Patricia Snyder

2011-06-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a documentary about the role of libraries in modern society and how they are funded. It's been interesting, talking to different people and researching statistics. I'll likely start looking for funding help soon to assist with production expenses.

2010-10-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasure to attend a screening of "Star Trek IV" with writer/producer Harve Bennett last night as part of the Filmmakers Series by Southern Oregon Film and Television (www.filmsouthernoregon.org). He shared some delightful stories about his many years in the industry. His wife gave him such a touching introduction. Here's a photo of me, other SOFaT members, and Harve Bennett after the talk.

2010-08-27T17:12:00.001-07:00

Here are links to purchase my young adult fantasy novel, "Advent Tour"

From Amazon.com or if you prefer Kindle or in the UK on Kindle

From Barnes & Noble

From Powell's City of Books in Portland, a bookstore I love to visit

Or direct from the publisher, Black Matrix Publishing, which offers a sample online read.

2010-07-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

The most recent film I worked on, THE BAG, is scheduled for July 27 as part of the LA Shorts Fest. It will then be part of the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

2009-11-08T18:14:00.001-08:00

"Advent Tour" is now available on Amazon.com and directly from the publisher, www.blackmatrixpub.com.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at "The Bag," for which I was casting director and script supervisor.

2009-08-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

The Adventure Begins

Today, I signed a contract with Black Matrix Publishing for my first novel, a young adult comic fantasy titled "Advent Tour." It's about a coffee house worker who is transported to another world as its reluctant ruler, and he's put in the position of having to tour his new realm to gather report from his skeptical subjects.

2009-07-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Moved my desk right next to the window and ditched a bunch of stuff that used to be on it. I don't know if the change in scenery will be as uplifting as I hope, but it is nice to have something pleasant to look at and some room to spread out scene cards. My life does seem to be a frequent battle with entropy.

2009-07-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

The horror musical I was assistant director for, SOME KIND OF HORROR, won an award for best director. Congratulations Lawrence and Savannah Morgan. See www.quickfest.com to watch it.

2009-05-10T11:19:00.001-07:00

It is considerably more fun to write than to rewrite.

2009-04-25T09:25:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting in Blue Stone Cafe, my hand-scribbled notes all across my draft of "The Unintended Stray." I've been pondering a problem: On the first page is a locksmith. How much should I describe the locksmith? Should I name him? Does it have to be a him? I've come up with an entire back story for this locksmith, who appears only on the first page. Since that troubled me, I wondered if I should work the locksmith into the book more.

Oh, the things I will do to waste time. I have many, many pages of work ahead of me, some significant changes, and I'm fiddling around with such a tiny detail. Yes, I do want my writing to be detailed and carefully thought out, but it is important to not neglect the big picture in the process.

On movie front, "Model Rules" has won the Northwest Emerging Artist Award at the Salem Film Festival.

2009-03-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention somewhere along the line that Ray and I picked up "best screenplay" for "Sixes and the One Eyed King" at Cine-Fest in Kentucky. SIXES also won "best feature." The list of winners is up, and I'm not named correctly. (www.cine-fest.com/WINNERS%2008.html)

There go MY 15 seconds of Internet fame.

2009-03-21T14:58:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to figure out what to see at the Ashland Independent Film Festival. "Model Rules" is showing three times, and I'll probably go to the Saturday showing and party down afterward with everyone. There are so many options, and I've created this grid to help me plan it out. Of course, I'll want to make some time to mingle with filmmakers, as that's the best part of festivals. I should have done this some time ago, as some things are already sold out.

I have a lot more work to do on "The Unintended Stray" after doing an on-paper edit on it. As much as I love trees, there's something really useful in a hands-on read through your writing. I have all sorts of notes over the pages, and I must now translate them. I'm a ways from where I first envisioned the book, but I think it has grown and shaped itself as I've worked on it. Of course, there's the nagging fear that this is all stupid and pointless and terribly written, not insightful or enjoyable at all. At some point, you have to decide to move forward and endure dismal failure if it happens.

2009-02-18T09:06:00.000-08:00

Following the Facebook "we own everything you post" scare, I've removed the portions of my novel I'd posted previously, just in case this site should get all possessive and legalesque. Probably unnecessary, but it makes me feel better.

I'm now making my first major edit of "The Unintended Stray," and I'm seeing that I'll have some significant changes to make. Sometimes you need to work through the story to understand it better. Once you have something down, you can see how it could develop even more.

2009-01-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

I've done a bit of update to the site, adding a soul mates poll related to "The Unintended Stray." I like "stray" over "mongrel" because mongrel implies ill breeding more than a lack of fitting in. It's about parentage more than position. "Stray" can result from one's own choices, while "mongrel" results from an accident of birth. I want her to feel like she doesn't fit in, but I there's a certain way that she doesn't fit in and reasons behind it. While some of them are tied to her parents and their differences, that isn't the sum of her problems.

One involvement lately has been in helping to organize Southern Oregon Film and Television, a nonprofit industry group hoping to promote productions in this area. The website is now up and running, and I've added that link. http://www.filmsouthernoregon.org/ Check it out. I'm on the board, but that pretty much means that I'm doing extra work. Some things are worth effort.

