The Villain has the story

I dunno about you, but I love villains.

The stories I write need a great villain to counter the hero at every turn - frustrate, annoy, get under their skin.

This morning it struck me that I should probably write the Villain's story first since they are the ones with THE PLAN - 8 times out of 10 - and then rewrite that story from the Hero's perspective, as it impacts on the Hero's life. It may take a lot more work, but it will probably produce a better story ... so, I think I need to change the way I go about constructing a story.

I usually start with the Hero and construct the Villain accordingly.

I'm going to try starting with the Villain. ... See where that takes me....

The Grim - update

Just a mini update on The Grim, since many of you (okay, Racicot) seem interested. :)

Well, a brief note on the events around Christmas...

If you've been paying attention, you'll remember that Producer No.1 loves this screenplay and wants to make it. Hooray!

He showed it to the production company he works for - lets call them Production Company A - and they too loved it, initially ... and then decided they weren't going to expand their film slate any more as they want to make TV instead.

(The gnashing of teeth you can hear in the background is me.)

But Producer No.1 was not to be deterred. He was already setting up a production company of his own - lets call it Production Company No.1 - to make one of his other pet projects, [Which sounds brilliant by the way, a Romantic Comedy, I'll tell you more when I'm allowed to.] and he still wants to make my Horror script, now via Prod Co No.1.

All this is gonna take time, but things are progressing in the background. He's working his producer magic.

So while he's doing that, I shall get on with life, and writing, and blogging, and buying my new car.

I'm picking her up on Saturday. She's lovely.

How to succeed in the business of writing

Ooh-er, what a title. That'll take some living up to....

...

But luckily Alex Epstein has already written the post for me! ;)

There's a link to Paul Graham's website under "creative types" in the side bar. He's definitely worth checking out. A lot of his advice on business startup type things either applies directly to life as a self-employed screenwriter, or gives an excellent metaphor for the same.

I'm currently - and have been for some time - falling foul of his point 10. Avoid distractions.
"Nothing kills startups like distractions. The worst type are those that pay money: day jobs,..."

*rolls eyes*

Best get back to the day job then ... *sigh*