Welcome to the eleventh annual April One Week Challenge:


Genre: Any
Topic: Apocalypse (before, during or after)

As you might have seen in the other thread, we have three different sources for the final score this time. 1, Carson Reeves aka Scriptshadow will score all the titles and loglines. 2, A pro writer will read all scripts and fill out a score card for each script. 3, Readers' choice. So, lets put our best foot forward on this one.

You have seven days to write a screenplay of up to 12 pages. The screenplay must be properly formatted and in PDF format. The scripts are due on Friday, April 21st at 11:59PM EST and must be submitted to:  http://simplyscripts.com/owc

There will be a Review Page E-mailed to you for you to score the scripts you read. Please only give scores to scripts that you have read.

Timeline:

April 14th at 10:00 PM EST - Topic and Genre announced.

April 21st at 11:59PM EST - Scripts are due.

May 12th at 5:00 PM EST - Names and results revealed.

Rules:

Please do not give a score inside the actual script review.

1-12 pages.

Properly formatted & saved as a PDF file.

This isn't a contest. There are no prizes.

Free to submit.

One entry per person.

No pissers, please.

You can revise your script as many times as you wish up until 11:59PM EST on April 21st.

Participants are strongly encouraged to read and comment/review on the scripts submitted.

Do not put your real name on your script. However, please use your real name when submitting your script. (After the challenge closes you can either have your script removed or resubmit with your script with your name on it.

Please put © on the bottom left corner of your title page.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I go over the page limit?
A: A script may go a few lines over, but will be penalized by the readers in their poll.

Q: Can I enter more than one script?
A: Why not polish one script until it's as good as it can be instead of writing a second?

Q: Do I have to read other entries?
A: Yes. You don't have to read all of them, but this is an exercise, quid pro quo. Read as many as you can and give honest, constructive review notes. We're all in this to learn.

Q: Do I lose the copyright to my story?
A: No, of course not.

Q: Can I use a story I already have on file?
A: No. The point of the exercise is to learn how to work on assignment.

Q: I don't feel qualified to comment on other scripts.
A: Yes, you ARE qualified. Just tell the writer what you like and what you think needs work. This feedback is invaluable.

Q: Will Jeff read my script?
A: Yes.

Q: Will Jeff read my entire script.
A: Unlikely  

I LOVE THIS Now can I think of a script to write!

Oh shit. I'm gonna have me some fun with this one.

~Zack~

Aw, Pia. Breaking out the Apocalypse. Now, the question is, there are so many kinds of Apocali... Which one to go with? How's everybody else liking the topic so far? I'm a bit giddy for this one. =)

I'm liking it, but then again, I am SCHLAMMIED right now!!

HA!!

I do like it, and I think we'll get alot of different scripts.

I'm in...and look out peeps...I'm coming for that thong...I just hope it's big enough for my my ballsack and meat.  

So no requirements?  No added restrictions?  sigh

oh and for the record there is a difference between comedy and pisstakes!  Some people who read these scripts tend to put them in the same category! And they aren't!


Pia, what is the budget for this?  You didnt put that in the FAQ's

Quoted from Dreamscale I'm in...and look out peeps...I'm coming for that thong...I just hope it's big enough for my my ballsack and meat.

Go for it, Jeff!!!

Sean, as far as apocalypses go, it's all up to you. WWIII, Climate change, Pandemic, alien invasion... Whatever you can think of.

However, if zombies id what you want to do, maybe try to come up with a fresh new angle...

Quoted from stevie So no requirements?  No added restrictions?  sigh

The aim is for you to write the best script in your preferred genre about an apocalypse. Budget is up to you. Do you want to win the coveted "non existing winner spot" or do you want your script to be produced...  

Quoted from Grandma Bear The aim is for you to write the best script in your preferred genre about an apocalypse. Budget is up to you. Do you want to win the coveted "non existing winner spot" or do you want your script to be produced...

Aah  I see said the blind man...

Guess the Bunnyman Apocalypse is out.

For now...

Damn, Jeff. I thought I was happy!

I'm lovin' this challenge. Have a story comin' at my brain faster than a sweaty Jeff thong.