Speaking of effort, a library opened in Grants Pass in December after being closed for a year and a half. I'm so proud of the efforts of Josephine Community Libraries http://www.josephinelibrary.org/. It's been an education to help bring this organization together and convince people to support a brand new nonprofit taking on a service normally provided by government. I'm working on a documentary about the situation. I've completed shooting it and now begins the long editing process. I've never attempted anything this long; my goal is for it to end up about 30 minutes long overall. I wish my technical skills were better and that I had my own equipment rather than borrowing it from the regional public access station. It seemed interesting enough to me to put in the effort without the likelihood of reward beyond the fulfillment of creation. Again, some things are worth effort.

I've worked on a couple of webisodes over the past few months. I was casting director for "Search for a Vampire" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQYEX4dcjFE and in charge of continuity for "The Hightowers." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPbNOAUSSfU

The 2008 Bend Film Festival was fun but very cold. Congratulations to Marlyn Mason, who picked up the Best Actress award.

2008-08-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Marlyn Mason, who won best screenplay at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, for "Model Rules."

What she has to say at the awards ceremony choked me up:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8107204364063720040&hl=en

2008-07-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Beach fun

Enjoyed a few days in Gold Beach, Oregon, where the sun was bright and the wind was lively. I wrote in a neat little lighthouse. I thought it would be appropriate to write something windblown and romantic, but instead I'm still working on "The Unintended Mongrel."

Endured more than one remark from people about using a laptop while on "vacation." Bah! People don't understand that writing is both a task and a pleasure.

Projects update:

"Model Rules" has been accepted to the LA Shorts Fest in August. I'm thinking about going down to see it, especially if I can swing a trip on the cheap.

Things are on hold with "Search for a Vampire," as director Ray is busy with festivals, work for a sports television station and a documentary.

2008-06-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Film updates

"Sixes and the One Eyed King," is now available on Amazon.com. Here's a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Sixes-Scott-Thorsen-Nicole-Stykowski/dp/B0019SSDPQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212356705&sr=8-7

This is a generally good time for film news, as "Model Rules," has been selected for the Rhode Island International Film Festival. The film's website is http://www.freewebs.com/modelrules. The festival's site is http://www.film-festival.org.

2008-03-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

I've been busy writing and helping to cast a mockumentary scheduled to begin shooting this summer, "Search for a Vampire." See www.searchforavampire.com, www.freewebs.com/bisonmotionpictures, and www.myspace.com/searchforavampire. It's nice to work on a comedy.

2007-11-04T16:04:00.001-08:00

A web site is now up for "Model Rules," and a photo of me is on it under production stills. The address is www.freewebs.com/modelrules.

I've especially been enjoying exploring some new music as I hunt for instrumental music for the director to consider.

2007-10-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

'Model Rules' in motion

I've been working as assistant director on a lovely short film tentatively titled "Model Rules," written by and starring Marlyn Mason. I've enjoyed being part of the process as much for the people as for the film, which looks like it will become a beautiful piece of art offering plenty to ponder.

The Medford, Oregon, newspaper did an article on the project. This is a photograph of the photographer, Jamie Lusch, on set. Chance Larsen, all-around set MacGyver, is sitting in for Marlyn as this tracking shot is prepared. The article, and a photo with Marlyn, is available by following this link to the Mail Tribune web site: http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071014/NEWS/710140329/-1/NEWS06

2007-10-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

Rogue Independent Film Festival

How nice to bring "Sixes and the One Eyed King" home to the Rogue Valley. Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday.

With Mardik Martin, screenwriter and professor.

"Sixes and the One Eyed King" director Ray Nomoto Robison (left) and the guys from "Cathedral Park," another feature in the festival.

2007-09-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

A heaping helping of blog

The past couple of months have been so busy that the days have mooshed up against each other like so many gooey marshmallows between the graham crackers of blogs.

One of the reasons I haven’t blogged lately is because I’ve put a lot of time and energy into an effort to re-open the libraries in Josephine County. Kevin Widdison’s column in The Daily Courier (www.thedailycourier.com) about how shameful it feels to live in a community without a public library really said what I‘ve been feeling and motivated me. I often used the library before funding fell away and it closed. He organized a gathering on July 26 because of community response to his column, and I jumped in with others. I’ve learned a great deal about nonprofit law, creation of organizations and working with people over the past several weeks. I’m pleased to have met some good folks, and it’s encouraging to see the progress that is being made despite odds. I'm glad there are people out there like Gene Lucas, who are willing to share what they've done (http://www.genelucas.info/library) to inform and inspire others. I plan to continue to help as I’m able.

My time has also gone into the Rogue Independent Film Festival, now less than a month away. It’s been fascinating to help put it together, and I hope it’s a great experience for everyone involved. I’m eager to meet those who have made the 48 films to be shown; I hope many are able to attend. I started out as a secondary screener for the festival, giving a second opinion on films that were passed along to me as potential ones to be included, and I’ve had opportunities to help in other ways. It’s especially exciting to me that the festival is going to include an educational aspect, including a student discount.

Personally, helping with RIFF has taught me a great deal, including viewing the submissions I did see. I appreciate the talent, energy and hope out there. I know how it feels to not be accepted by a festival, and I sympathize with the filmmakers who weren‘t included. While some submissions could use improvement in areas such as storytelling, technical quality and craft, in some cases choices came down to discussions of balance for the overall festival. One of the challenges was figuring out the schedule and what might go well together. I wish more could have been part of RIFF. As it is, the festival added another night to the originally planned three days of films.

