THE STORY SPOT

You know the ones: characters who so get under your skin that you can’t stop watching week after week, characters who get talked about at the office the next day, characters so brazenly themselves that you can’t believe they just did that? But they did. How about a few examples to paint the picture?

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape via Wikipedia

What makes these characters so compelling even when they are not the primary antagonist or villain?

Read on »

Though there is much press already, we writers can’t be honored enough for creating the stories that touch countless hearts, speak truths, and change lives.

Congratulations to the nominees and winners of last night’s 2009 Academy Awards in the Writing categories.

WRITING (Original Screenplay)

Courtney Hunt for FROZEN RIVER
Mike Leigh for HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
Martin McDonagh for IN BRUGES
Dustin Lance Black for MILK *Oscar Winner*
Andrew Stanton and Jim Reardon for WALL-E

WRITING (Adapted Screenplay)

Eric Roth for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
John Patrick Shanley for DOUBT
Peter Morgan for FROST / NIXON
David Hare for THE READER
Simon Beaufoy for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE *Oscar Winner*

An extra-special bit of attention is to be paid to Ms. Hunt for not only being one of the historically few estrogen-producing members of this illustrious gang but also because FROZEN RIVER appears to be her first screenwriting credit EVER!

Photo credits: From www.oscar.com

The talks from the TED 2009 conference are finally out! Here is Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the phenomenally popular Eat, Pray, Love, sharing her thoughts on creativity, on how to protect the artist’s psyche while creation happens, and on how to deal when your public is no longer enamored with your work.

Personally, I’d add a bit that includes in one’s perception of success a few factors that do not rely upon the popular vote. But that’s just me. And hey, who doesn’t adore being adored?

Another inspiring and insightful talk on TED — Author Elizabeth Gilbert, February 2009

We couldn’t be more pleased with all our new Twitter friends. To celebrate this growing community of story enthusiasts, we will be once again giving away a freebie! Our 200th follower will receive one hour of free story consultation on the project of their choice. That will include in-depth project review, a telephone or chat conversation, and follow-up to ensure you’re on your way to where you want to be with your project.

Our goal here at THE STORY SPOT is to help us all work to create the best stories we possibly can, whether writing solo or in collaboration. We hope this gift will help you, whoever and wherever you are.

Blake over at evenlake was the winner of our 100th Twitter Friend Freebie. His free consultation seemed to have changed his entire approach to his writing! But don’t take our word for it, ask him yourself @ twitter.com/evenlake

Thanks again, everyone. It’s your continued support that makes this fun and worthwhile.
Good writing!
djw & THE STORY SPOT crew

We’re not big on promoting contests and pitch festivals in general but this one is noteworthy if for no other reason than for good use of technology to collaborate.

FADE IN Magazine is hosting their first online pitch fest. Essentially, you register, get your webcam warmed up, wait for your list of preferred execs to be confirmed then, for 10 minutes, you go to town pitching your project. The event is capped at 100 participants and boy would we love to hear from some of them post-fest.

Don’t call us, people. We’ll call you.

FADE IN Magazine’s 1st Annual Online Hollywood Pitch Festival
When: February 13, 14 & 15
Quanto: $325.00 or save $50 by registering by Jan. 10, 2009
Where: Wherever you are
How: Register at FADE IN or 800-646-3896