This year I decided to try my hand in the Script Frenzy “script writing competition”. Granted, all you need to do is to write 100 pages to win, so everyone can potentially win. Now, I have won writing competitions in the past that actually required “content” to win, so this is a no brainer, right? Well, my wife and friends often tell me I have no brains, so this should be a perfect fit.
Although I can write at the drop of a hat, I absolutely HATED all my English classes in school. On top of that, I can’t spell worth a lick. Thank God for Spell Check and an understanding wife who is a wiz at spelling!
Those who know me know I don’t take the easy road in any adventure. And I am not taking one in this year’s Script Frenzy. What adventure am I throwing myself into? Glad you asked.
I was watching the news a couple of weeks ago, something I rarely do now-a-days, when something caught my eye. Immediately a story began festering in my mind, a what if story. The story took on a life of its own. I couldn’t rid my mind of the possibilities for the story. I contacted an author friend of mine and bounced the idea off of him. HE LOVED IT!
Great. I now had a concept for my story, and I figured, why not write this script for the contest? I started an outline for the story, and forwarded it to my friend. Again, he loved the concept. He pointed out a few potential holes that needed filling, but encouraged me nonetheless. As the plot thickened, something strange happened. I would refine my outline, and define the “Plot Points”, and then I would hear that the twist I was planning actually happened in real life! Not once, but almost daily.
My friend would send me something that he heard and/or read about, and was as amazed as I was. Because of the timeliness, he encouraged me to not only write my script, but to also write a novel. At first I said “no way,” I can’t write a novel, especially when I am preparing to write a 100-plus page script. But as the outline grew, and my note cards multiplied, I realized there is a novel contained in my story.
My story is called “ANATEDAE PLUMP.” It’s an Action/Thriller, set in the present-day Middle East. Just so you know, although I will be writing both simultaneously, I am focusing on my script first and foremost. I will get as much of the novel written in April as I can, but I will complete 100 plus pages of the script. You can keep up with how I am doing by following me either on Script Frenzy or my web site, www.FrugalProductions.info.
Now to matters at hand. I also submitted a spec script to another author to adapt his novel to a script, and offered to adapt another story for another friend of mine. I told you I liked a challenge. As I usually sign off on my writings, keep your ink wet, and your sleeves dry. Till next time, happy reading.
Cliff Garstka, Sr. is an imdb.com accredited actor, writer, director and producer. He recently created Frugal Productions to make his films the way he wants them made – and Frugal Productions is open to assist other independent filmmakers. Their first film, “FROM THE EARTH,” was accepted into the 2011 Santa Fe Independent Film Festival. You can check them out online at www.FrugalProductions.info or email Cliff at Cliff@FrugalProductions.info.
Feliza Casano 