I initially offered to help with the festival after running into Greg, the owner of the Rogue Theatre, in the grocery store. We talked about the upcoming Billy Bob Thornton concert, for which tickets had just gone on sale, and my interest in independent film. I went to the concert on Aug. 24 with some friends and had a blast. We had great seats in a packed house. Greg sent over this photo of Billy Bob Thornton and impressive guitarist Michael Shipp.

I had the recent opportunity to immerse myself in creativity lately, and it reminded me of the need to charge my batteries by experiencing and appreciating what others have done. I get so busy that I let too much time pass between taking in a concert or a play or a museum or an art gallery. I recently used some vacation time to visit the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum in Seattle, a fascinating place I could have spent more days exploring. Nice folks, too, considering that I realized at closing time I’d lost an earring somewhere in the museum and they found it for me. I also had the opportunity to attend several plays this month, including a Barnstormers production of “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and several Oregon Shakespeare Festival productions, including “As You Like It,” “Gem of the Ocean,” a much funnier “Romeo and Juliet” than I ever remember the play being, Lisa Loomer’s emotional and amusing “Distracted” and “The Tempest,” whose cast includes “Sixes and the One Eyed King’s” own Orion Bradshaw. It is so much easier to create if you’re plugged into the creative grid, feeling that exchange of energy.

2007-07-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

BOULDER FILM FESTIVAL

"Sixes and the One Eyed King" will screen at Colorado's Boulder Asian Film Festival on Aug. 17. A link to festival information is on the Boulder Asian Pacific Alliance web site, http://www.bapaweb.org/. I went through this area last year on my way to visit family in Kansas, and it's beautiful. I'm pleased that we're part of the festival's opening night.

I'm helping with the Rogue Independent Film Festival. The web site is http://www.rogueindependentfilmfestival.org/. I think it will be a good opportunity to see a festival from the inside out. I'm excited about helping to bring filmmakers to Grants Pass in October.

I've also started attending development meetings for another feature film. One of my goals is to get more production experience. I like the idea of help to bring things together.

2007-07-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

CONNECTIONS

I was editing a manuscript while waiting for The Moody Blues concert to begin at Britt Festivals when the guy sitting next to me asked if I was a student. At first, I was pretty delighted to be mistaken for a college student, especially after having recently endured a birthday. Then I realized I was wearing a University of Gallifrey T-shirt. It’s a fictional place from the television show “Doctor Who.“

I bought the shirt a few years ago, having longed for one when I watched it in high school but didn’t have the money to contribute to the PBS fund drive. A necklace with a replica of a key to the TARDIS required an even bigger donation. I was going through some old videotapes and came across the episodes I’d recorded. I tried to hunt down a shirt to buy, something that looked like it could belong to a regular university. I wanted a subtle way of paying tribute to the show, like the Thor’s Hammer necklace a friend gave me that’s a reference to our mutual Stargate SG-1 appreciation. This was before the new version of Doctor Who inspired a fresh supply of merchandise, and I couldn’t find one I wanted. However, a company I contacted liked the idea and designed the one I own.

On my way to the bathroom, shortly before the concert began, I passed a guy who spotted the T-shirt and gave me a knowing nod and smile. I liked that brief connection, that tapping into a communal fictional experience. I’d like to be able to create that sort of platform for people. Inspire connections, invisible links drawn by shared enjoyment. Like singing along with others at a concert under the stars.

2007-06-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

HAWAII FUN

Some final glimpses of the fun in Hawaii.

We found a cool tree and took turns posing by it. I had no desire to climb the tree.

Ray, Scott and Tamara by our lovely tree.

We encountered "wild" horses, one of which was especially curious and hungry. It made "friends" with Tamara.

Testing the merchandise while Ukulele shopping in Hilo.

While we were waiting for our several-hours-late United Airlines flight, Scott and Pat provided some ukulele entertainment. Tamara spotted musician Huey Lewis, who shared our flight back to San Francisco. No, I didn't take a photo of Huey Lewis or talk to him. Although I do like his music, he looked like he was doing just fine without me bothering him. I was glad of it later, when the United Airlines plane finally arrived hours late and a stranger approached me and kept saying loudly, "I think that's someone famous." Oh, to be famous enough that people will understand who you are when you explain it but not so famous that you're unable to get lost in a crowd.

2007-06-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

MORE BIG ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL

One of the best things about film festivals is getting the chance to interact with other filmmakers. It's really a delight to connect with people and experience their efforts. I saw some things that I really enjoyed and some that didn't suit my taste. I remembered to take some photos of the people we met, although I wish I'd done more.

At the right is Leo Sears, founder and executive director of the Big Island Film Festival. He was a busy guy, of course, but it was nice to get some time to talk to him about his background and his vision for the festival. It's an ambitious undertaking, but he certainly carried a lot of energy into it.

Ray talks with Rick Stevenson, director of "Expiration Date, " after Rick was honored at the festival. I enjoyed hearing a veteran independent feature filmmaker share his thoughts about the process. Ron Beck, writer and director of "The Mini" and Ray. One disappointment is that we didn't get to see "The Mini," as it was showing opposite "Sixes and the One Eyed King" Friday night. Ron was in "Always Will," which showed at DancesWithFilms and was directed by Michael Sammaciccia, whom we met in Los Angeles. Mike was in "The Mini." I would have liked to have supported them.