~Zack~

I'll try to enter this time.  I know just what to write too.
However I don't think I want to use an alias.

Right now I got to make a playlist...

That reminds me...anyone recall the shorts a few of us wrote years back for a webseries that never happened?  Was gonna called Don't Panic or something similar, set after a major event that threatens the world

Was thinking about them the other day

Quoted from stevie That reminds me...anyone recall the shorts a few of us wrote years back for a webseries that never happened?  Was gonna called Don't Panic or something similar, set after a major event that threatens the world Was thinking about them the other day

Stevie, I'll look it up later. I think it was Don't Panic??

All sources of water were poison. Least I think that's what it was. I read your draft, prob still got it... Maybe.

Hmmm, another wide open one. It's hardly a challenge if we can write anything as long as it has an apocalyptic theme. I'll have a think and see if anything comes to mind.

I did quite a few 2 page scripts for the Impact competition last year, wonder if I should expand those out or come up with something new? Decisions decisions....I really dislike having too much choice.

Interesting one which should result in a fair selection of scripts.

in fact i thought i better look up exactly what this means. So from that undoubted source of wikipedia we have an intro as follows;

An apocalypse (Ancient Greek:, literally meaning "an uncovering") is a disclosure of knowledge or revelation. In religious contexts it is usually a disclosure of something hidden, "a vision of heavenly secrets that can make sense of earthly realities".[1]

In the Book of Revelation (Greek: – literally, John's Revelation), the last book of the New Testament, the revelation which John receives is that of the ultimate victory of good over evil and the end of the present age, and that is the primary meaning of the term, one that dates to 1175.[2]

Today, the term is commonly used in reference to any prophetic revelation or so-called end time scenario, or to the end of the world in general.

what intrigues me, more than the end of the world stuff,  is the broader idea of a revelation a discovering etc

time to start thinking

Quoted from MarkRenshaw It's hardly a challenge if we can write anything as long as it has an apocalyptic theme.

It is a challenge! Don't forget that 1/3 of your score will come from your title and logline! Those won't be judged on just grammar... You have to come up with a great concept and execute it well. Great intriguing title and logline and great script in one week. If that's not a challenge, you have a lot of confidence.  

Quoted from stevie That reminds me...anyone recall the shorts a few of us wrote years back for a webseries that never happened?  Was gonna called Don't Panic or something similar, set after a major event that threatens the world Was thinking about them the other day

Q: Can I use a story I already have on file?
A: No. The point of the exercise is to learn how to work on assignment.

Strangely, I have a plan already

Quoted from Dreamscale Strangely, I have a plan already

Since when does drinking Jager and offending everyone constitute "a plan"?

Quoted from stevie So no requirements?  No added restrictions?  sigh oh and for the record there is a difference between comedy and pisstakes!  Some people who read these scripts tend to put them in the same category! And they aren't! Pia, what is the budget for this?  You didnt put that in the FAQ's

You need to mention the genre when you submit the script. That way, no one should confuse a comedy with a pisser.

Budget? Whatever you want. This OWC is meant for everyone to write a GREAT script.  

oh "any" genre you say?  Time for this one trick pony to start planning.

No budget restrictions, eh? I'm gonna shoot for the stars.

~Zack~

Quoted from Nomad Since when does drinking Jager and offending everyone constitute "a plan"?

When one drinks a whole bottle of Jager, falls down and almost knocks himself out, pisses his girlfriend off because he drank a bottle of Jager and was an arse, "a plan" is a very loose term that one uses when he has no idea what the fuck is going on around him.

Oh ho ho, what a perfect theme for a man such as myself, I love writing about people who are totally fucked!

Got my usual problem ... no not that one.

No, it's the one where you get an idea stuck in your head but can't work out how to make it work. Any whilst the bugger is in there, so to speak, I can't have an another idea.

That's why I love the OWC - it's a real challenge  

Apocalypse? Now? Too soon? Have you seen who's in the White House?

Anyway, I have a title, rough logline, main characters' names almost finalized, and a very timely/topical story ripped from the headlines. All I need to do is write the damn thing - and find the time to do it.

Four pages in and I've hit a brick wall. Ugh.

