In an earlier post, I wrote about choosing between an exciting new idea and finishing your current screenplay.

I ultimately decided to wait until I finish my feature script before tackling development on a new story. This has become quite frustrating as I’ve only written 3 or 4 pages in the last few weeks.  It’s been a sloooooow process.

What’s the hold up?

Many of the delays relate to all the other projects that I’m a part of. Whether it’s writing a short script, directing a movie, editing, blogging or general networking, there always seems to be something in the way of my feature script.

Would I rather be doing something else besides screenwriting? I don’t think that’s it because I think about my screenplays all the time. Especially now that good ideas are really starting to pile up.

No need to worry.

I came to a realization today that I shouldn’t feel guilty about my current lack of progress. Or at least, my perceived lack of progress.

Here’s why:

I still think about all my scripts everyday and I’m always writing down notes and developing new scenes and characters. These little details don’t have to be worked out while I’m filling up the white space.  In other words, progress is being made.

Write every day.

I believe in order to be a good screenwriter, you have to be on your toes at all time. You never know when inspiration will strike.  So for me it doesn’t matter if it’s a new short script or a screenwriting related blog post, I’m constantly thinking about screenplays.

I write everyday and that’s honestly something I couldn’t claim a year ago. Blogging and screenwriting are now daily routines. Just because I haven’t touched my feature script in a week or so doesn’t mean I’m not working on my craft.

Most importantly, I don’t want to rush things. The short screenplays I write in between feature scripts are an important part of 17 West Productions. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

Stick with it!

However, there comes a time when development can only go so far and it’s time to finish pounding out the pages.

There is nothing more motivating than seeing the finish line and knowing you’re going to get there.  I have to get there!

I know I’m not the only one who falls behind sometimes but every good screenwriter knows when to buckle down.

I strive to be a good screenwriter so that’s what I plan to do.

Setting Goals.

Today I’m going issue myself a challenge.

I’m in the midst of rewriting and tweaking two short screenplays.  (One of which we are producing next year and the other I’m directing in a few months.)

Besides this blog, there is nothing stopping me from finally dedicating even a few hours a week to my main screenwriting venture.

I’m realistic though and I defintely have a lot on my plate. So I won’t be setting any hard deadlines.

Let’s just say I’d like development work to begin on my new feature by the summer.

Either way, progress is all about how much effort you are willing to put into something.

The home stretch begins!

It’s time to write!