LUCK, SCREENWRITING CONTESTS AND ELVES...
by Janet Lawler

You know those people who are just born lucky?  You know the type.  They win card games, hit the jackpot at Atlantic City and beat you at Words With Friends all the time?

That's not usually me.  I've won a couple of things in my lifetime... once, I won free Final Draft software when I answered questions correctly about Oscar trivia.  Oh, and I did win once at Wheel of Fortune in Vegas... like about $350... just before leaving for the airport.  That was sweet.  

But other than that... oh, and I did win about $400 at roulette in Atlantic City.

So I guess I'm kinda... quasi-lucky.

As for winning screenwriting contests?  I've only entered a few.  I guess deep down I always questioned their authenticity -- were they really legit or just cashing in on starving writers?  Let's face it -- screenwriters are dealing with rejection around every corner -- sometimes a contest is our last life line.  It's like an actress entering a beauty contest -- shouting "For the love of God, will someone recognize me... my talent... my swim suit!"

Hey, it worked for Michelle Pfeifer.  That's how she was discovered by a Hollywood agent - in a beauty contest. 

You have to put yourself out there any way you can.  Take a risk -- a gamble.  Screenwriting contests provide that platform.

I co-wrote an original screenplay this year with Chris Keller.  It's a family Christmas movie called HARK and HAROLD.  It has international and domestic appeal.  It's got great characters (elves).  I loved writing it.  It made me happy to sit down every day and spend time in the world of the North Pole.

Chris is a marketing genius.  I'm not, so much.  I love writing, but hate marketing my scripts. I think most writers are like that.  That's why we have agents and managers.

So I was thrilled to learn this weekend that Hark and Harold, the Christmas movie made it to the quarter-finals in the 2012 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards.  YAY!  Here is the link of the announcement:  http://pageawards.com/past-winners/2012-winners/2012-quarter-finalists-2/

Really, this cynical New Yorker asked?  How is this possible?  Among over 6,000 scripts submitted we're still alive?  Still in the game?  WOW!  Awesome.  It was thrilling getting past rounds one and two.  Now I'm caught up in the suspense... the possibilities...

It's like American Idol -- next the judges decide our fate on AUGUST 15th. Where's Jennifer Lopez  when I need her?  Will we make it to the semi-finals?

At least I don't have to sing to win.  We just had to write a good script.

As cynical as I've been about screenwriting contests -- some are prestigious and legit -- and open doors to top producers, agents, and studios.  So it's worth it to roll the dice.  To spin the wheel.  As they say about the lottery, you have to be in it to win it.

Chris Keller and I wrote a screenplay that is now in the Top 10% of those voted on by judges.  We have to compete against 664 other scripts to WIN the contest.  Our script is about Christmas... and miracles... and happy endings... so I'm keeping my fingers crossed... and keeping the faith. 

Lady Luck knows where to find me.  I'm in New York and on Facebook.

Until next time.

SCREENWRITING CONTESTS AND FRESH PAPAYA
by Janet Lawler
July 10, 2012

Hark and Harold: The Christmas Movie

So it's summer... and I'm enjoying deliciously ripe fresh fruits.. papaya and blueberries.  All from our neighborhood fruit stand right here in Astoria. 

Also taking time to celebrate the fruits of our labor.

Our screenplay has advanced to the next round of competition! Congrats are in order for my writing partner Chris Keller and thanks to The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards for recognizing our efforts, Hark and Harold: The Christmas Movie!

Here is a snippet of the email we received from the PAGE Awards committee yesterday:
The Judges have now finished evaluating all of this year's entries in the First Round of competition. Only scripts that received a score of 60 or higher (approximately the top 25% of all entries) advanced to the Second Round, and based on your Round One scores, we're very happy to inform you that you have advanced to Round Two with:  Hark and Harold, The Christmas Movie.

We find our Sunday if we advance to the Third Round. Let's put good energy out there to make it happen.

Hey, the world can always use another family Christmas story. A Christmas tale has international appeal and is a timely subject EVERY year.  Kids love Christmas as do adults.  It's a holiday and story about faith, hope and the magic of Christmas.

I'll keep you all posted. 

Upcoming soon here at The NY Screenwriting Life: author/studio exec DeVon Franklin.

We have studio executive and author DeVon Franklin of the recent hit book "Produced by Faith" dropping by next week for a chat.  Don't miss it.  His recent interview with Oprah had big ratings... he talks about looking at your life like a movie in development.  If we embrace its ups and downs, conflicts, twists... we'll grow as "characters" and our life story will get the green light into production.  Amen!

Until next time,
Write on!

SUMMER BREAK...
by Janet Lawler
June 22, 2012

Photo by Carolina Correa

It's that time of year for sunblock.  It's better than writer's block.

June, July and August are a great time for recharging our creative batteries.  Maybe slowing down our pace.  Eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies.  Reviewing where we're at half way through this year...

I just completed writing (rewriting) a family Christmas movie screenplay with my writing partner Chris Keller.  It took us over a year to get the script just right and now we're ready to market it.  Our story is called HARK and HAROLD and it's got three great lead characters -- we see it as an animation movie -- but it could be live action (with a big budget and big name stars).  It's got international and domestic appeal -- since Christmas is celebrated in the USA and all around the world every year. 

Last fall, while writing the script... I took a weekend away to hike in the woods... Carolina and I were walking in New Paltz on a quiet trail when she noticed something in the leaves.  She walked over and picked it up -- it was a tiny Christmas elf.  Green with a red cap.  He's grinning. 

Okay, talk about writing omens.  We're in the woods and find an elf just when I happen to be writing a Christmas story?  Could that really happen?

It did.

Coincidence maybe, but that elf sits now on my desk.  I was meant to find that little elf, and he me, I believe.

So enjoy your writing days... or lazy summer days... I'll be back in a couple of weeks with some interviews and new content.  We're off to North Carolina soon to enjoy the Outer Banks, the ocean, and seafood. 

It couldn't come at a better time.

Oh, and I recommend two new books on the scene for writers... pick them up or download them for your summer read... one is Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield and the other is Produced by Faith by DeVon Franklin.   Both will get you motivated through the heat.