~Zack~

Quoted from Zack Four pages in and I've hit a brick wall. Ugh.~Zack~

My head feels like I hit a brick wall last night...oh wait...it wasn't a brick wall, it was the hard kitchen tile floor I hit!

Quoted from Grandma Bear Q: Can I use a story I already have on file? A: No. The point of the exercise is to learn how to work on assignment.

No I wasnt thinking of using that old one Pia (have no idea where it is anyway as I've rebooted my computer a few times since then lol) I was recalling by coincidence the other day.

Also am confused about the budget?  You said earlier that the 'winner' may be produced? Yet you say just now that the budget is open?  Can you clarify this please as it will make a huge difference to mine and I'm sure, most other people's work. Cheers mate

Are we allowed to collaborate with another writer for this challenge?

~Zack~

Quoted from stevie Also am confused about the budget?  You said earlier that the 'winner' may be produced? Yet you say just now that the budget is open?  Can you clarify this please as it will make a huge difference to mine and I'm sure, most other people's work. Cheers mate

Stevie, I think you might have got confused. I believe I said the winning script might get some extended time on the SS home page, which we all know is prime real estate as far as getting picked up by producers.

As far as the budget goes, I think it's up to you. Do you want to get your script produced or do you just want to show potential filmmakers what you are capable of? If your aim is to get produced, keep the budget low. If you just want to show off your skills, don't worry about budget.  

Quoted from Zack Are we allowed to collaborate with another writer for this challenge?

I don't have a problem with it. Most comps allow it too. The challenge here is to write a really awesome script in one week. Lots of scripts are written by more than one writer.

Don't forget the title and logline though...  

Quoted from Grandma Bear Don't forget the title and logline though...

What's a logline?  

Ah right thanks for that Pia! I think I read into it that you would maybe produce any that yiu liked ! Hmm big decisions now lol. I may go with the low budget and see what happens! I guess that is a challenge within itself.

I think it's best not to worry about budget so much as story. Tell a good story ...and I like to think of a short that would attract feature potential. My Red Rover from the last SS challenge has been optioned for a feature. I have not signed the contract yet but it's in the works. People do recognize our work here on SS.

As for this one....I do not have an idea yet.

Quoted from Pale Yellow As for this one....I do not have an idea yet.

I've got the beginning of an idea. Frustrating.  

~Zack~

Quoted from Pale Yellow I think it's best not to worry about budget so much as story. Tell a good story ...and I like to think of a short that would attract feature potential. My Red Rover from the last SS challenge has been optioned for a feature. I have not signed the contract yet but it's in the works. People do recognize our work here on SS. As for this one....I do not have an idea yet.

well done

Well done indeed. Great news, Dena!

Dena, awesome news.  Very happy for you!!!!!

I did tell you that it was a great idea.  Can't wait to see this at the movies.

Are you involved in the feature rewrite too?

Let me know if you need any help.

In other news, finally feeling better after getting that damn gastrointestinal bug.  More than 3 weeks with stomach issues.

On the plus side, I think I have an idea for this OWC.  I had over 10 different ideas, but narrowed it down to two and I think I have the one.  I have learned a lot about writing shorts, so looking forward to using that knowledge.

Good luck to all!!!

Dan

I am going to have to pass on this one - just can't see away to  fit it in with travel plans. Good luck to all - will try to make a few reads

I have 1) an idea for this and 2) a paper due on the 19th.

Hope I can manage to enter, but looking forward to reading, anyway.

Full disclosure, the idea I'm playing around with will require me to write a new script from scratch so it will meet the criteria (If I get it done in time ofc) but it will be loosely based on something I'm already working on that has an apocalyptic theme.

I do feel a bit guilty which is why I'm confessing, but this is the potential disadvantage of having such an open challenge. Is that OK?

  

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Full disclosure, the idea I'm playing around with will require me to write a new script from scratch so it will meet the criteria (If I get it done in time ofc) but it will be loosely based on something I'm already working on that has an apocalyptic theme. I do feel a bit guilty which is why I'm confessing, but this is the potential disadvantage of having such an open challenge. Is that OK?