I saw some really wonderful short films, ones that made me eager to see what the filmmakers will do in the future. James E. Hurd Jr.'s "Poet of the Swingin' Blade" about turpentiners in the 1930s is one of them. It was some beautiful writing from James and Linda Bannister. Here, James is at the right of Scott Ford. They said they were looking to put the story on stage, and I immediately thought of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Mason Farish, at left, created "On My Way to Pele," which gave me a chance to see parts of Hawaii I didn't get to experience while I was there, and it sure encouraged me to want to return! It also gave me a lot to think about in terms of storytelling from a sense of place that combines images and narrative.

A nice aspect of the festival was a morning chat led by Film Commissioner John Mason. It was a small, informal group, but it was a chance to talk about film and experiences from a practical standpoint. With so many films and things to do, it was nice to slow things down a bit and chat over coffee. He mentioned the range of locations on the Big Island, and he was sure right! If I had the opportunity, I do think I would go to Hawaii to film, or even to write. The Big Island Film Office has a list of movies shot there on its web site, www.filmbigisland.com, and I'll have to check some of them out. John is the tallest guy in the photo below, along with (from left) Scott, Pat, Ray and I.

2007-06-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

MORE HAWAII

Here are a few more photos from Hawaii. More to come later as I get them sorted.

I traveled to the Big Island Film Festival with fellow "Sixes and the One Eyed King" folks. From the left, Scott Ford (Andy) and his girlfriend, Pat, director Ray Robison and Tamara Barrus (Brittany), who is sporting one of the lovely kukui nut-and-turtle necklaces the festival gave us instead of the huge cross she wears in the film.

We (OK, Scott, as I was going to get a nice sedan) rented a Jeep convertible, which proved handy for seeing the Waipio Valley and was a lot of fun. I found myself wishing I had a long scarf to wear around my hair and whip in the wind.

We saw an incredible sunset at Waikoloa, where we were staying in a condo near the festival, which was held at the Hilton, the Marriott and other nearby venues. "Sixes and the One Eyed King" and other films were shown in an outdoor theater, which was an experience that makes me think back to those days of going to drive-in movies. There was something cool about piling into the back of someone's pickup and stretching out with friends, even if I'd seen the film before. These were walk-in movies. Ours had the ocean nearby and torches for light.

I saw my first gecko in Hawaii. I hadn't understood others' fascination with the little lizards before. They're beautiful, and I was glad I had the chance to run across some. The array of plant life was also pretty incredible. I wish I were better with identification. Good writing earns flavor through details, and I rely on research and picture books where others carry ready knowledge. We had to balance time between sight-seeing and film-seeing.

There is much of Hawaii I would like to experience on a return trip as more of a tourist or as a longer working holiday. I don't regret seeing the films I did, though, and it was wonderful to mingle with others and see what they'd done.

Overall, the trip was quite relaxing, and I still have a bit of Aloha spirit clinging to me despite the busy return to my regular life.

I did hardly any writing on vacation, and I'm glad to be back at it, like a friend I hadn't seen for awhile.

2007-05-28T20:40:00.004-07:00

CANNES AND HAWAII

I’m back from Hawaii. I had a great time. I came back with nearly 200 photos, and I’m planning to post some (not all, whew!) as I sort through them. For now, here's a photo of me at the black sands beach in the Waipio Valley, located at the northwest part of the Big Island.

Some exciting news is that “Sixes and the One Eyed King” showed in Cannes, France, this past week. Here’s a link to a tiny mention in Variety.

2007-05-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

ON THE RADIO

On Monday, KAJO radio aired Mike Arthur's interview with Ray and I about “Sixes and the One Eyed King” and other Bison Motion Pictures projects. I combined it with a slideshow of behind-the-scenes and festival photos and put it on YouTube. This being my first radio interview, I was pretty nervous. It wasn’t nearly as painful as I feared, although I could certainly stand to improve my speaking skills. This is also my first thing uploaded to YouTube, which I enjoy quite a bit. The new trailer is up there, this one in color.

“The Unintended Mongrel” word count is up to 28,311. It was especially helpful to hold a retreat with my writing group. What a treat to devote a weekend to writing, talking about writing and generally connecting with people. While I enjoy spending time alone, it can be lonely to labor away on a project in solitude.

2007-04-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hawaii, High-Five, Oh!

“Sixes and the One Eyed King” happenings continue to delight me.

The film brought home another audience favorite award from the Miami Underground Film Festival. I suppose “Golden Coconuts” are a fair trade for a pair of mouse ears from Disneyworld, at least for now.

Speaking of coconuts, I plan to enjoy Hawaii for the first time in May as I attend the Big Island Film Festival. I’m pretty excited to be going with the director, Ray Nomoto Robison and a couple of cast members, Tamara Barrus and Scott Ford.

I won’t be able to attend the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona in April. We were added later and aren’t in competition, but it’s a delight to be included. I’m glad whenever we can get “Sixes and the One Eyed King” in front of audiences. It would be fun to go, as they’ve got an interesting line-up of films. I look forward to hearing about it when Ray returns.

Meanwhile, I’ve managed to solve my character problem with “The Unintended Mongrel.” I’d let my subconscious take over writing during a session, and it seemed to take me off on an unrelated tangent. However, I spent some time thinking about what I’d written and realized that I could use it later and tie it to a different motivation. I’m glad I don’t have to throw away everything I’d written. Although it wasn’t appropriate where and how I’d written it, the idea is solid. I’ve learned to give up some annoyance with rewriting, which used to seem like a terrible waste of time. The best way is not always the most efficient way when it comes to creativity. On a positive note, I did some more screenplay work while I was pondering the book.

