Screenwriting: New Surroundings

January 7th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting

January is a month of new beginnings. It’s a time of resolutions and ambitious goals for the year ahead. For me, it means all of those things and more.

It’s become a yearly tradition of mine. This mission is extremely important to my yearly routine. It’s a vital component of my creative routine. It’s so important that I cannot possibly imagine writing a single word in the new year without first accomplishing this goal.

I change my furniture around.

When I start something new like a script or a film (or both in the case of 2010) I find it necessary to change my surroundings. It feels like I’m starting a new job with a new office and new possibilities. For any writer out there who finds themselves blocked at any time of year, I recommend this practice for hundreds of reasons. Here’s a few:

Throwing on the iPod and organizing your surroundings is a good chance to think about your new project.
You’re already being creative by deciding how your new configuration of furniture will look.
Everyone has a closet that stresses them out. We all have junk drawers that we will get to someday. It’s almost liberating to finally get to those problem areas.
How many times a year can you honestly say that you are 100% caught up with your laundry? Make sure to do the sheets on your bed too. That’s key.
Is anybody else in a better mood when the fridge is packed with food? Grocery shopping is a crucial part of Operation Life Restart. While you’re out, buy yourself a cake. Why not? I do it all the time. Who doesn’t love cake?
With everything in order around you, it’s a million times easier to concentrate without the distractions of everyday life.
Finally finishing your work brings an enormous sense of accomplishment and makes you feel ready to take on any project.
It may sound like a busy way to spend a day off but I guarantee you will not regret it.