When I discussed the challenge my wife pointed out that another OWC  script - The ultimate weapon - fitted this. Gotta start from fresh - damn  

Still no idea and I"m having a writer's block weekend. Dizzy in my head and my eyelids are droopy. I dunno... still with all the rest I have absolutely no idea. I have an old one that would fit this though wish I could use it!

Quoted from Pale Yellow Still no idea and I"m having a writer's block weekend. Dizzy in my head and my eyelids are droopy. I dunno... still with all the rest I have absolutely no idea. I have an old one that would fit this though wish I could use it!

I have an old one I actually like for this as well. I may revamp it.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Full disclosure, the idea I'm playing around with will require me to write a new script from scratch so it will meet the criteria (If I get it done in time ofc) but it will be loosely based on something I'm already working on that has an apocalyptic theme. I do feel a bit guilty which is why I'm confessing, but this is the potential disadvantage of having such an open challenge. Is that OK?

That's legit imo. If you adapt a plot from yourself, from a bigger script, to me it's a new script, and you should do it. Everything writers write is "based" on something.

I think it's a great practice to do a short on a feature concept you're working on... And it is a new stand alone script.

Well, yeah. And then there's Merriam Webster:

". . . the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom."

Which sounds to me more like the Rapture. No, wait. In the Rapture all the good souls are sucked up to heaven and all the sinners are left behind. Right?

It's all  good, Wes. I don't know how much fun is in your statement and how much provocation. Nobody can explain subjectivity.

Quoted from Wes Well, yeah. And then there's Merriam Webster: ". . . the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom." Which sounds to me more like the Rapture. No, wait. In the Rapture all the good souls are sucked up to heaven and all the sinners are left behind. Right?

You're correct, Wes.

My script Hereafter (Patricide Hope) is about that.  Still trying to film that one, but I keep having kids.  

My son was born on Monday, my birthday was Friday, and today is Easter, so I've been a little busy to put in the necessary time for this OWC, but I'm doing it.

Come Hell or high water, I'm submitting a script.

Jordan

Alright, I've had to do a genre switch, but I think I've got a story I wanna tell now. Looking forward to seeing what everyone else comes up with.

~Zack~

Finished my first draft tonight. I'll look over it and see where I can tweak/polish it. Not too shabby so far. Pretty good, actually.

Wait, now I am confused.  I thought it could be any sort of apocalyptic story, not just religious.

In other words if I wanted to call something "attack of that killer cucumbers" and write a story about how militant cucumbers nearly eradicated all life on the planet, I could.  I mean we all know that killer tomatoes or carrots are dumb (seriously I am poking fun here so if anyone doesn't know the joke, Google it)...

But until vorpal bunnies show up, anything could be apocalyptic, right??  One they show up they just kinda leap heads over heals over everything.  Again, if you don't spot the joke, Google it.

Seriously though am I wrong thinking that any story that leaves humanity on the brink of extinction would qualify??  If not, then I need to change my idea.

Thanks
Dan

Nope. You're right, Dan. Least that's my take on it.

There are literal religious meanings. However,  my interpretation is any earth shattering or end of world  scenario.

@Dena - nice going with your OWC option! Your scripts are going places!

I don't know about this one, the ideas wouldn't come, only stupid stuff and I want to resist those. There's no much restriction this OWC and I need to be restricted. Strapped and bound by tight rules. Plastered to the wall and not alowed to breathe. Yeah...

I think to most people, the apocalypse means an end of the world type scenario. If you find another meaning, I guess technically you would be correct, but don't count on all SS readers, Carson and the pro reader to know about other meanings.  

Quoted from ChrisBodily Finished my first draft tonight. I'll look over it and see where I can tweak/polish it. Not too shabby so far. Pretty good, actually.

Dude, really?  Again?  How many OWC's is it going to take until you learn you're so far from being down after 2 days?

Not trying to be a dick, just trying to help.  Based on the last numerous OWC's, you should not be thinking you're done until Friday night.

Hoping I can start tonight! (oh god I'm doomed and lost.....)

Dan - I'm right there with ya, buddy! It's not just end of times for all humanity. It can be the end of a race, sect, nation, etc. I'm going for a combination of prophetic revelation and great disaster.

