Comments on: The Power of Persistence: Should You Give Yourself a Do It By or Quit Date?

By: Edwin Turner

Edwin Turner — Thu, 02 May 2019 02:00:14 +0000

First of all, find the right coffee shop, a place with character that’s neither too loud or quiet. Spread the word to friends it’s not chat time if they see you there, which will probably brown some of them off. But that’s okay, because it means they weren’t good friends in the first place. Decide on a particular type of coffee. For me it’s got to be dark roast, made even tastier because it always comes with a large oatmeal raisin cookie. Always bring your work in a certain briefcase, laptop or whatever. With me it’s my multi-partitioned “man-bag” purchased by my wife partly as a joke, but now it’s indispensable. Inside this man-bag I carry a special coffee mug used only when I’m writing, and a leather pencil case to hold whatever I’m now writing with. At present it’s pencils, so I need an eraser, and a sharpener if those pencils get dull, also other stuff that’s fun to have with me in case I ever need them like a little knife in case I want to open something, but not too big so I won’t get arrested. By now you’ll have got the picture that you’re in that coffee shop for a purpose. It’s in no way a casual visit, being there is an event, and good things are going to happen before you leave, and damn it, if you have that attitude, they always will. Your characters, who are really you when you’re in this coffee zone, will say amazing things neither of you thought of before, because you, as you, will be having fun in this never-never coffee time land where the outside world of restrictions, deadlines, lawns that need to be cut, meals to be cooked, dishes to be washed, does not exist. All that matters is you and your characters who are pleased to be brought alive, and you’re delighted they’re enjoying life with you. I’m 85 and looking forward to coffee creative time tomorrow.

By: Jeff McMahon

Jeff McMahon — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 10:24:52 +0000

Dear Melody, With regard to your comment above – “A fact of the universe is that you don’t get to say when your big breakthrough success happens.” – Reminds me of some words of wisdom in a poem by Walter Rinder (not sure of the poem) but to paraphrase – “Love (success) comes as does birth, knowing its own time.” Sure we can intervene when it comes to birthing but in the natural order of things, there are some things beyond our control. However, if we persist and remain true to ourselves, Love (success) will surely come our way.

By: admin

admin — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 20:18:27 +0000

In reply to Thomas James. Very true, Thomas. All the way around. Take action consistently when you are working toward a goal! Hope all is going well for you!

By: Thomas James

Thomas James — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 19:33:15 +0000

Melody, I think you said it all when you stated: Take action consistently.

Otherwise, one’s screenwriting career (or any other endeavor for that matter) is just a pipe dream.

By: admin

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 18:43:33 +0000

In reply to Patrick Gamble.

Deep, Patrick! So true, so true…. You gotta love doing it just to do it, first…. even if you want to be paid for it. But there has to be the juice in doing it in the first place… or could just be a big waste of time. Love the comment, Patrick.

By: Patrick Gamble

Patrick Gamble — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 03:27:38 +0000

I read somewhere Vincent Van Gogh only sold a couple of paintings while alive and died a pauper. He was – as I’ve read – an emotionally troubled soul – and probably died thinking he was a failure. Yet he pumped out some great works of art that were only fully appreciated after he died.

Point is you write, paint, whatever for the love of it. And if you gain fame and fortune in your lifetime – kudos. Most of us will die trying to even make it in the quarter finals of the Page. Just like Van Gogh and his painting it’s a lifetime commitment – and if your not willing to make it so – then you haven’t the heart for it.

Cheers

Patrick