Writing During Times of Chaos

The truth is, times have been better. And probably safe to say it's hard to focus on writing when feelings of fear and anger are on a consistent internal brew. We are not alone. In fact, we've never been alone.

Every century people have lived through times of apprehension and rage. And risen from the depths of upheaval have been some of the most cherished writing the world has ever seen. A society of harmony would have never produced Jane Austen, James Baldwin, George Orwell, Rod Serling, Toni Morrison, and the list is endless.

And though many of us will most likely never be linked with the writers above, our voices can still inspire, enlighten, educate, motivate, and most importantly, matter. Even if it's to a selected few. It all starts with writing, and our talents are desperately needed.

Today determines what tomorrow will bring. We all know writing is not easy. Especially now in this era of chaos. But the world needs us - even if our efforts are strictly for entertainment. So pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, we have obstacles to conquer, and stories to tell. And the sooner we start, the closer we'll be to a better tomorrow.

Peace.

Advice on Reading and Writing Resolutions

I used to have reading and writing new years resolutions. They were usually something resembling, "I will read 30 books and finish my novel." However, after years of rarely hitting my goals I have discovered something that actually works.

Now, instead of resolutions, I have benchmarks I aim for each month in reading and writing. And if there is a resolution at all, it is to get within a good range of those benchmarks as many months as I can.

Try it. I think you'll find yourself more productive. It has worked for me. I hope it will for you.

Dogs in Quicksand

Back in the early 1990's I landed a great job as Operations Manager for a video production company that specialized in producing industrial films. I figured with all of the access I had to professional equipment and crews, I should make a feature length film. So I did. The result was a mixed bag of art and insanity called Dogs in Quicksand. And yes, that's me on the video jacket.

I had been making short films my entire life, starting around the age of 12. Using my dad's World War II Bell and Howell 8mm movie camera, I would gather up the neighborhood kids and together we would make impromptu little movies.

Eventually I figured out that I needed professional equipment, as well as the ability to write an actual script in order for the finished product to be enjoyed by more than just my friends and family. And after years of making short films that were either too long or just not very good, I figured out what elements to include in my script and what should be left out.

Many years into adulthood, my short film, The Story of Mommy and Daddy, was nominated for a Vision Award, sponsored by Sony, and the American Film Institute. And since Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg's long time producer, Kathleen Kennedy, were on the nominating committee, I felt I was ready to write a feature length script. And that's when Dogs in Quicksand was born.

And even though the movie managed to get a distributor, the now defunct Sub Rosa Studios, I made little money, along with mixed reviews which were far from glowing. My shot at success had been handed to me and I blew it, or so I thought.

This actually turned out to be the turning point of my writing journey. It's an adventure that has given me more failures than successes. But as I dabbled in screenwriting, playwriting, short stories, and novels, I have begun to realize we're all nothing more than a work in progress. And it's our efforts, not our rewards, that control our destiny.

ADDENDUM

Twenty-Five years later, Dogs in Quicksand has been picked up for Blu-ray distribution by New Jersey based, Saturn's Core, in partnership with Vinegar Syndrome. The Blu-ray includes a 25-years later featurette, as well as a slew of my older short films. And although it doesn't have the cult status of Rocky Horror, it has developed a fan base that appreciates its low budget roots, as well as my sense of humor.

Ramblings on Writing

I dream that some day indie books will become as popular as indie movies. Until then, I'll continue to tell my stories, my way.

I write not only to entertain, but to also share, vent, and heal. One can say I use just enough imagination to call my works fiction. Whatever it's worth, life motivates me for my next battle. And there is always a next battle. That's why there will always be a tale to tell.

For me, it's not the number of words I write each day, but rather, the quality of the writing. However, I really can't determine what the quality is until the following day when I reread what I thought was so good the day before. I wonder what today will bring? If not progress, I hope growth.