Day 11
Hello Family,
I'm still working on ACT 1 of the screenplay.
In the first ten pages, I must:
Introduce the main characters.
Establish the main environment.
Establish the time period.
Describe the routine, day to day way of life.
Provide important, relevant backstory.
Introduce the antagonist.

The catalyst or inciting incident marks the movie's first turning point. It takes the story from complacency to combat, the point of no return. It answers: What does the main character (M.C.) want, and what might prevent him from getting it?

These two questions make up the film's premise, describing what the story is about.

Only after these two questions have been answered can I pose the central question: Will my protagonist succeed at (describe his desire here).

That's all for now.
I've got to get back to work.

God bless,
Felicia

Hello Family,
This week's project is intense. I'm working on the first 10 pages of the script. It is very important that I get this right because script readers often determine whether or not they will consider producing the script based on the first ten pages. I am getting feedback from the instructor and class mates of my online writing class.
Best to all,
Felicia

Do We Truly Love Jesus?

Day 9 0f 365
A friend shared a very profound statement which really caused me to think. It was this.
Think of the person you like the least. That is the most that you truly love Jesus.

I'm reworking the screenplay. The structure is the same basically---just adding a deeper dimension to it. There are a few values that I wish to express in an entertaining way. Also,
I' m writing a character analysis for each of the main characters to further develop their story.

Be blessed.
Felicia

Answer to Quiz Question

DAY 8 OF 365
Hello Family;

BIBLE VERSE
Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Want to know the answer to the quiz question: name the 3 recent Academy Award Winners For Best Screenplay?
Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire(2008)
Joel and Ethan Coen for No Country For Old Men(2007)
William Monahan, Siu Fai Mak, and Felix Chong for The Departed(2006)

I've been busy editing and re-writing the second draft of the screenplay. I've asked a co-worker to read the screenplay and I am eagerly waiting for her feedback. I have also asked a good friend, great director/editor named Shereen Collington for her feedback and help with the dialogue. Dialogue is not my area of strength. Shout out to my co-worker and to Shereen!
Until next time, keep writing.
Sincerely,
Joy

Day 7 of 365 Days

It's just the beginning of the journey, really. Yet, I'm excited about the idea of sharing the details in an online journal. Today I've been studying the process of the proper pitch. I learned that we should practice our pitching techniques until we are able to present the 2-minute pitch (sometimes called the teaser pitch) flawlessly. We should introduce our main character, the conflicts he/she will encounter, and details concerning what's at risk for the main character.
The logline and query letter are also very valuable tools. I will explore each in greater detail at another time.
Quiz time. Can you name 3 recent Academy Award winners for Best Screenplay?
God bless.
Joy

Day 6 of 365,
Words of wisdom: Always maintain creative control and ownership of the final product.
Heroes have flaws. Tony, our main character, is no exception. His flaw is that he finds it very hard to say the words "I love you" to his wife. I'm trying to figure out the backstory to explain why he finds its so difficult to express that one emotion. Any suggestions?
God bless,
Joy

Hello Family,
Today's post will be short...busy day. Just spoke with other writers and we discussed the power of networking. What you make happen for others will happen for you.
As far as the screenplay...just polished and fine-tuned a few ideas. I want to make sure the quality of the film is worthy of the viewer's time and attention. Will share more on the next post.
Be blessed,
Joy

Day 4 of 365

Hello Family,
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Today I would like to share the whole story in one paragraph.
Tony, a deeply spiritual husband, father, and highly successful state representative has his whole comfortable world shaken when his affiliation with a crime organization no longer guarantees that he will get what he wants for the people of his district, but instead causes him to loose his faith in God and his marriage/family instead. Without the convictions of his faith and the constraints of his family ties, Tony plunges head-first into the trap of this organization as he works to secure goods for his constituents; until the prayers of his parents and the unwavering love of his wife cause Tony to realize the error of his ways, admit his guilt, pray for forgiveness, and ask his soon to be ex-wife to reconcile with him. With his faith restored and the hope of being reunited with his wife and children now in his heart, Tony places himself in great danger and risks loosing his life to help the authorities bring down the crime organization so that he is finally free of all ties and is able to be the husband/father that he was destined to be all along.
Be blessed.
Joy

Day 3 0f 365

Hello Family,
Just attended an awesome production/illustrated sermon at First Assembly. I can't say enough good things about the event. A young man named Jordan was one of the main actors and he did a splendid job. The play demonstrated the impact that a person's actions can have on others, and really made me reflect on my own need to ask for forgiveness for things I've done in the past that have had profound effects on people I know and love. The cast worked well together to bring a dramatic presentation that had humor, drama, and some very nice sound effects. Great job Jordan and remaining cast and crew.
Fortunately, I was able to think about the screenplay some today. I'd like to share the theme of the screenplay at this time, in one sentence.
"The awareness that one's desire to help others through public service has caused the loss of faith in God and family unity leads to a reevaluation of priorities and the realization that loving one's family is just as important as working to improve the lives of one's constituents."
Family, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? In your opinion, is loving one's family just as important as working to improve the lives of those around us who may not happen to be our immediate family? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the matter.
Until tomorrow.
God bless,
Felicia

Day 2 (late entry) of 365 days

Hello Family,
Day 2 and already I'm late with my entry (LOL). That's the way it goes with motherhood, sisterhood, job....well you know.
I did work on the screenplay a little though. I suppose I should tell you what it's about, right? The movie is the story of a congressman whose desire to help his constituents overpowers his ability to make wise decisions. As he becomes so focused on helping the poor and elderly in his district, he does not prioritize his values properly. His life becomes a race to reorganize his priorities before the consequences of his decisions destroy his family and possibly threaten his life!
A wise writer once said: (Paraphrase) 90% of what we write is not what should be recorded in the final script. Rewriting is rethinking, re-imagining, re-crafting what we have already written until that which remains is an excellent script.
Until tomorrow,
God bless,
Felicia

Greetings

Day 1
This is my first blog. After watching a movie about a writer who started a blog about the joy of cooking, I decided to give it a try. I'm usually a very private person, so this is a stretch for me.
What will I include in my blog, I wondered. Well, I'm a writer so I decided to start documenting my journey as I write my first feature movie. Like the character in the movie I just watched, I will document my journey on this blog as I begin writing the screenplay, and will continue to blog for one year from today, August 20, 2009, as the screenplay progresses from the written page to the big screen.
Why did I choose the title for this blog? I'm a Christian and I'm a writer, so the title expresses two areas in my life about which I am very passionate. Another passion is motherhood. I have a thirteen-year-old son but that's a whole new blog topic : )
Welcome to the journey. Please share your comments and experiences as we begin. I'll work on the screenplay each day, and write my experiences each day on this blog. I am making a one-year commitment to this project, so please, join me on this wonderful adventure.
Joy