Some writers like to write in coffee shops, others in malls, in the park, on a beach, etc…  I’m not one of those writers.  I find I get too distracted.  Most of my writing happens in my home (and I’m distracted enough just being there).  I spend a lot time pacing, looking out windows, waiting for inspiration.   Below are photos, 4 different places of where Rome writes at his house.

The Study.  After I finish writing a script in long hand, I transcribe it
to the computer.  I spend a lot of time in this room listening to music and
typing away.

The Dining Room Table.   The majority of a script’s brainstorming notes
are thought out here.   Note the thrilled expression on my face.  That’s
writing.

The Basement.  I love working on this desk because it’s so big, solid and
roomy.  Piles of old drafts of other scripts surround me.

The Backyard.   I really don’t get much actual writing done out here.
I mostly sit to enjoy the view, contemplate ideas and read over a draft
of a complete script.   

For the past month I’ve been writing a new play which will have 3 performances over the Nov 30/Dec 1 weekend.  The performances will take place at the Stone Church in Toronto and it centres on the themes related to Christmas.   I spent 2 weeks brainstorming ideas, and once I had a handle on the characters and good sense of the plot, I began to write the actual play.  I was on a strict schedule and wrote 9 pages a day for a week.   I have just completed a rough draft of the play.

The cast is already in place and one of the actors recently mentioned to me that I get these plays written fast.  I replied to him by making this analogy to writing:   “It’s like ripping a bandaid off a scar – the faster you do it, the less painful it is”.   There’s a lot to be said about momentum.  I forced myself to write everyday and found as I got further along in the script, the story and characters began to take on a life of their own.  When that happens, the script basically writes itself.  I’m just the captain steering the ship.  Momentum did the rest.

Speaking of plays, on July 6, I had a reading of my new play Animal with 5 actors.  A small group of friends sat in on the reading.   One of the most gratifying moments for me as a writer is hearing your script read aloud for the first time.   As the reading was happening, I was holding my breath and looking at everyone’s reaction.  I do the same thing when a play of mine is performed; I watch the audience like a hawk to see what affects them.  Animal received many different reactions; most were positive and it gave me a lot of encouragement as I look to re-write it again.  This re-write will not be as massive as the last re-write (which was practically a page one re-write).

I’ve sent my screenplay Twig out to get professionally critiqued.  I have also submitted it to various contests.  The reaction has been mixed.  Everyone has an opinion.  Some I agree with.  Some I don’t.  Some I should.   Oh the joys of writing.  I have to figure out what next to do with the script.   Although I believe Twig has a solid storyline with engaging characters, some of the plot needs to be re-thought – the dreaded re-write is not so far away (it will be my 4^th on this script).  It’s rather quiet right now on the Play Ball front.  I continue to shop this screenplay.  This is all part of the game – you have your peaks and valleys when it comes to finding a party interested enough to take a chance on your work.  These peaks and valleys become more extreme once your script goes into production.

If you like to write out there – whether it’s a script, your diary, a poem, any kind of writing really – drop me a comment and tell me where you write.  What are some of your favourite places?  Until next time, I’m heading to one of mine.