Definition of apocalypse
1 a :  one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 b.c. to a.d. 150 marked by pseudonymity, symbolic imagery, and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom
b capitalized :  revelation 3
2 a :  something viewed as a prophetic revelation
b :  Armageddon
3 :  a great disaster (an environmental apocalypse)

On page 4 of my first draft. Got the day off, wife and kids out of town - optimal writing
conditions.

Good luck to all who enter.

Topic: Apocalypse (before, during or after)

So am I right in understanding that this could be life AFTER an environmental apocalypse? Had an idea today but it falls in the after the big bang sort of way.

Quoted from Pale Yellow Topic: Apocalypse (before, during or after) So am I right in understanding that this could be life AFTER an environmental apocalypse? Had an idea today but it falls in the after the big bang sort of way.

Sure!!

Quoted from Dreamscale Dude, really?  Again?  How many OWC's is it going to take until you learn you're so far from being down after 2 days? Not trying to be a dick, just trying to help.  Based on the last numerous OWC's, you should not be thinking you're done until Friday night.

Not trying to be a dick, either, but you seem to have misread my post. When I say my first draft is good, I mean "Good for a first draft." Basically it means, it's not total shit. I at least have a coherent story and everything is spell-checked.

Make no mistake, I know there's plenty more work to be done, as is always the case with first drafts. I don't remember if I've ever submitted a first draft in any of the OWC's I've participated in. I try to do two drafts minimum, three or more if I'm lucky. I've written as many as five or six drafts in the past.

And I don't write a draft in one or two days and think I'm finished. I'm not done with any OWC script until 11:59pm on the due date.

I already have some improvements in mind for the next draft. I can refine the dialogue, trim a little bit of fat, polish and shine.

You have, however, offered good advice for newer writers.

To quote Ernest Hemingway: "The First draft of anything is shit."

http://www.writersdigest.com/w.....ith-your-first-draft

All this being said, I'll definitely keep it in mind. Thanks for chiming in.

I've only managed 1 page so far. I did intend to write more but real life intervened. I hope I get chance to finish!

I love the way it all goes quiet during this time with everybody thinking and writing, and thinking...  

And if I don't give the reason why apocalypse happened or about to happen?
Do I have to show why and how at all?

Quoted from khamanna And if I don't give the reason why apocalypse happened or about to happen? Do I have to show why and how at all?

No, you don't have to show the event or explain why it happened, but it has to be a central part of the story. Impending apocalypse, during apocalypse or after the event.  

It's like this.

OWC topic: Christmas

"Can it include Santa Clause?"

"Can it be Christmas Eve?"

"Can it be in Florida?"

"Can there be snow?"

"Can there be snow in Florida?"

"Can we do one of those twelve days of Christmas things?"

"Can it take place at Christmas dinner?"

"Can there be mistletoe?"

lol

Apocalypse. End of the world. Apocalyptic scripts. About the end of the world. Right before it ends, while it ends, or in the aftermath.

End of the world = Jeff puts an aside and an orphan in a script

One of the signs anyway.

Good luck!

Quoted from leitskev It's like this. OWC topic: Christmas "Can it include Santa Clause?" "Can it be Christmas Eve?" "Can it be in Florida?" "Can there be snow?" "Can there be snow in Florida?" "Can we do one of those twelve days of Christmas things?" "Can it take place at Christmas dinner?" "Can there be mistletoe?" lol Apocalypse. End of the world. Apocalyptic scripts. About the end of the world. Right before it ends, while it ends, or in the aftermath. End of the world = Jeff puts an aside and an orphan in a script One of the signs anyway. Good luck!

Or not....there are other meanings to the word  

Just teasing, Bill. Questions are an OWC tradition!

Quoted from leitskev Just teasing, Bill. Questions are an OWC tradition!

Indeed, which makes me laugh when we get to the scripts and some barely involve the topic. And indeed I often read them forgetting the parameters in the first place.

If I recall my favourite was the elevator scripts, where there simply wasn't one in a script. Not even close. Like at all... and it wasn't really hard to understand that challenge  

I got a note from Don on my entry for that one. Most of my story was on the elevator with a corpse. But it briefly begins in the storage room of the Medical Examiner's office where they withdraw the corpse. I had to adjust it so that the elevator was always at least in view.