Keep cool... relish that summer breeze while it lasts and have a spectacular new summer!

Until next time.

A Chat with "Girl in Progress" Screenwriter: Hiram Martinez
by Janet Lawler
May 22, 2012

1. Hi Hiram, thanks for stopping by The NY Screenwriting Blog and congratulations on "Girl in Progress". What inspired you to write this coming-of-age script?
Thanks for the congratulations, Janet. Greatly appreciated! I wish I had a sexier answer for what inspired the script, but the truth is the idea of a kid coming of age while orchestrating her own coming-of-age story was just really funny to me. Plus it felt like a fresh way to approach a very familiar genre. But the thing that finally got me to sit down and write the script (which I find is often separate from the inspiration) was the opportunity to explore the notion of “slowing down” when you’re a kid; when I was little all I wanted to do was grow up, but now that I’m (somewhat) grown up, I would kill to have those sunny days back, when the only thing on my agenda was running around the backyard without a care in the world. My Dad always told me to treasure those early years more and I wish I’d had the smarts at the time to listen.

2. In 2009 you were a finalist in the Nicholl Fellowship for your script "Ansiedad", is that the script that evolved into "Girl in Progress"? How many drafts did you do and what changed overall?
“Ansiedad” is in fact the script that became “Girl In Progress” (now in theaters!). The biggest overall change is that the script went from being an “R” rated story about a kid for adults, to a “PG13” story about a teen for teens, so a lot of darker elements had to go to accommodate that. There were several small rewrites along the way, and then one major one right before production with me in a hotel room for a week turning the script into what the director wanted/needed it to be.

Eva Mendes and Cierra Ramirez

 A Teen Blooms

3. You have other writing credits - for the feature Four Dead Batteries, CBS's "Life with Girls" and working on a script for Jon Hamm & Jennifer Westfeldt's production company. What were those experiences like?
“Four Dead Batteries” I wrote and directed years ago so I could experience what it’s like to make a feature. It was made for very little money on DV, but it showed me what the process of translating words into images was like. The things I learned still help my writing today. One example? Don’t be precious -- the edit room is brutal and you can save yourself a great deal of pain if you drop an unnecessary scene or two at the script stage rather than during the shoot or in post. Better still, don’t write unnecessary scenes!
The CBS project never got past the studio level, unfortunately, but it was my first experience pitching to a roomful of executives (slight exaggeration, there were two, and they were lovely). For Jon and Jennifer I did my first adaptation work, turning Cusi Cram’s play “Dusty and the Big Bad World” into a screenplay. It was also my first time working for someone other than myself at the writing stage, but Jennifer and Jon are just about the loveliest people you could hope to collaborate with. And they’re both decent looking.

4. How excited were you to hear Eva Mendes would be cast as the co-lead in your script? What was the table read like on the first day?
Put it this way, I was so excited when I heard Eva was onboard I literally can’t remember what I did or where I was when I got the news. Total blank! It’s possible I was at work at MSNBC at the time and if I was I probably ran down the hall hyperventilating on the phone or hid in a bathroom stall silently screaming. Alas, I was not at the first table read as I felt that’s the director’s time to make the movie his or her own and I didn’t want to be “in the way” in any way.

Screenwriter Hiram Martinez

5. How would you describe your writing process?
Five pages a day. That’s what I aim for. Sometimes that’ll happen in one sitting, sometimes multiple short sittings throughout the day broken up by errands. Either way, my target is five pages minimum when I’m writing a first draft, with weekends off. The time off is actually incredibly important, as I find it keeps me from getting myopic! I keep a calendar nearby and check off “5” every day I’ve made my page count; if by some miracle I’ve done more than 5, then I happily note that as well. Small triumphs are integral! If I haven’t made my pages ... well, part of being a professional is you always make your pages, so even if I’m up late into the night, gotta reach “5”. Then between scripts I’m incredibly lazy until the next idea hits.

6. Do you plan to direct your screenplays? Which is more your primary passion, writing or directing?
I got into writing so I could one day direct. Which takes time. People are paying me to write and that’s an incredible thing I wanna appreciate, but when the climate’s right, making another feature, with a real budget this time, is my ultimate goal.

7. Do you recommend screenwriters enter contests? It obviously worked out well for you.
I can’t speak to contests, plural, because I only entered one -- the Nicholl Fellowship. It’s run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and it’s incredibly well organized. I was a finalist in 2009; they put me on a plane, got me a wonderful hotel room, handed me a cash envelope (no lie), and booked panel after panel of amazing industry insiders, from high-powered agents to producers to working screenwriters. But more importantly, Nicholls is THE contest Hollywood monitors. If your name is announced among the 10 finalists, expect calls or emails from most agencies, many managers, and a train-load of producers. Being on that list puts your name in front of the people you want your name in front of.

8. You've seen your script develop through many stages, make it into production and finally premiere. What is that experience like -- seeing your work on the big screen?
Hard to believe. As I write this, I can walk by a theater where a movie I wrote is playing! How crazy is that! It’s a happy feeling I try to hang on to for when the going gets rough (and it does, often). But nothing beats seeing the movie with an audience and hearing them respond. The reason we do this crystallizes in that moment, and all the hard work and stress takes a backseat to a kind of paternal pride. Or maternal, as it were.

9. What filmmakers inspire you to create?
Kubrick, Wes Anderson, David Fincher; Alexander Payne, Woody Allen, Paul Thomas Anderson -- Vince Gilligan, Soderbergh, Spielberg, Matthew Weiner, and JFK-era Oliver Stone. And David Cronenberg when he’s super economic.

10. Any tips for screenwriters looking to get that first script sold?
Move on if it doesn’t sell. Reworking that one script is the quickest way to limit your chances. Work on finding an original voice across a number of scripts rather than putting all your eggs in one place that holds eggs. If you wrote something wonderful once chances are you can do it again, and hopefully again and again and again, which, if things work out, will actually BE your job -- to do something great on cue, again and again and again. Also, get comfortable with rejection; it’ll be the most common thing you experience early on. But all it takes is one “yes” to make everything worth it.
A million thanks, Janet, for your taking the time to talk to me! Greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Hiram, and much success with Girl in Progress.  It's playing in theaters now.  Here is the trailer link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCqzkNl2gXI.  You can also follow Girl in Progress on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GIRLINPROGRESSmovie

Until next time.

