THE STORY SPOT

If you haven’t heard, ScriptFrenzy month is nigh: April 1-30, 2010.

Whether you’re playing along or not, here’s a bit of sage advice for all writers from Greg Marcks–as posted on the ScriptFrenzy site.

I don’t have ten tips, or five tips, or even three tips. I can only give you one tip: Please, for the love of all that is holy, know your story before you start writing.

This is so much more difficult than it sounds. I always thought writing was exploratory, an attempt to exorcise a subconscious theme I was wrestling with. While this approach can work for short stories or short film scripts, it becomes unwieldy and time-consuming when tackling feature screenplays or novels.

BEFORE you type FADE IN:, plan the beginning, the middle, and the end.

Don’t know where to start? Try these on for size:

• The Logline: Your New Best Friend – A good start when you have an idea but don’t know what to do next.
• New Writers! Be Unafraid! 10 Tips for Diving In – For a bit of inspiration as you begin.
• Endings Make the Best Beginnings – Finding your story, all of your story.

Don’t take our word for it, take Greg’s. Read the full post, “KNOW YOUR STORY by Greg Marcks” at ScriptFrenzy.org. And while you’re at it, pony up for the privilege. Donations to the wonder that is ScriptFrenzy can be made through The Office of Letters and Light.

We heartily support 826LA and it’s with pleasure that we bring to you one event from their new series of seminars geared at adult writers. The Screenwriting seminar promises to be another winner. In true 826 fashion, they’re calling out the big talent (amazing screenwriters including two, yes TWO, Academy Award nominees and a host we all know and adore) to raise funds for the extraordinary program.

But don’t take our word for it, check it out for yourself:

A bargain! And every penny goes towards a very worthy cause: literacy. Looks like there are 19 tickets left (after I snagged mine!) Get yours while they’re hot.

Visit 826LA Venice and 826LA Echo Park and pick up some goodies from the Time Travel Store while you’re there. There are always low-commitment volunteer opportunities available so ask someone, why dontcha?

Don’t live in Los Angeles, there are 826 chapters around the country:

826NYC
826 Seattle
826 Boston
826 Chicago
826 Valencia
826 Michigan

Here in Los Angeles, The Young Storytellers Foundation pairs writers and actors with kids who need help with literacy skills. Together, they write short screenplays, rehearse, then put on a “Big Show” where the young scribes can see their work come to life. It’s brilliant! So why not volunteer today? Schools served are all over town–there’s sure to be one near you.

Visit The Young Storytellers Foundation and tell them THE STORY SPOT sent you.

This morning, the Obama Administration launched www.serve.gov its program to encourage and support each of us to contribute to the health of our local communities. Here are a few ways in which we literary types might share our wealth:

• provide escape and hope by teaching children living in shelters to read adventure novels
• record audiobooks for the visually impaired
• introduce kids to the world of creating comic books and graphic novels
• work with adults in need to improve their literacy skills
• mentor middle-schoolers who, with your help, could make it to college
• put your perfectionism and love of books to good use

There’s a search engine powered by ALL FOR GOOD to help you find activities in your area. Or maybe you want to create something of your own. Just because the art of the word comes easy to us doesn’t mean it does to others. Reading and writing shaped your lives. Let’s give someone else a shot at the same good fortune.

Treasured readers, today I’m adding a cause to The Story Spot that I think might be relevant to many of you. The Give the Gift of Sight Foundation will give your old eyeglasses (and free vision care) to someone who needs them.

Got a new prescription? Ship your old specs to someone who’d like to see (and read!) as clearly as you do. If you’re so moved, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click the blue “Gift of Sight” image. Thank you.
/djw