return to when I describe successes – are the ones where I had no real idea at the outset of how I was going to do the job.

This is not to say that I was flying blind, totally unprepared. I knew when going in that the job was something I was going to be able to figure out. I had done it so many times before, so my faith in these instances was strong.

For me, writing is a lot like that.

Each day I know I will be writing that night. Each night I find myself a little unsure as to how far I will go, what I will write, or how happy I will be with my work. But each night, I realize that it does come. My intention is strong. My patience great.

How To Be A Writer By Getting In The Zone

by Geoffrey Zimmerman

I’ve had many methods that I used to get me to where I needed to be when preparing to write.

First of all, I would call myself a “ritual” writer. I like to know what to expect from myself. It helps my unconscious juices get ready for what is to come – staring at the blank page or going over my outline notes. The “place” where I want to get myself is almost like a far-away place, a place where the world I create, my characters, their words and feelings are real.

I find it ironic, that although this “place” seems to me to be my optimum state of mind to write -  to say what I want to say the way I want to say it,  takes some real intention,  patience and faith to get there.

Some writers say “Keep your butt in the seat.” Some say “Write eight hours a day.” Some say “turn out at least three, five, nine or ten pages a day (or whatever the number they use.)

I say “Find what works, and keep doing that.” It may take time, but be patient, have faith and realize that you alone know what works best for you.

Why You Should Use a Treatment to Pitch Your Book or Screenplay Idea

There are many devices and documents a writer can use to catch people’s attention and demonstrate their ability. One of these devices is a treatment.

This document is usually about ten to twenty pages long. The treatment I wrote for my feature film screenplay “Love Never Dies” is 17 pages long. The document describes only the major characters, (protagonist and antagonist)  and perhaps a few secondary characters. It describes the major plot points, events in the story that force the protagonist and antagonist to act or react while pursuing his/her main goal. Some dialogue can be included as well.

This treatment has been read by some agents and producers in La., but just because they read it doesn’t mean they’ll request my screenplay or decide to invest in me. The desired reaction after someone with decision-making power reads the treatment is a request for the screenplay. In my case, the subject matter of my story did not fit the current needs of the industry.

I’m curious to find out how many of my readers would like a look at this treatment and then my first screenplay in a trilogy. I hope to hear from you.

-Geoff-

PS: Because of the value and power of this document, I am asking those who wish to read it to register. Just a simple matter that shows me you are interested in taking a look at my writing and story telling abilities. I’ll email you the password to read the entire treatment.