HAMMERING DOWN DOORS
by Janet Lawler
May 14, 2012

Oprah & Gaga on creativity

What gets your creative juices flowing?  Your second wind?

I found it fascinating when Lady Gaga discussed her "creative process" with Oprah on OWN recently.  Lady Gaga said she has to go deep -- block out the world -- to find inspiration, to open the doors of her mind, open them, pound on them, hammer them down -- so something fresh (a message, lyrics, inspiration) can come through.

Gaga cancels out the noise around her (and let's face it, right now Lady Gaga creates a lot of noise and buzz).  By being isolated and still -- she taps into whatever has given her two hugely successful albums and many hit songs that resonate with her fans, her little monsters.

Is it a muse?  Divine intervention?  A gift?  What causes creativity in us?  Where does the energy and process come from?

I admire singer-songwriters -- especially Adele, Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Rob Thomas, Melissa Etheridge,  Annie Lennox, Pink, Elton John, Billy Joel, Dido, James Taylor, Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Tori Amos, and on and on.  Their music, their words, speak to me... and their unique way of presenting it... making it fresh.

How do artists tell a full story through song in only three minutes or more?  Some do it better than others.  Some singer-songwriters reach us emotionally and that song becomes the soundtrack to whatever we're experiencing at that time -- our graduation, a breakup, a new relationship, a new job, moving to a new city, or getting married.

Words.  Lyrics.  Story.  Emotions.

Here are how some of the above artists say they create:

James Taylor

James Taylor:

 "That’s the way it comes out. It’s a cliché, but that’s because it’s true to say I don’t have any real conscious control over what comes out. I just don’t direct it. I wish I could say, “Oh, that would be great to write a song about.” But what I am doing is assembling and minimally directing what is sort of unconsciously coming out. It’s not something I can direct or control. I just end up being the first person to hear these songs. That’s what it feels like, that I don’t feel as though I write them."

Sarah McLachlan

Sarah McLachlan: 

"It was mainly secluding myself, being away from society and being away from everything. I locked myself up in a cabin in the mountains and stayed there for seven months. It was just an amazing time for me to really focus on a lot of stuff that had sort of been lurking behind the scenes in my brain, but never had the time to come out. Or it kept being put aside, because there were so many distractions. Also I think, I got incredibly in tune with the earth, with nature, like I hadn't before. I couldn't write a thing for three months. My brain was eating itself. It was terribly cold out and I couldn't do anything creative. I was just frozen.

Everything was churning around inside but nothing would come out. Then spring happened and everything totally opened up. I was blossoming as well. Most of the songs—I had written four previous to going to the cabin—were written then, about seven of them, between April and May. The place that I got to in myself of feeling calm and peaceful and also for the first time in my life, feeling I'm happy now. Not 'I would be happy if . . . ' There was always that going on with me. I finally got to a place where I was totally happy and peaceful and living in the present tense instead of in the future, you know and projecting things."

Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks:

"I usually see something or hear something. Something inspires me and that causes me to have a little bit of a vision and I try to write it down as quick as I can."

Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette (from her website www.alanis.com):

"Regardless of which part of the brain (and heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears n fears leads the way, it is usually an intensely focused Short amount of time.
usually a song is written within 20 minutes.
i find that if i need to drag out the process, the process is not fluid enough to be the kind of song i enjoy listening to
i love the combo: effort-full and engaged, but Fast!

i don’t believe in writer’s block.
i simply stop if it’s not coming….seeing it as a sign that i need to distract myself or focus on something else.
usually i need to go get a sandwich or relax with friends and take a break.
100 percent of the time, when i listen to that impulse to take a break, i come back fully inspired.

i also have to make sure i care deeply about the content, or there will not be enough fuel to have the song come through quickly.

in the end, the writing process requires me to be open minded, open hearted, fully engaged and awake, and to take on the role of being the humble scribe…taking dictation, and getting out of the way.
what that means is “no censoring, no editing, until later, if at all.”

Alanis releases a new single "Guardian" on May 15th on iTunes.  Be sure to listen to her latest writing efforts.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCBIG28On0o

Tap into whatever process works best for you to get you to the pen or laptop to create the NEXT big thing.  Go with the flow of your instincts, ideas and hammer open the door like Lady Gaga. 

 Until next time.

Back to Work

REVISING AND RENOVATING

The adage goes writing is rewriting. 

That is the painful truth.  My writing partner, Chris Keller, and I finished our second draft of our animated movie script "Hark & Harold: Christmas Crisis".  Yay!  It's a family animated movie.  The ink is barely dry on it, but it's way too long for a screenplay... the script should be about 90 pages and we came in at 131. 

Yikes.  It's not a novel... how did we manage to write so much?

The funny thing is it seems lean and like nothing can possibly go, but of course, that's never the case with screenwriting -- or any writing.  Something can always go.  Lines can be trimmed.  Scenes shortened.  Those precious moments don't hold up on the fifth reading -- so out comes the red pen.

But with feedback due soon from trusted readers, we will slash and delete scenes, dialogue and action descriptions.  The story is solid, the characters memorable, lines funny -- but the overall structure can  be firmed up and plotted more efficiently.

The goal with Hark & Harold is to capture the reader and gets this script sold AND PRODUCED.  It's hard for busy Hollywood folks to sit down and read your stuff -- (I have a ton of unread books, articles and scripts on my desk that I keep meaning to get to -- but time flies by, weeks disappear and the calendar flashes by.  Is that the same with you?)... so imagine some hot shot reader or producer with a stack of scripts, getting yours to add to the pile. 

Is it worth the time?

A first or second draft coming in long is okay, but don't send it out to the pros until it's at its "fighting weight".  Lean.  Fit.  Ready.  Nothing drives agents and Hollywood readers crazier than getting scripts with the writer noting "I know this script needs work, but hey, waste your time and read it anyway."

Don't disrespect the professional willing to open the door for your work.  Be ready.