Related to my novel, I recently watched Carrie Fisher’s DVD commentary for “Postcards from the Edge.” I savored her book and was glad to go back and watch the movie with her thoughts about adapting it. One thing that struck me was her concern about how her film version mother was portrayed and that people would assume things were true about her own mother because they were in the story. I worry about that at times with “The Unintended Mongrel.” Some of my book is inspired by things I‘ve lived, and I doubt I could be writing it without all of my experiences as a single woman. However, some of it isn’t reflective of myself or people I know, at all. Some of it doesn’t necessarily even reflect my personal world view. They’re simply a presentation of ideas, of observations and of potential viewpoints. I worry that people will make too close an association or wrong assumptions about me because of what I’m writing or that people may try to guess if they inspired characters or situations. Some have, but not in totality. A snatched moment, quirk or situation doesn’t equal the entire picture of a person or a complete representation of my opinion. I’ve been tempted to write for image to downplay any potential conflicts, but I don’t think that would be true to the story and certainly wouldn‘t represent the most that I have to offer as a writer. One thing I’ve repeatedly reminded myself as I’ve worked on this is that this book is about telling this story the way I want to tell it, about enjoying the writing and the exploration of ideas, regardless of the potential for selling it or the opinions of others. Maybe that will come when and if I get an agent or a publishing contract. It was nice to hear my worries expressed by a writer I enjoy.

2007-03-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

Took a bit of time to check out the partial lunar eclipse last night. Not as spectacular as some I've seen, but there's something about appreciating celestial matters that makes me pause and renew my perspective on life.

Some Bison Motion Pictures folks met this week to talk about a local showing of "Sixes and the One Eyed King." I got an update on where things are at for distribution (keep your fingers crossed for some good news on the horizon), and we discussed fund-raising ideas for the next film. It makes me feel good to think that people are actually interested in filming something I've written, but it would make me feel even better if we had the money for it! Actor Scott Ford headed off for Miami on Friday and will represent us at the festival. Disney World will have to wait awhile longer for my visit, but I will make it some day. Hopefully before I'm too arthritic for the rides.

Thoughts on my opportunity experiment: Sometimes taking advantage of opportunity is simply a matter of saying "yes" when you might otherwise not make the effort. I went to see "As You Like It" at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival last weekend. I didn't have anyone to go with, but I decided to go simply because one of my goals is to do more of the things I enjoy, such as theater and concerts, and a ticket was available. (On a side note, I went to see The Greencards with some friends this week. Glad I went, of course. I probably wouldn't have taken the opportunity if it wasn't for my experiment.) Anyway, back to the play. I took myself out to lunch beforehand and ended up having the time to finally write down an outline of a sports screenplay I've been talking about writing for a long time now. I was surprised by how easily the plot points came. If I'd gone to the play with someone, I would have been talking and not alone and, thus, bored enough to finally get the outline down. I'm excited about starting to write it. It'll be a relief to have something that comes relatively easily, I think. I've been laboring over a horror script for a couple of months now, trying to resolve a connection between violence and motivation. I didn't have this problem while I was working on the supernatural horror that didn't end up being shot this last fall. It was easier to see the motivation. I have difficulty writing violence without that.

I wrote more on "The Unintended Mongrel," but I've found myself thinking about the last chapter, and I may end up scrapping it and taking that part in a different direction. Again, it goes back to motivation. That pesky motivation stuff.

2007-01-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

I saw “Stars Wars, Return of the Jedi” last night, for the first time on the big screen. I remember when it came out. I wasn’t allowed to go see it. My parents didn’t approve all that much of science fiction. Oh, if they were alive, wouldn’t they be appalled at how miserably their efforts to turn me from it have failed. The son of my parents’ friends went to "Star Wars" and even got a Millennium Falcon model with action figures. I was so frustrated because I wanted him to recount the story, and all he wanted to do was play with the toys in a seemingly random fashion. I remember being secretly glad when one of the action figures he’d tied to a makeshift parachute became stuck in a huge fir tree in our yard, as he hadn’t been able to tell me how parachuting related at all to a movie about space, and I thought it served him right. Anyway, it was fantastic to finally see the film played large, in a crowded theater with an audience that cheered when it started and when it ended. To create something that touches so many is precious.

“The Unintended Mongrel” is up to 22,311 words.

A thought on opportunity: Options abound, and the key to distinguishing between options and opportunity is knowing one’s own heart. Sometimes the most important things that present themselves are options that appear to be opportunities but that help you crystallize your thinking and realize they won’t take you in the direction of your true desires.

2007-01-14T17:09:00.000-08:00

Miami and Opportunity

“Sixes and the One Eyed King” has been accepted into the Miami Underground Film Festival. I’d like to attend, as I’ve never been to Florida, but I’m not sure if I will, due to the expense. Miami is much closer than Oregon to Disneyworld and Epcot, and that would be a blast. Oh, for unlimited funds and the time to enjoy them!

Bison Motion Pictures is still seeking distribution for the film, although it's encouraging that Director Ray Nomoto Robison’s first film, “Die Before I Wake,” is now available on the Internet at sites like Best Buy.

