Breaking the Wall, Breaking the Wall

I
broke
down

the wall.

There was never any doubt in my mind that I would.

I broke down the wall—

Did I ever!

For me, the wall is a necessity of trying to write the best script possible—and having the experience to know what works and what could be better. It’s like watching alternate versions of portions of the story in real time.

For example:

INT. MY APARTMENT – LAST MONDAY MORNING

I was trying to define my lead’s goal and my villain’s goal and confirm they were in high-stakes conflict, without any possibility of compromise.

(A typical challenge any writer can encounter—whether beginner or pro, but…)

Script 13 is a supernatural thriller featuring two stories—taking place 160 years apart—that eventually collide. Each story has to be fully structured as an individual piece, then tested to see if it compliments its counterpart—then the overall effect of the two has to be considered.

Toss in keeping the supernatural elements clear and hole-less and you’ve got a lot to work on…

(I know I’m asking for trouble with that structure, but it excites me.)

I have hundreds of high-lighted research pages, tons of scribbled post-it notes, a rough draft where the events take place chronologically, and constant opinions I’m asking for—

It’s a lot to dissect and sort through, brick by brick… And the wall builds from that. A tool built from necessity.

Like the creative process, it is both a curse and a blessing.

The last blog came out sounding like I was about to hang myself—probably from the wall.

That wasn’t accurate. The truth is I embrace it: my wall, my friend.

I bring it down with decisions.
Reveal the open road until the next wall requires building.

Hours after my last posting, the wall was down and script 13 was better.

(LEAD’S GOAL: check. VILLAIN’S GOAL: check. INABILITY TO COMPROMISE: check.)

Brick. By. Brick.

I will build others…

And they
will eventually
come down

as well.