We have to make sure the script is as ready as it can be.  Of course, once someone wants to buy it -- they will change it or make revisions galore -- but it's still important to present yourself as a professional writer.

You wouldn't sell your house by calling up a top realtor and saying "Come on by, my place is a mess and needs repairs and a new roof, but check it out anyway." 

Good luck on that sale.

Same goes with any writing project.  Present it only when it's ready to be shown.  Not a moment sooner... or we blow the opportunity.

Carolina and I are currently renovating our New York apartment -- and it reminds me of rewriting.  Every time we're finished with one room -- we see where changes can still be done, getting rid of this and that, eliminating clutter, discovering less is more, etc.  It's the same with scripts. 

So spring cleaning continues here at home... and soon, spring cleaning on our Christmas script so that it comes in 30 pages or more less. 

Writing is rewriting.  No kidding.

Until next time.

CLOONEY AND PITT MAKES 8
by Janet Lawler
March 2, 2012

My Kind of Guys

Don't miss the play reading of 8 this weekend. It's free. It's online. It's got George Clooney and Brad Pitt in it. They lost out on winning the Oscar last weekend... but who cares, these guys have more important things to worry about... like gay rights.

Mark your calendars for Saturday night March 3rd at 7:30 PM Pacific time/10:30 Eastern. V
isit http://www.youtube.com/AmericanEqualRights and watch the live streaming of the play 8.

Clooney and playwright Dustin Lance Black

8 is about the recent court case overturning Prop 8 in California.



The play is by Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black ("Milk"). The cast is solid -- including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Lynch, Kevin Bacon, Martin Sheen and many more.

It's also a fundraiser for American Equal Rights. Now you may think this play is way too political... too one-sided... too propaganda... maybe so, but tune in anyway. It's a play worth hearing no matter where you stand on gay rights today. It's the issue defining our times -- in our military, churches, states and in our families. It's history in the making.

Hopefully it's a good play. Good plays make us think. Ponder. Question.

So tune in. Who knows? Maybe Angelina Jolie might make a surprise appearance as the court clerk.

http://www.youtube.com/AmericanEqualRights

Until next time.

OSCAR FEVER WEEKEND
by Janet Lawler
February 24, 2012

Angelina Jolie - Truly Statuesque

The Oscars are my Super Bowl Sunday.  Forget the BBQ wings... TV commercials... and beer.

It's time for Movies... Popcorn... and the Red Carpet!

Oscar Sunday is that one time of year when we all get to be part of the magic of moviemaking -- even if just sitting on the sofa and watching.  Who needs a gown to have fun this weekend??

Oscar Sunday is now an international event -- tuning in early for the pre-pre-pre-red carpet coverage (who will wear what and say what), how will the show's host do (two words this year - Billy. Crystal), the opening of the show (will it soar or bomb?), that audience filled with jittery stars, and of course, the winners making long-winded speeches.   What's not to love?

Unlike the Super Bowl, there are plenty of winners on Oscar night.  Not just one. We can root for many favorites to take home an Oscar... we can join the office Oscar pool.  (My co-worker says we can't fill out Oscar ballots until Saturday to prevent cheating.  Whut?? She thinks otherwise people will do research online before making their picks.)  So what!  It doesn't matter -- research or not -- there are always big surprises on Oscar night.  That's why we watch.

I recall so many thrilling memories of the Oscars.  In the 70s, I remember Jane Fonda winning for "Klute" ... and as she walked to the podium... what would she say??  Something political?  Anti-war?  She didn't.

.

A message from Marlon Brando

And when Marlon Brando won for "The Godfather" and sent Sacheen Littlefeather in his place to tell Hollywood to go shove it on behalf of Native Americans.  Wow.  Or when screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky chastised Vanessa Redgrave for her political speech after she won for Best Supporting Actress for "Julia".   Classic moments.

Other memorable moments... the naked dude running across stage and David Nevin noticing his "shortcomings".  In 1985, Sally Field crying to Hollywood "you like me, you really like me"!  She won her second Oscar that year for Places in the Heart.  She already had another for Norma Rae.  In the 90s, Jack Palance doing one-arm push ups on stage.  Silence of the Lambs sweeping the Awards, the film was the third film to win Oscars in all the top five categories: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.  Jim Cameron winning for Titanic and screaming "Whooohoooo... I'm King of the World!" 

Note to Self:  Be Humble When Accepting Awards

Oscar week is a great time for movies and for moviegoers.  And now we can't escape it -- there are Oscar blogs, Oscar Apps, Oscar Trivia, an Oscar Channel on YouTube... yup, a little over kill... but who cares?  It's glittery, harmless and fun.

Who won last year anyway?

As this year's nominee Gary Oldman said about all the Oscar hype... "It's a fairy tale and I'm going to enjoy it."

That's the spirit, Gary!

And the Oscar goes to...

Your guess is as good as mine.  Make your picks early... don't listen to my co-worker.

Until next time.

SALMON FISHING IN YEMEN
by Janet Lawler
February 22, 2012

Who knew fly-fishing could be so heartwarming and fun?

Salmon Fishing in Yemen, the new movie, definitely hooked its audience last night at an advanced screening here in Manhattan.  The romantic comedy stars Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt, with a terrific supporting role for Kristin Scott Thomas.

The story is a fish tale -- about a Middle Eastern sheik who wants to bring the sport of fly-fishing to his country.  Money is no object... and so, Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor join forces to make it happen. 

It's a romantic comedy (with a tricky title for a movie) that make both lead characters endearing to the audience as well as to each other.  Blunt brings her familiar wit and charisma from "The Devil Wears Prada" but adds a delicate touch to the dramatic scenes.  Ewan McGregor is adorable in every scene -- I can't say much more -- he's simply adorable to watch.  He makes you root for the fish too.

Kristin Scott Thomas

Kristin Scott Thomas gets plenty of laughs throughout portraying a fast-talking Brit press manager/mother-of-three.  Her line telling her son to remove his "hoodie" is golden, but I can't repeat it here.  Go see the movie for yourself.  The film is directed by Lasse Hallstrom -- well-paced, enticing, with stunning shots of Afghanistan,  The screenplay is written by Simon Beaufoy, based on the novel by Paul Torday. 