Yes, agreed.  I always get a huge chuckle on the questions for every OWC, then we get entries that have literally nothing to do with the challenge.  Unreal.

Kevin, I do have orphans in my scripts. and I've even used asides.  This time around, I'll go all out on both to throw you off.

"Kevin, I do have orphans in my scripts. and I've even used asides.  This time around, I'll go all out on both to throw you off."

And there you have it! The seventh sign!

Just teasing. I'm not participating, so you can send me it for notes if you want. (Offer applies only to people Kevin owes a read to!)

Quoted from Grandma Bear No, you don't have to show the event or explain why it happened, but it has to be a central part of the story. Impending apocalypse, during apocalypse or after the event.

Thanks, Pia!

I like asking questions because many understand the challenge differently, including me. In this challenge for instance there might be a guy who thinks I have to explain the reason behind apocalypsis. And if I don't he'll tell me that in the review and I'll be like "oh, man, you're so wrong, but I can't even answer you here". So, better ask and get an answer for all to see.

Quoted from Reef Dreamer If I recall my favourite was the elevator scripts, where there simply wasn't one in a script. Not even close. Like at all... and it wasn't really hard to understand that challenge

Actually, there were 2 in that challenge that missed the mark; one used a cardboard box to represent an elevator, and the other used a locker. One passed, the other didn’t; which goes to show that the ‘Mob Rules’ during these challenges (regardless if it hits exactly within the parameters or not).

I think peeps ask a lot of questions simply to ensure their script won’t fail the challenge right out the gate. I’m scratching my head about this one as well; however, I think Pia alleviated any confusion by stating:

“as far as apocalypses go, it's all up to you. WWIII, Climate change, Pandemic, alien invasion... Whatever you can think of.”

Honestly, I wish this one didn't have Carson and the special reader because this topic is perfect for those B movies we all grew up with.  I know I spent 3 days trying to figure out the least crazy idea instead of just having fun.

And honestly, the idea I did choose, if I do it wrong could be terribly hokey.  

I think part of my problem is that I was raised on bad B,C,and even D movies.  And some of them, like say "a polish vampire in Burbank" I enjoyed a lot.

In my brain, Godzilla could be sleeping in my lake.  The neighbors could be vampiric werewolves.  The other neighbors could be serial killers.  Flying invisible brains could strangle me when I go to sleep.  Long forgotten gods could be talking to me in my sleep.  The mailman could secretly be a crazy scientist.

All of which leads to three things.
1.  Most of the ideas I loved don't work today.  Just like Scream elevated all slashers, people demand more from movies.  I don't think a movie like Tremors would work today and that's too bad.

2.  Yep I have a pretty fucked up brain.

3.  No, it isn't time for my meds yet!!!!!

Dan

I had an idea but no ending. Today I have an ending to it! So tomorrow, I'll write it down. I'm such a last minute writer!!

Dan, lately I started liking simple slashers too. Simple horrors if they have suspence and all then fine - I like them. You should write something like that, I wouldn't mind as long as it's a good read.

Quoted from DanC Honestly, I wish this one didn't have Carson and the special reader Dan

That's one of the main reasons I'm doing this one. Love trying to appease the SS readers, but having Carson and an outside reader have a look sort of ups the ante.  

Quoted from SAC That's one of the main reasons I'm doing this one. Love trying to appease the SS readers, but having Carson and an outside reader have a look sort of ups the ante.

Yes, I like this.

It's making me think way more about that logline  

Concept, and therefor logline, are a HUGE part in whether a script gets read. Often those things are more important that the execution of the script and story.

Dan, I don't think Carson, or anyone, is limiting what they like to studio budget movies. A good concept is a good concept, even if it's destined to low budget.

It's been quite some time since I entered an OWC. I think I'm coming back for this one. Still got three days to go. =)

If I write one it will be Thursday or Friday night. I'm always last minute. Sorry guys ... I should do better.

first draft done.

Hoot hoot I'm pretty happy with my work, win or not I think I got something good here!!