Clips and the trailer for “Sixes and the One Eyed King” are up on YouTube.

I’m now two weeks into my Great Opportunity Experiment. I can’t say that much has changed in my life yet beyond saying “yes“ more to more fun things. Which is a good thing. I’m not too disappointed about the way the experiment is going so far, as I have an outpatient surgery scheduled for early February and don’t know if I’d want a big shake-up in my life until I’m done dealing with medical issues. My Opportunity Experiment has a couple of basic rules: 1) The opportunity doesn’t violate my moral core and 2) It doesn’t threaten my financial situation. Thus, attending the Miami Underground Film Festival would be an opportunity if the cost were reasonable. I’m afraid that airfare, hotel and everything might put it beyond my means at this point.

I’ve decided to start a filmmakers discussion group, something like a book discussion group but for people who make and want to talk about films. Chance Larsen agreed to host it at Animal House Coffee in downtown Medford. I’m looking forward to some interesting conversation.

“The Unintended Mongrel” word count: 20,164.

2006-12-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Old Year!

New Year’s Eve. I’ll soon be slipping into a party dress and bidding farewell to 2006 at the Larsens’ house with alcohol and some mocha meringues, which are currently meringueing in the oven. They have zero fat and cholesterol, which is important these days.

My 2007 should provide some interesting experiences. Inspired by a member of my writing group, I’ve decided to spent the first part of the year being open to opportunities that present themselves. My Great Opportunity Experiment has some guidelines, but it’s basically an increased awareness of and openness to whatever comes along. I told my writing group that I’d blog about it. This isn’t really a New Year’s resolution; Jan. 1 was just a convenient time to start it.

Speaking of things that come along, one opportunity I don’t expect this evening is that elusive New Year’s Eve Kiss. It’s a great tradition if you have someone to lock lips with, but the lockless ones are again reminded of their single status. I’m of the opinion that it really only counts if you go into the night with someone by your side, as sharing a smacking wish for a year’s worth of luck with a guy you’ve just met doesn’t quite carry the romance I’m seeking. There’s no sense that the guy will be around to see whether the good luck actually happens in the coming year. I’d make an exception if I should run into that even more elusive Soul Mate, if he exists. Which is really what “The Unintended Mongrel” is about. So, in honor of those who will stand awkwardly and pretend to be OK with not smooching following shouts of “Happy New Year,” I’m posting an excerpt from the draft of Chapter 5. I’ve now written 18,493 words. That’s about 61 pages, double-spaced.

"The Unintended Mongrel" excerpt

[content removed]

2006-12-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

NoNoWriMo

No Novel-Written Month for me

During the month of November, I wrote 15,872 words on “The Unintended Mongrel.” National Novel Writing Month’s challenge is 50,000 words. However, I don’t feel bad about not making that goal.

I haven’t worked on the novel since I learned of the death of my sister, Mary. I will get back to it, probably later this month, but I needed a break. Considering death’s emotional toll, the legal aspects of it shouldn’t be this difficult, especially since her estate seems to be comparatively simple. I’m planning to incorporate some of this into another novel I’ve been working on, one that is untitled and that has proven to be an emotional challenge. It’s inspired by my mother’s death from lung cancer, when I was 25. As the main character faces the loss of her own mother to cancer, it dredges up her alcoholic father’s death, which involved hitting and killing a family while driving drunk. My own father died when I was 16, from heart failure complicated because of respiratory illness brought on by smoking. Like my sister, who was just 50.

Looking back over the month, I realistically probably wouldn’t have made the NaNoWriMo goal, regardless. To my surprise, I’m not that fast of a writer. Also, I had too many demands on my time and energy this year. I generally like such challenges, sometimes to the point that I push myself too hard. I have a fresh understanding now of the need to enjoy life. I don’t want to negate what I’ve done simply because I didn’t reach the NaNoWriMo goal. Nearly 16,000 words is a very good start on a novel, and I like what I’ve written. I’m glad I attempted the challenge, as it got me started. I’m enthusiastic about this book, and I’ll probably post more excerpts as I continue to work on it. I’m averaging about 1,000 words per scene card, and I have 63 scene cards left to work from, but that will likely increase. I’ve added a few as I’ve written and come to understand the story better through that process. I’m sure I’ll also expand when I get to the editing stages and spot any holes or weaknesses. The book will likely end up as a shorter novel rather than an opus. I hope to finish it by the end of 2007.

2006-11-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

"The Unintended Mongrel" is born

I've launched into National Novel Writing Month. It's been difficult to be fast and creative after work, but I'm making pretty good progress this weekend. I've posted the beginning of the first chapter of "The Unintended Mongrel" on the National Novel Writing Month page, and I thought I'd also post it here. Keep in mind that this is a draft, written quickly.

[content removed]

2006-10-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

I've built the spine of "The Unintended Mongrel," and I'm working on fleshing out the story as much as possible in anticipation of my Nov. 1 start date for writing. Add some ribs, a tail, a wet nose. I also need to develop character names. That has been a sticking point for me for writing before, as I want the names to mean something. I've been happily writing along and gotten to a point where I realize I don't have a name for a character, and it stops the flow. So, I want to get the names out of the way before I start writing. I plan to come up with names for the main characters and a list of possible names for other characters that pop up along the way, in the process of writing.

