Hey there fellow new members. I'm actually creating this thread to get suggestions from anybody who broke out in writing and how they were able to start from the ground up. I just want to hear from different people and see what jobs they took and exactly what was their plan after that. I'm just looking for some help on how to go about landing myself in the industry of entertainment.
New and Ready To Improve
- Thread starter Maverick914
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Hello to you, and welcome to the Cooler. I began to write as a child, but never thought about it, actually (it was just something to keep busy). Only when I reached my 50th birthday I realized I wanted to see my name on a book (or at least my penname). So I sent out some queries and got accepted. I still work as a teacher, and my writing is something on the side, which brings in the occasional extra. Of course I'd like to be a bestselling author, but that can still happen. Meanwhile I find joy in creating new stories and I already have a big fan.
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If you go to the bottom of the page to the 'forum jump' you can scroll down and find all the areas of this place. After you post 50 posts you can use the SYW areas to get help there. The password for some of the areas is…..vista. A word to the wise, it would be a good idea to participate first in helping others before you think about posting your own work. After you have been around here for awhile, then post something of your own for help. Good luck.
How do you like your popcorn?
If you go to the bottom of the page to the 'forum jump' you can scroll down and find all the areas of this place. After you post 50 posts you can use the SYW areas to get help there. The password for some of the areas is…..vista. A word to the wise, it would be a good idea to participate first in helping others before you think about posting your own work. After you have been around here for awhile, then post something of your own for help. Good luck.
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Is this considered a screenwriting forum? I was hoping on developing a screenplay and just needed tips on that as well. I'm just trying to get advice on who to send it to. I live in North Carolina and I know that I'd have to get it copyrighted first in DC I believe before I send it to any agent. Would there be a way I could get started into the entertainment industry in a state like that?
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Are you a student? There are competitions such as KCACTF (a nationwide college competition) where you can submit your screenplay or one-act to possibly win awards/scholarships.
For additional exposure, check to see if any community colleges with theatre departments would be interested in putting on your play. This is also a good idea if you are writing a movie; putting up notices at local colleges can be a way to gain exposure, as most AV and Theatre majors have to, at some point, produce a movie of some kind.
Also, check local theatre groups. Some of them can be open to showcasing new plays/talent.
As well, you might want to pick up a copy of the Hollywood Creative Directory. Screenplay writing friends of mine swear by it.
Remember, screenplay writing is an extremely competitive market; do not be surprised if you receive multiple rejections before you get a bite. Trying the baby steps first will also gain you some additional street credit, so that when you do submit you can say, "These are the movies I've made," or "These are the awards I have won."
For additional exposure, check to see if any community colleges with theatre departments would be interested in putting on your play. This is also a good idea if you are writing a movie; putting up notices at local colleges can be a way to gain exposure, as most AV and Theatre majors have to, at some point, produce a movie of some kind.
Also, check local theatre groups. Some of them can be open to showcasing new plays/talent.
As well, you might want to pick up a copy of the Hollywood Creative Directory. Screenplay writing friends of mine swear by it.
Remember, screenplay writing is an extremely competitive market; do not be surprised if you receive multiple rejections before you get a bite. Trying the baby steps first will also gain you some additional street credit, so that when you do submit you can say, "These are the movies I've made," or "These are the awards I have won."
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Out of curiosity, is there anybody in this forum that lives in North Carolina, particularly the Raleigh or Garner area?
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I love that quote. Inception is a film based of a complex yet simple concept and look what it brought home. Do you get into screenplays as well?
I've started writing seriously about a few years ago. Originally, I was seeking representation from an agent, so I could sign with a traditional publisher. Then, after two years of rejections, I decided to try the self-publishing route. And I love it the process. It's a lot fun and fits my personality. I'm not making millions of dollars, or even thousands, but I'm excited about the future, and the infinite possibilities.
If you like interacting with people and marketing, self-publishing is a good way to go. If you like working with an organized team, obviously landing a top agent would be the best fit.
Good luck on your improvements!
Love&Light
If you like interacting with people and marketing, self-publishing is a good way to go. If you like working with an organized team, obviously landing a top agent would be the best fit.
Good luck on your improvements!
Love&Light
Hi Maverick,
I'm new too, learning to improve my memoir-fantasy as I discover how little I know about creative writing. Sorry I'm not from NC, closest I lived was TN.
I've got a screenplay too with a whole different storyline, it's on the back burner till I get the book out. Recently I'm realizing that 1) the book might make a great movie someday, and 2) the screenplay might have to happen as a book first. So, a long way to go. In my short time here I've found this forum very educational. Welcome!
I'm new too, learning to improve my memoir-fantasy as I discover how little I know about creative writing. Sorry I'm not from NC, closest I lived was TN.
I've got a screenplay too with a whole different storyline, it's on the back burner till I get the book out. Recently I'm realizing that 1) the book might make a great movie someday, and 2) the screenplay might have to happen as a book first. So, a long way to go. In my short time here I've found this forum very educational. Welcome!
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Welcome to Absolute Write!
There are at least 21 writers' groups in the Raleigh area:
http://writing.meetup.com/cities/us/nc/raleigh/
hope that helps
There are at least 21 writers' groups in the Raleigh area:
http://writing.meetup.com/cities/us/nc/raleigh/
hope that helps
Welcome! As a young(ish) writer myself, I would say the best thing to focus on concerning breaking out and getting something out there is to get something finished first. The business side of 'making it' can't start until you've written something.
As for the type of goals and jobs you want - to be honest, it doesn't matter. Some writers become department-leading professors of English, devoting their entire life solely to the craft, while others are on the verge of being homeless without a job when they land a big deal. Unfortunately the entertainment industry is littered with mostly luck and chance, so just keep living, writing, and trying whenever you can to get someone to read your stuff. Hope that helps.
As for the type of goals and jobs you want - to be honest, it doesn't matter. Some writers become department-leading professors of English, devoting their entire life solely to the craft, while others are on the verge of being homeless without a job when they land a big deal. Unfortunately the entertainment industry is littered with mostly luck and chance, so just keep living, writing, and trying whenever you can to get someone to read your stuff. Hope that helps.