Just finished my third draft. It's really starting to come together. I'm not sure what else I can add, but I certainly surprise myself sometimes. I'll look it over and see what else I can tweak before submitting.

I think my biggest issue is I can't tell what is good and what is a pisser idea.  

I mean, if what I'm writing about really happened in the real world, I'd be terrified.  

But, others might see it as the biggest pisser idea they've ever seen, and that's saying a lot.

How do you tell what is a good idea vs what is a truly horrid idea?

I once told Carson that no idea was bad if it was executed correctly, but, I'm not sure I believe that anymore.  I mean, some of the greatest movies that were surely pisser-esque got made, such as "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" or "A polish vampire in Burbank."  

While my idea isn't nearly as corny as that, I guess there is such a fine line between scary and corny.  How many movies try to be serious and fall flat.  How many movies try to be scary but fall flat?  

Hell, big budget movies have this happen too.  I saw a movie years ago called Cable Guy.  I honestly thought that movie was terrifying, but, others thought it was funny.  I mean, when he laid there silent and still enough for that spider to walk across his face, how could they be going for any other genre than really fucked up?  

I know this is a big opportunity for all of us.  I guess the unexpected weight of being terrible in Carson's and the mystery reader's eyes has me unsettled a bit.  

I need to take that next step and control my anxiety and not be afraid to succeed and fail.  

I've talked to a few writers who've made it and they always say "just write" and that's what I've been doing.  I have a lot of stories and I guess I'm lucky in that way...

Well, back to the story.  On the plus side, since I've done so much work with shorts, I've learned how to cut down the story and not have to cut 4 pages from a 15-page story.  

This story should be around 7-9 pages.  Pretty happy....

Dan

Dan, just treat it like any OWC. Don't let the mystery reader and the Carson factor intimidate you. Just write your story.

Quoted from DanC Honestly, I wish this one didn't have Carson and the special reader because this topic is perfect for those B movies we all grew up with.  I know I spent 3 days trying to figure out the least crazy idea instead of just having fun. And honestly, the idea I did choose, if I do it wrong could be terribly hokey.   I think part of my problem is that I was raised on bad B,C,and even D movies.  And some of them, like say "a polish vampire in Burbank" I enjoyed a lot. In my brain, Godzilla could be sleeping in my lake.  The neighbors could be vampiric werewolves.  The other neighbors could be serial killers.  Flying invisible brains could strangle me when I go to sleep.  Long forgotten gods could be talking to me in my sleep.  The mailman could secretly be a crazy scientist. All of which leads to three things. 1.  Most of the ideas I loved don't work today.  Just like Scream elevated all slashers, people demand more from movies.  I don't think a movie like Tremors would work today and that's too bad. 2.  Yep I have a pretty fucked up brain. 3.  No, it isn't time for my meds yet!!!!! Dan

All any great writer does it takes all the stories they've ever absorbed and re-tell them in a new way or puts a different spin on them. If you have all those B-Movie horrors running amok in your mind then use them, re-invent them. Make them not corny if that's what you want. Don't worry about what Carson or anyone else thinks, write what you want to write, the story you want to tell.

Then at the end, if it doesn't work at least you have been honest to yourself.

As for me, I had a good night. I'm up to 6 pages, got a title I like and the logline is coming together. I won't get any chance to work on it today but will hopefully get the first draft done Thursday. Loving it so far, the idea I have does seem a bit too big scope wise for just 12 pages but it will be a start and something I can work on further after the challenge.

I always tell myself one thing - people will read it and forget all about it in time. And that thought keeps me going.

Having said that, I might not write for this one after all. My daughter is a pianist, her first big solo performance is tomorrow, she's going to give a concert. And she's only in 10th grade, so if feels like I'm giving a concert and not her. Posters, invitations, arrangements - all is on me. So, I feel pretty overwhelmed today. Although I did start writing, have a Fade in and a page of my story down. But lets see. It all depends how tomorrow goes.

Good luck to all with it.

I wouldn't worry too much about Carson or the pro writer. They are mostly a way for you guys to see where someone totally removed from SS rates your work and logline. Neither one will know who wrote what and I don't think they would care either.

Good luck Khamanna and your daughter too.