Been Busy

Been busy with my job job, and my dream job.
Started typing up script #2 and outlining script #3, and looking back at my last post, I feel like I haven’t gotten much done since then. I guess this is true. Bummer.

My job job is threatening to take over, which is frustrating since a) it’s supposed to be part time, and b) it’s not a profession or field I have any desire to work in much longer. Hell, it was never something I wanted to do. But I needed the work ($$$). I’ve been working double the amount of hours I signed up for, which isn’t to say it’s a lot. On average, I’m working 30 hours a week (as opposed to 15). Big deal. Problem is, the commute can be between 1.5 – 2 hours over three busses.
Another problem is I’ve set goals for myself, and until a couple of weeks ago, haven’t slowed down or let up on the amount of time I spend on the dream (non-paying) job. So basically, I’ve been over tired. I guess the frustrating part comes from the feeling of not being in complete control, and all the stress has taken its toll on me. Though self induced stress, via the goals I’ve set, my energy – both physical and creative – has been waning. So something’s gotta give, and I ain’t giving up on my passion for writing. No matter how stupid that sounds. Screw it. If something makes you happy, why wouldn’t you pursue it?

So now I have 3 weeks to go before my work schedule lightens up. Another problem: By then it’ll be too late for one specific contest.

I’m hoping to have Script #1 ready for Scriptapalooza; the deadline is April 15. But I was also hoping to have Script #2 good to go by then as well. It’s gonna be tight. Shitty.

As far as the other writing “projects” go: I’ll be getting some more feedback on a couple of short stories I wrote and will have another go at them before mailing them out to a couple of magazines. This will be the first time I mail out anything written as prose. Kind of excited about that, because it feels like progress. I’m not saying I’ll actually sell the stories, but as I already said, I’ve never mailed out anything before, other than one screenplay.

I figure I’ll finish script #3 by May, and that’s when my priorities will shift slightly. Aside from tweaking Scripts 1 & 2, I’ll be back to work on the second draft of a novel I finished in November of 2003. As daunting as the task of revising it seems, I'm looking forward to it. I’m HOPING to be able to wipe the slate clean by September. Again, aside from tweaking here and there, I’m hoping to spend September, through December on a new novel. One that’s been on my mind for almost a year now.
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Got a little sidetracked from “Dhalgren”, but I’ll go back to it next week. I’m really really really enjoying “Beauty Tips From Moosejaw” by Will Ferguson. Entertaining and insightful. No, that’s an understatement. At times hilarious, almost always funny, and educational throughout. When it’s not funny, it’s…I don’t know how to put it…human. Heavy. “Happiness” (another book by Mr. Ferguson) has been added to my wish list. If only I could just pack a bag and take off across this country. I feel like this book (and Neil Peart’s “Ghost Rider” and “Travelling Music”) have made me realize I’ve been snoring in ignorant slumber. There’s some gems of history and story in these books I’ve just mentioned. Go out and buy them. Especially if you’re Canadian.