After the movie, I heard several people raving about it outside.  One movie-goer said to her friend "I'd  go see that again!".

Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor

I would too.  It's a good one. Go catch this movie, you won't be tempted to throw it back.

"Salmon Fishing in Yemen" opens on March 9th.  Here is the movie trailer http://fishingintheyemen.com/ 

Enjoy the Oscars on Sunday, February 26th on ABC! 

Until next time.

WATCHING A MOVIE WITH MADONNA

January 24, 2012
By: Janet Lawler
New York

I went to the movies with Madonna last night.

Okay, let me clarify... I didn't exactly share popcorn out of the same bucket with the singer... but I definitely was in popcorn-throwing range of the pop icon while watching the premiere of her new movie W.E. at the Ziegfeld Theatre on Monday night.

Madonna about to enter premiere Photo: Carolina Correa

How was the experience?  AWESOME! Not so much the movie... but watching Madonna watch her own movie... priceless.

Madonna at the Ziegfeld

Madonna directed and co-wrote the film.  She wowed the audience wearing a drop-dead gorgeous black velvet Marchesa gown. All eyes were on her like lasers.
Her movie is about Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII.   King Edward had an affair with Mrs. Simpson and caused a major scandal back in the day. Rather than end the romance with the then-married woman, King Edward abdicated his power. After Mrs. Simpson's divorce became final, Wallis and Edward (thus, the title W.E.) married and became known as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

W.E. is beautifully shot (in New York, Paris, London, and Queens!) -- telling two stories -- one set in 1998 in Manhattan about a woman stuck in an unhappy, abusive marriage who becomes fascinated with the auction at Sotheby's focusing on the Duke and Duchess; and the second story focusing on the historic events in the 1930s and 40s. The two stories intertwine nicely for awhile, but unfortunately, not effectively overall. I could have done without two stories. Simpson's story is fascinating enough to watch, as is the actress who portrays her Andrea Riseborough.

The director asks -- why do we only think King Edward sacrificed everything for love? What did Wallis Simpson have to give up? What was her life like after Edward left the throne to be with her? Was it a fairy tale romance? Not exactly. Go see the movie to see why.

W.E. just picked up an Oscar nomination for costume design. Madonna will need a new gown to wear to the Academy Awards next month.

Before watching the movie last night, Madonna walked to the front of the audience, picked up a microphone and spoke about making the film against all odds. I liked when she said her passion in all her work is story telling. It doesn't matter if it's a music video she makes... a new song she writes... a film she directs... story remains key to her. It's what connects us all...

We all have a story.

The writer/director thanked her mother. As most know, her Mom died when Madonna was a child. Madonna whispered into the microphone, "W.E. is the journey of the female soul... and my mother gave me life... and, enjoy the film!"

Madonna took her seat with the rest of us as the lights went down... and her movie hit the big screen in New York City -- the city she most loves.

Lights up... movie over... but Madonna's story continues.  Next month it's the Oscars to attend... but first, her flashy gowns come off and she performs live at the Super Bowl on February 5th.

Um, move over, Lady Gaga... this pop icon is far from retired yet.

Here is a link to Madonna's speech last night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjWfrfVbInU.
Don't forget to follow The NY Screenwriting Life on Amazon if you have a Kindle and on Facebook.

Until next time.

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS... TO 2012
December 31, 2011
by Janet Lawler

New Year's Eve 2011  Photo: Janet Lawler

As the clock ticks closer today to the New Year of 2012, I want to thank you for reading The NY Screenwriting Life blog throughout 2011.   Thanks for following on Kindle and Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

It's been a blast reviewing movies, TV shows and discussing writing in the arts... special thanks to writers Leslie Dixon "Limitless", Angelo Pizzo "Rudy" and Steven Pressfield "The War of Art" for their interviews here in 2011. 

Tonight, I'll be in Times Square when the ball drops.  Crazy, huh?  As a native New Yorker and member of the press, I've done it several times  -- and nothing is more thrilling than when that clock starts counting down and the ear-popping TICK, TICK, TICK reverberates throughout Times Square... your heart pounds with anticipation... the crowd cheers... the mega-sized screens countdown the numbers from 60... down to 1 at the final minute of the year.  And then...

... HAPPY NEW YEAR! CONFETTI... LIGHTS... Auld Lang Syne plays from giant speakers... and New Yorkers, tourists and cops hug -- reflecting on the year past (highs and lows) and hopeful for the new year ahead.  A clean slate.


And then, the melancholy music seques into Frank Sinatra singing New York, New York... 

... and there's barely a dry eye in the city.  If you're from New York, you're filled with pride... if you're not from New York, you're an honorary New Yorker at that very second.  

It gives me chills every time.  As one tourist said on TV the other night, Times Square on New Year's Eve is the center of the universe. We can't stop time... but that countdown is the closest we come to it.

Janet Lawler

The past few years have been a challenge for America economically, but we still have an awful lot to be thankful for as this year winds down.  We can work toward new goals, improve our lives and those of others -- even if by just being more positive in what we say each day at work, school, home -- and reaching for our dreams.  

It was a great year for me personally... I got married in NYC this past summer to my partner Carolina!... finished my new play and a screenplay... and am working in the greatest city on the planet.  I'm thankful to all my friends and family who make each day of the year joyful.

Lady Gaga performs

Happy New Year, All!  Go after what you want in 2012.  Hug someone tonight at midnight -- even a complete stranger -- and hope and strive for the very best to come.

Big online hug to you and yours.  HAPPY 2012 -- peace, good health and love.

Until next time. 

AWARDS SEASON AND HOLIDAY CHEER
The 2012 Golden Globe Awards Picks
by Janet Lawler

Hey, it's that time of year again for eggnog and Christmas cookies... and the Golden Globes and Ricky Gervais in your living room.  Yes, it's Golden Globe season!  

Damian Lewis in Homeland

It looks like an exciting year for movies and TV.  Some of my favorite picks made the list.  I'm rooting for Homeland to win best television series.  Claire Danes and Damian Lewis are up for their thrilling performances each week as the C.I.A. agent and Marine hero-possibly-turned-terrorist.  They have strong competition with Boardwalk Empire and Breaking Bad.