2006-10-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

While walking down the street the other day, I thought of an ending to "The Unintended Mongrel," and I started to cry. It was embarrassing. I hope I'm able to write the story well enough that others can feel that reaction. It feels good to have an end in mind, although it's kind of strange to think that my goal is to make people cry.

2006-10-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

Commitment

On Saturday, I heard author Laura Whitcomb speak at a Willamette Writers meeting. I found her perseverance and openness inspirational, and she just seems like an enthusiastic and interesting person, in general. I find that it encouraging to be around others who are excited.

I’ve decided to participate in the National Novel Writing Month. It’s intimidating to commit to writing 50,000 words in the month of November, especially not knowing my schedule, but I’m also inspired by the challenge. Novels offer a different and more in-depth exploration and enjoyment of language and character, and I’ve missed that. I also like the idea of bringing something to completion on my own.

I plan to work on a literary fiction novel tentatively titled “The Unintended Mongrel.” In it, a 33-year-old single woman finally meets the man she believes is her true love, but when he is killed, it causes her to question her understanding of love and faith. I intend it to be an exploration of big questions like “Is there such a thing as true love?” and “Is there someone for everyone and, if so, why are people alone?” I hope can I write up to the expectations of my vision. I’ve been working on scene cards and pondering the who of my main character and the whys of her world.

2006-10-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

NaNoWriMo or NoNoWriMo?

I’m debating whether to participate in National Novel Writing Month. I’ve never done it, although I did do the short-lived Screenplay In A Month. The idea is to write a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. It’s a pretty short novel, but the emphasis is simply on completing it, not on quality. That works out to nearly 1,700 words a day, a fair chunk of time. Part of me wants to do it simply to have the experience. I’ve been working on and off on a novel, in between screenplays, and it would be nice to pour some effort into book writing again. I’d have to work on an entirely new one, per the rules, but I do have a basic idea and a month to work on an outline. On the other hand, I don’t know what the horror script production schedule might be like. I don’t want to start something I would have to strain myself to finish because of other obligations. I have a month before the contest with myself starts, but I’d like to choose sooner rather than later and dedicate myself to the project or to something else.

2006-09-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Sixes at Secret City

"Sixes and the One Eyed King" is scheduled to show at the
Secret City Film Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Oct. 13 at 10:15 p.m.

I'm so glad we've been accepted into another film festival. I wish I could attend.

2006-09-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

The long, slow march of progress

Scene cards for the horror script I’m working on are done, and I’ve typed each scene into the computer with a description of what is done and said. I used this process with the based-on-a-true-story screenplay, my most recently completed script, and it seemed to work fairly well. It helps me to think through the story without a waste of time on crafted dialogue and action descriptions that change when I alter the story as the process of writing reveals insights. Writing basic descriptions also helps me to explore motivation and theme. I’m looking forward to getting some feedback on the story, especially its viability as ultra-low-budget horror. I’ve been operating under the advice that writers should ignore the budget and write what they want, then try to sell it, so I haven’t developed a good sense of what is possible in relation to the budget.

I think it’s important to try different writing techniques and discover what is both efficient and supportive of creativity. I’ve read debates, such as the effectiveness of freewriting vs. detailed outlining, and I think each writer should explore what methods produce the best results. Since I view writing as a long-term pursuit, I feel comfortable that I have the time to develop my craft so that it suits my own personality and style. I’m discovering strengths and weaknesses as I go along. For example, having to prepare this horror story on a timeline, for production, has shown me that I need to do more script writing to deadline. It’s easy to linger over spec scripts because I‘m not facing a pressing demand, but I think that doesn’t teach the ability to quickly develop characters and solve problems. It’s sort of like practicing math problems, only more fun.

I finally have my car back, with a new tie rod and various other parts, and a lighter wallet thanks to the driver’s lack of insurance. My mouth is healing nicely, too. I got “The Little Shop of Horrors” in honor of it. I haven’t yet found a way to make my recent experiences serve my writing, but I’m sure I will. I can feel them simmering in my subconscious.

2006-09-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

I got cool news today. “Sixes and the One Eyed King,” won the Audience Appreciation Award at the Bluegrass Independent Film Festival. This is our second festival, and I’m pretty pleased that we were able to win an audience, especially when I compare the experience of our cast and crew to those on some of the other films. It makes me even more excited to work on other projects. Success is a wonderful motivator.

2006-09-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Thought of the day

"Gradually by writing you will learn more and more to be free, to say all you think; and at the same time you will learn never to lie to yourself, never to pretend and attitudinize. But only by writing and by long, patient, serious work will you find your true self. And why find it? Because it is, I think, your immortal soul and the life of the Spirit, and if we can only free it and respect it and not run it down, and let it move and work, it is the way to be happier and greater."

-- Brenda Ueland, "If You Want to Write"

2006-09-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ouch.

Having a wisdom tooth extracted isn't nearly as much fun as it sounds. Especially when the tooth has a little hook thingy at the end of the root that expresses its dedication to staying in your mouth. Also new on my list of unfun experiences is having your parked car hit by an uninsured driver whose license was already suspended. It's been a rough week. There's some "storytelling using life experience" in there somewhere, but it will take some time and some more painkillers before I find it.

