Tuesday, January 07, 2014

NEW YEAR, NEW LAPTOP

Is there anything like a new computer to motivate a writer?

I get bored easily.  When I was a teen, I'd move my bedroom furniture around every few months so it would make me feel like I was somewhere new when I'd wake up. 

This Christmas I received my new Mac laptop from Santa Carolina.  I love it!  It's lighter, shinier, with all the latest programs.  I just upgraded to Final Draft 9.  I was using 7 before this and it was just fine.  I don't really use all the tools and options on Final Draft -- I'm a mix of new school and old -- but it's cool to have the latest anything I suppose.  Maybe I'll try some of the whistles and bells with this version.  Probably not, since that's just an easy way to procrastinate from writing.

We're going to California soon for vacation.  I'm psyched beyond belief.  It's freezing here in New York City.  It was five degrees this morning.  So a warm, sunny trip to California will be good for me mentally, physically and spiritually.  I'm so ready and eager.  Two weeks near L.A. and Hollywood and San Francisco is just what I need to recharge the creative batteries for 2014.

I'm outlining my new screenplay.  Too early to share with you what it's about -- but I have the title -- it's called THE TENANT.  And I see Robert DeNiro starring in it.  Dream big, why not?

I'm excited to write it.  I see it all in my head.  I outlined some scenes and dialogue on paper.  Now I'm about to do index cards to outline scenes.  I only do index cards for the very first draft.  I find it helpful and easier to work with the cards -- shuffle scenes -- delete ones that bog down the story.

Then, after vacation, I will begin writing.  I have my shiny, new toy (laptop) to play with when I return.  I'm going to try to use this laptop only for work and not so much for social media or entertainment.  We have a TV, Kindle and other things for all that. 

This laptop will mostly be used for emails, blogging and screenwriting. 

That's my resolution.  More work, less horsing around online.

I wish you a wonderful New Year!  Make 2014 everything you want it to be. 

Side note:   I published my first novel recently.  It's called From the Ground Up by Janet J. Lawler.  If you'd like to check it out, go to Amazon.  The paperback version will be out before March 2014.  Thanks for all the support!