The Artist

The Artist will no doubt win for best musical/comedy.  It's a delightful movie (even if a tad long) but very clever and original.  It reminds us of why we love movies.  It's magical.  The leads actor and actress (Jean Dujardin and Bernice Bejo) chew the scenery on the big screen in black and white  and do a great job making a silent film so captivating in 2011.

I liked the dog too in The Artist!  He stole many scenes.  What, no nomination for Best Animal in a Supporting Role?

Kristin Wiig

I love Kristin Wiig in Bridesmaids ("Let's get ready to PART-TAYYYYY!") and would be over the moon if she wins for best actress in a comedy/musical, but then she's up against Michelle Williams in My Week with Marilyn... and Williams is truly stunning as Marilyn Monroe (she sings and dances as well as acts)  Not easy portraying an icon and bringing something fresh to it.

The best motion picture category for comedy/musical is solid with The Artist, Bridesmaids, Midnight in Paris, My Week with Marilyn and 50/50.  I think The Artist will win and rightly so.  It's got Hollywood written all over it.  But I have a sweet spot for Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen is nominated for best director and Owen Wilson for lead actor.)  Midnight is the biggest box-office success for a Woody Allen film.  Try to see it if you can.  If you're a writer, you'll swoon over it.

The Help

As for lead actress -- Meryl Streep is back with The Iron Lady.  Need I say more.  But, Viola Davis is also nominated for The Help.  Both actresses starred together a few years back in the movie Doubt.  The Help received solid nominations, especially for supporting actresses Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer.  The movie peaked in the summer, but let's not forget what a super cast that movie had and how it touched our hearts.

And what is a motion pictures awards show without Brad and Angie on the red carpet?  We can all breathe a sigh of relief because they will be attending the awards.  Each has a nomination of their own -- Brad Pitt for lead actor in Moneyball and Angelina Jolie directed In the Land of Blood and Honey, which received a nod for Best Foreign Language Film.  Looks like they'll need a babysitter to watch the kids.

New Girl's Zooey Deschanel

My Grab Bag Picks:  Modern Family is my fave for Television Comedy.  I'm happy for Madeleine Stowe for her nom for Best Actress in a Television Drama for Revenge.  I'm doing cartwheels that Zooey Deschanel is nominated for Best Actress in a Television Comedy/Musical.  I love her on New Girl!  She's a riot, quirky and underrated.  So my fingers are crossed for her to win this year.

And Sophia Vergara may take home a Golden Globe for supporting actress on Modern Family.  Let's hope so.   Every week she delivers on that show.  Oh, and Mildred Pierce (HBO) received four nominations!!  I'm checking off Kate Winslet for best actress in a Television Mini Series. 

Below is the list below of all the nominations for you to peruse and make your picks.  Thank you, Hollywood Reporter for this list.   

Ricky Gervais

Enjoy your holiday fruit cake and be sure to mark your calendar to watch the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 15th on NBC.  Ricky Gervais will be sure to deliver the laughs and insults for us all to enjoy after the warm glow of Christmas.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone reading!  Don't forget to follow The NY Screenwriting Life on Facebook and also to subscribe on Kindle in the new year!!

Until next time.


MOTION PICTURE 
Motion Picture, Drama
The Descendants
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse

Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture  – Drama
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton, We Need To Talk About Kevin

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture – Drama
George Clooney, The Descendants
Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar
Michael Fassbender, Shame
Ryan Gosling, The Ides of March
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
50/50
The Artist 
Bridesmaids
Midnight in Paris
My Week With Marilyn


Best Performance By An Actress in A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
Jodie Foster, Carnage
Charlize Theron, Young Adult 
Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn
Kate Winslet, Carnage

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Brendan Gleeson, The Guard
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 50/50
Ryan Gosling, Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Owen Wilson, Midnight in Paris

Best Animated Feature Film
The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Cars 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

Best Foreign Language Film
The Flowers of War (China)
In the Land of Blood and Honey (USA)
The Kid With A Bike (Belgium)
A Separation (Iran)
The Skin I Live In (Spain)

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture
Berenice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help 
Shailene Woodley, The Descendants 
 
Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture 
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn 
Albert Brooks, Drive
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Viggo Mortensen, A Dangerous Method 
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Best Director – Motion Picture
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, The Ides of March 
Michel Hazanvicius, The Artist 
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Martin Scorsese, Hugo
Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon, The Ides of March
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist 
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, The Descendants
Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, Moneyball

Best Original Score – Motion Picture
Ludovic Bource, The Artist
Abel Korzeniowski, W.E.
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Howard Shore, Hugo
John Williams, War Horse

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Hello Hello” — Gnomeo & Juliet
Music by: Elton John
Lyrics by: Bernie Taupin
“The Keeper” — Machine Gun Preacher
Music & Lyrics by: Chris Cornell
"Lay Your Head Down” — Albert Nobbs
Music by: Brian Byrne
Lyrics by: Glenn Close
“The Living Proof” — The Help
Music by: Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr.
Lyrics by: Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas
“Masterpiece” — W.E.
Music & Lyrics by: Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

Best Television Series – Drama
American Horror Story, FX
Boardwalk Empire, HBO
Boss, STARZ
Game of Thrones, HBO
Homeland, Showtime

Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series – Drama
Claire Danes, Homeland
Mireille Enos, The Killing
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Madeleine Stowe, Revenge
Callie Thorne, Necessary Roughness

Best Performance By An Actor In A Television Series – Drama
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Kelsey Grammer, Boss
Jeremy Irons, The Borgias
Damian Lewis, Homeland 

Best Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Enlightened, HBO
Episodes, Showtime
Glee, FOX
Modern Family, ABC
New Girl, FOX


Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Laura Dern, Enlightened
Zooey Deschanel, New Girl
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Best Performance By An Actor In A Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock 
David Duchovny, Californication 
Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory 
Thomas Jane, Hung
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes

Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Cinema Verite, HBO
Downton Abbey,  PBS (Masterpiece)
The Hour, BBC America
Mildred Pierce, HBO
Too Big to Fail,  HBO

Best Performance By An Actress In A Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Romola Garai, The Hour
Diane Lane, Cinema Verite 
Elizabeth McGovern, Downton Abbey
Emily Watson, Appropriate Adult
Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

Best Performance By An Actor In A Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey 
Idris Elba, Luther
William Hurt, To Big to Fail
Bill Nighy, Page Eight
Dominic West, The Hour

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Series, Mini-Series, Or Motion Picture Made for Television 
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family 
Evan Rachel Wood, Mildred Pierce 

Best Performance By An Actor in A Supporting Role in A Series, Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television 
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Paul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail
Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce 
Tim Robbins, Cinema Verite
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

WOODY ALLEN: The Documentary
A lesson in Being Prolific
by Janet Lawler
November 28, 2011

I grew up watching Woody Allen movies all my life.