2006-09-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Thought of the day

"It was only when I began to discover the treats and tricks that came with word assocation that I began to find some true way through the minefields of imitation. I finally figured out that if you are going to step on a live mine, make it your own. Be blown up, as it were, by your own delights and despairs." -- Ray Bradbury

2006-09-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

A review of “Sixes and the One Eyed King,” and the trailer, is up on the Movie Sharke Deblore Web site. It’s pretty cool to read nice comments. I hope this film will appeal to “Twilight Zone” fans. I loved that show.

2006-09-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hounded by horror

One technique I’ve used in writing is to think about a story prior to going to sleep. I find that my sleeping mind develops very creative solutions. However, now that I’m writing horror, I’ve found that I can’t do that. I creep myself out and give myself nightmares. It’s silly for a woman my age to hide under the covers, wondering what “that noise” was, but that’s the curse of living with a vivid imagination. I’m excited about writing in the horror genre. I never really considered it “my” genre, especially because of the whole getting-scared-easily issue. However, I’m drawing on my own experiences to see what is frightening and why, and I’m learning a lot as I study other work in the genre.

I hope to finish scene cards this week. I used to really resist the idea of writing scenes on 3X5 cards and then plotting out the story. I thought it made me more creative to just sit down and start writing. Once I gave scene cards a serious try, I saw how valuable they are to help craft the story and not waste time meandering through it. It’s kind of like a cell phone. I resisted getting one for a long time because I didn’t want to be “chained to technology.” Now, I appreciate having it as a tool to keep in touch when I want. If I don’t want to be reachable, I can simply turn it off. It has taken me some time to see these things as tools rather than as burdens. Learning to employ scene cards simply added to my options as a writer. I still freewrite at times, but it, too, is a tool for the process than a mandate for creativity.

Another advantage to scene cards is that they're highly portable. I worked on them while waiting for a Chicago concert this week. It was a great concert, and with amazing guitarist Preston Reed as an opener. Live music provides refreshment to the soul. I’m headed out this afternoon to hear some local performers as well as to hopefully find some new fall clothing. Provided the stores aren’t to crazy with back-to-school shoppers. I might fight my way through them for some cool pens or spiffy notebooks. I still love buying school supplies.

The Bluegrass Independent Film Festival schedule is up. “Sixes and the One Eyed King” will play this coming Saturday in Kentucky. Ray and Scott Ford are headed back for it; I wish I could be there. Who are Ray and Scott Ford? We’re still waiting to hear from other film festivals, but we have distributors showing at least some interest.

2006-08-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

A reflection on passing and remembrance
A former writing teacher, an influential writer and artist, died Sunday. I’ve been thinking about legacies, about the impact of work and life. In a way, writing is a search for influence and immortality, for a greatness beyond our limited daily lives and a hope that something of us remains behind to make the world better for having had us in it. How to measure a legacy? Is it in the number of people influenced? How many is enough to create an admirable legacy? Is it in the size of the change affected, or is it enough simply to have caused people to laugh, to think and to dream? Is it even possible for a person to comprehend or engineer her own legacy? Do some, by seeking to secure a legacy, taint its very essence with their own self-aggrandizing? Is a legacy something we give or something that is given to us by others as they reflect our efforts?

2006-08-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Did some research for a low-budget horror film for Bison Motion Pictures today. "Low budget" doesn’t have to mean “low quality,” and I want this to be the best tale we can tell with the resources available.

I like researching, the process of discovery. Crafting a story is also a process of self-exploration. I’m reflecting on what I want to say and how I want to say it through the characters and their experiences.

2006-08-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Finding the journey at the destination

I went to Crater Lake yesterday, planning to do some writing, but I instead ended up just thinking about where I‘m at and where I‘m heading. I couldn’t find a good place to write; so many tourists crowded the turnouts around the rim, and I didn’t feel comfortable writing in front of people. I don’t normally have that problem. The novel I’d planned to work on is too intimate, perhaps, to write where other people can see me pondering. I know that some of my greatest storytelling strengths lie in sharing those observations and experiences that make me feel most vulnerable. I’m to the stage on the novel where I’m exploring those depths. I suppose that’s the way of relationships in general, and writing does feel like a relationship with the reader. We want people to appreciate our authenticity, but that’s where malice, carelessness and rejection do the most damage. So it’s tempting to keep that self safe and unexposed. Along with that, we face the risk of slipping away from this life having never truly been known at all, in squandering the best of us in the name of protecting it.

Before heading to Crater Lake, I met with producer/director/co-writer Ray Robison to discuss current and future projects. This all still seems a bit like a dream, like I wasn‘t really at the “Sixes and the One Eyed King” premiere on July 25 at DancesWithFilms in Los Angeles. I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to go to Kentucky for the Bluegrass Independent Film Festival in September, but it makes sense to not spend the money to fly back just for the weekend. I’ve never been to Kentucky, and going to support Sixes would be a great reason, but I’m short on vacation and cash. One day …

At this point, it feels good just to have some forward progress. It’s nice to know that another feature is in the works, even another ultra-low-budget one. There’s something addictive about making a movie, from idea creation to crew to promotion. I’m excited to have something closer to production, instead of just the more expensive, based-on-a-true-story script that doesn‘t yet have funding. I have some changes to make on that based on the table reading last week, but I’m holding off until Ray and I decide exactly what to do with it. I do have the sense that it is close to being ready. I’m learning more about the fund-raising aspect of this business and all that goes into making a production happen. I like that feeling of bringing things together and moving them forward. Continuing to learn helps to keep me humble and reminds me that this process involves much work and growth.