Back as a teen, I didn't quite get Woody's intellectual wit when I was watching "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan" for the first time, but oh, how I wanted to walk around Woody's black and white New York... and sip wine with his movie characters who seemed to know so much about film, art and this magnificent city.

He presented New York City in the best light for the times.  It was far from the reality that most of us had growing up on city streets, but yet we knew there was an Upper West Side and Upper East Side that was within our reach.

I would dream about some day siting by the 59th Street Bridge with the person I loved... with New York illuminated in the foreground.  I did just that -- only sitting on a bench on Roosevelt Island -- looking back at the Manhattan skyline, which was a dream come true.

According to the PBS documentary Woody Allen: The Documentary, Woody had to put a bench by the 59th Street Bridge for that stunning scene in "Manhattan".  There were no benches there.  And although he knew it was a great shot, he never imagined it would become so iconic.

I found this two-part documentary absolutely fascinating.  PBS gets a donation just for this program alone.  It's filled with gems for the creative person or movie lover.

We think of Woody Allen as closed-off, reclusive, and aloof.  He is shy, but in this documentary, he opens up freely, especially about his creative process.  He is a writer.  It's his roots.  Directing came much later.

He takes us into his apartment in New York... to where he writes... He writes all his screenplays at a simple desk in the corner of the room.  He writes them on a manual Olympia typewriter.  It's the same typewriter he has used since his teens when he wrote jokes for other comedians back in the 50s and 60s.  No computers.

Woody Allen has a work ethic like you can't believe which is why he comes out with a new movie practically every year, including movies such as:  Take the Money and Run, Bananas, Sleeper, and Love and Death; Annie Hall, Manhattan, Zelig, Broadway Danny Rose, Purple Rose of Cairo, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Husbands & Wives, Bullets Over Broadway, and Mighty Aphrodite; and his recent globetrotting phase with Match Point, Vicky Christina Barcelona, and this year’s box office smash Midnight in Paris.

His writing gets better and better.   So do his movies.


When he finishes one script and the movie, he starts another script the very next day.  There is no down time.  He works year round -- either writing, shooting, editing or thinking.  He shows us a box of "ideas" in his room... with napkins, scribbled papers... containing possible new movie ideas.  Each time he gets ready to start a new project... he rummages through his idea box... and thinks if the idea is worth pursuing as a movie.

As passionate as Woody Allen is about writing and directing (movies in general), he also loves music.  He plays the Clarinette. He plays in New York every Monday night.  When the Academy Awards used to be held on Monday nights, he always missed attending because his band played New Orleans Jazz at Manhattan's Carlyle on Mondays.  (He also adds that he isn't thrilled with awards -- unless it's for track -- where there is a clear winner.  Otherwise, there is no clear winner for the Oscars.)

Seriously?  Miss the Oscars to play your clarinette on a Monday night?  Yes, if you're Woody Allen -- being disciplined at the writer's desk or in his band are the same.

I find Woody's recent movies some of my favorites.  I loved Midnight in Paris with its whimsy and Paris charm.  I also was riveted watching Match Point when a husband decides to kill his wife and take his chances at getting caught.  Woody Allen hits and misses sometimes on the big screen, but at least he aims -- and works year in and year out to bring us something unique.

I have a long list of New York directors that I admire... Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Sidney Lumet, Sydney Pollack, Edward Burns... but Woody Allen somehow captures New York (and now Europe) in a glow that no others do. 

I still want to grow up and live in a Woody Allen New York movie and on occasion I do.  One time walking home from work around 10PM on Central Park South, I saw a movie crew.  I almost fainted when I realized it was a Woody Allen movie being shot... right outside the Essex Hotel... there was Woody Allen on the street directing.  And in this scene, Melanie Griffith drives up to the hotel and runs inside.  Action... cut.  It's one of my favorite all-time New York moments.  And this year, during the Hurricane Irene storm, my job put me up in a hotel for the night... at the Essex Hotel.  Dreams come true on their own timeline.  Now, if only I could sit on a park bench in Paris and write a great novel and...

... Woody Allen movies makes all those dreams possible on screen.

You can watch the complete two-part documentary at PBS website American Masters.  Here is the link:  http://watch.thirteen.org/program/american-masters

Until next time. 

Author: Barbara Forte Abate

An Interview with a Debut Novelist About Social Media and Words
by Janet Lawler
October 10, 2011

Okay, full disclosure here, Barbara Forte Abate is my longest and dearest friend on this planet.

We met in Study Hall when we were both only 13. Barbara asked to borrow a movie magazine that I was reading (hey, isn't that what Study Hall is for??) and we became instant buddies. She was a country girl and I was a city girl.  We both loved books, movies, TV Shows, celebrities and writing! From an early age, we each shared a passion for writing -- I for screenwriting/playwriting and Barbara for literature.

For over 35 years now (yeah, I know, we're old), we've shared rejection letters, ups and downs in life, family moments and just being there for each other when the other gets discouraged. Barbara was recently Best Gal at my wedding this summer. Her first born, Laurel, is my godchild. So, now you see just how important Barbara is in my life. She's truly my sister-friend.

We often note that writing kept us out of trouble in high school. While our peers were listening to Stairway to Heaven and partying in someone's garage, Barbara would come over my house and help me type up my latest script before I sent it to Hollywood. This was way before computers, folks, I'm talking typewriter and carbon paper.  Damn, we are old.  We were total writer geeks... and remain so to this very day.

Recently, Barbara published her debut novel The Secret of Lies. It's available on Amazon and in e-book format. I couldn't be happier for Barbara's success and for seeing one of her dreams come true. I know how hard she's worked. Writing isn't easy. She's also happily married and raised four wonderful children. She's not only my BFF, but she's an amazing woman and gifted writer. I thought her journey into publishing and social media might be helpful to other writers. Let's jump right into the Q and A.

Barbara, congratulations on your book.  How long did it take you to write The Secret of Lies?

Writing this book was pretty much a twenty year learning experience—give or take a few days! I didn’t know it when I started out, but I had a lot to learn. Trial, error, piles of rejection letters, weeping and gnashing of teeth, and yet all essential for a girl who mostly daydreamed through English class. The end result is a book I’m not ashamed to have my name on or to see on my mother’s coffee table.

I have a signed copy on my book shelf at home too!  What is your writing process like on an average writing day?

In my dream world I imagine how productive I would be if I were living in a cabin in the woods with no communication to the outside world. In real life, my days are a never-ending road race so I grab what I can at any hour of the day or night that offers some promise of quiet. I am one of those unfortunate writers who can only think in near absolute quiet, and I don’t have to tell you that the world is rarely set on mute. On top of that I’m a slow writer. It’s not unusual for me to spend hours perfecting a paragraph only to find it’s still lousy when I look at it again a day later.

 

You're so plugged into social networking, blogging and digital marketing for The Secret of Lies. Can you talk about how you immersed yourself in this new world for most writers? How time consuming is it, posting to your web site, blogging, doing podcasts?  

That’s a quandary I’m still trying to work out in a way that feels balanced and right. It’s wild to think that social networking is still so new to many of us. There are so many offerings it’s almost too much. I was and am something of a media ignoramus/techno dinosaur so finding a starting point involved my not so brilliant idea of just jumping into the deep end and seeing what happened. What happened, and quickly, was that I nearly drowned. Not only is social networking a very intricate network under the covers, it’s intimidating, time consuming, constantly changing, and insatiably hungry. And then of course wonderful once you get yourself settled in. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that “Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you should be.” Not all media offerings are a good fit, but I haven’t always recognized that until I’ve taken a test drive and seen for myself. There’s a lot of advice circulating about the importance of “Building your Tribe” and “Branding Yourself,” all of which translates as putting in the time and effort to get it right. Putting yourself out there, yes, but not promoting to the point of obnoxiousness. It’s about growing relationships not annoying everyone across cyberspace. On the other hand, unless you happen to be Stephen King or JK Rowling, you HAVE to promote. I think promotion can be a very tricky and fickle beast for anyone, let alone someone like me who loathes the idea of pushing My Book, My Book, My Book, at every click of the mouse. As a debut, non-brand name author, I do understand that no one other than friends and relatives are likely to find my book without promotion, yet I’ve been on the receiving end of those authors who promote with every breath and it’s largely obnoxious. It’s my experience that social networking, promotion, and the like require both patience and sincerity. Things rarely happen overnight and relationships take time to develop. That’s why it’s so important to carve out networking time every single day—now until the end of time—since that’s’ how long your book should be available. I admit that I tend to treat social networking as something of a buffet, trying a little of this and that to determine what most appeals before piling it onto my plate. I make it a habit to visit new blogs and check out interesting links on twitter and fb. There’s just so much great content out there. So much in fact, it can be a dangerous temptation, especially on those days when you’re staring at your own blank screen because your thoughts are hiding behind the clouds and your writing is trickling rather than flowing. You wander off to Twitter or FB and before you know it you’ve left a string of posts from here to eternity, but done no actual writing on your lonely work-in-progress.

What advice can you give a writer about to launch a book online or through independent publishing?

For starters I wish I’d known how important it is to start building buzz for your book as far in advance as possible. I’ve heard 2-3 years is ideal. Can you imagine? I certainly didn’t! Putting together a website with sample chapters, sharing your experience on your blog, maybe a book trailer to let readers know what’s coming. And definitely, absolutely, visit other blogs and websites and leave comments. (Caution—this doesn’t mean promoting yourself or your book. That’s what your blog and website are for.). When you’re consistent in sharing your thoughts and offering suggestions, opinions, or information, you’re also introducing yourself to the world at large and that’s a good thing for when your book comes out. If you have an ARC or PDF copy of your book available it’s also an excellent plan to approach reviewers. There are loads of reviewer blogs, podcasts, and websites devoted to book reviews. A word about reviews, they are invaluable, and not only important in the early life of your book, but something you should pursue for the entire life of your book. (Nee, forever!) It’s essential to remember that there are a bajillion books being published every year and if you hope to keep yours from taking a nosedive into the horror of obscurity you need to keep breathing life into it. Reviews can help do that.

Are you selling books more off the shelf or digitally?

Although my book is available on the shelf locally, (Alas, Borders in particular was very supportive), it’s online sales that have brought home the bacon. And absolutely, the eBook version of The Secret of Lies has kicked sales up a few notches. No question we’re all loving our digital books like crazy.

What inspires you to write?

Words words, beautiful words. Honestly, but I have wild love for the power of words. Things of life inspire me enormously—people, emotions, strength of the human spirit, a certain expression, a beautiful phrase—so often it’s the tiniest seed that becomes a story spanning hundreds of pages. I’m very partial to hands. They say so much about a person and an interesting set—hardworking, lived-in, honest—can start an entire plot ticking in my mind.

What's next on your plate? Any new projects in the works?

I’m hoping to get through the final edit (Ha,final? As if!) of my novel in progress in the next couple of months. But I use the word hope loosely. Having a book out on the shelf, while thrilling, does change the dynamic of writing habits I’ve cultivated over the past twenty years, for the fact that marketing doesn’t ever end. And selling books and writing books, on most days, feels something like a horse trying to run in two separate directions at the same time.

Thanks, Barbara! I know your inside tips will help many writers out there.  Good luck with your new book. See you and the family soon for Halloween!!

Note to Bloggers, you can order Barbara's book through Amazon.com or visit her website at:
http://barbaraforteabate.com/Buy_the_Book.html
Barbara is also on Facebook.