For those who are not aware, “Take A Meeting” (TAM) is an annual event where scriptwriters can buy a time slot to sit down with an executive of their choice and discuss (unlike pitching) a script idea. Sessions last 15 minutes, and you are given a breakdown of the pros and cons of your script(s), as well as how to improve on your script.

There are two ways to participate in TAM. You can either, purchase the Final Draft program, Scriptwriters Showcase Gold or Silver Package, or you can pay $99 per session.

Now, in my opinion, there are pros and cons to participating in TAM. The pros being: valuable feedback, non-pitch pressure, honest study of your script idea, and exposure to industry leaders. The cons are as follows: Sadly, it’s only 15 minutes, and you have to either pay for your session or pay by purchasing the above mentioned software.

Overall, I have found TAM to be a very promising and valuable tool when it comes to getting some true blue feedback on a script idea (complete or not).

This year, TAM will be held at Sheraton Universal Hotel in Hollywood, CA on April 20 thru April 22.

Due to limited spacing and appointment times, there are only 999 slots available for the event. To register you can go to:
https://secure.thriva.com/Reg/Form.aspx?IDTD=2509&IDRPH=1309064

or if you would like to take advantage of the promotional offer from Final Draft (highly recommended scriptwriting company), you can go to: https://secure.thriva.com/Reg/Form.aspx?IDTD=2509&IDRPH=1309064

(Use code F301 to receive 10% off your purchase price)

A friend of mine (thanks, Rachel) brought this to my attention a few weeks ago…

Norilana Books will be publishing a new MZB anthology in November 2007. The MZB Literary Works Trust is inviting writers to submit no later than April 20, 2007 for possible publication of their stories in the anthology.

For complete details and submission guidelines, you can visit:

http://mzbworks.home.att.net/s22.htm

Ok, so I’m taking it as a sign, when I get my new laptop a few days early and I start getting nervous twitches while staring at a desktop folder full of incomplete WiPs (Works in Progress) .

I’m thinking that my little mini-vacation may in fact be coming to an end. When the muse starts begging, it’s time for me to start saddling. And, that appears to be exactly what I’m getting ready to do.

Maybe it’s just the excitement of my new toy. It’s not impressive like some of those crazy models out there these days, but it holds its own. Lots of RAM, a great processor, and a chance to tackle Windows new Vista O/S is something I’m looking forward to, as I break this new puppy in.

My upgraded Dell Inspiron 1501 has the following: AMD 3800 Processor, 2 Gigs RAM, ATI Raedon 512 MB HyperMemory, 120 GB HD, Vista Premium, CD-RW/DVD-RW, High Def Audio, and (my fav) 802.11 a/g Wireless Card

I’m amazed of the side effects of having writer’s block. It truly should be researched more. I would think scientist would find it … interesting.

I have spent several days now staring at the same words over and over and over again. No matter what project, what story, it’s always the same. I’m unable to finish anything I start. At some point, I just get to a spot and my muse just throws up its hands and cries, “Okay, I’m done!”

Anxiety, endless bags of doritos, pepsi, 81/2 x 11 paper strewn across the floor, a few white hairs, and a few tear soaked hankies later — and I’m still… with writer’s block.

So what have I learned?  You don’t control your muse… your muse controls you.

Amazing.

I figured my first post should tell a little bit about myself. Not the typical dribble about what I do, and where I live, and so forth and so forth.

Perhaps, something a little more in-depth?

Being an aspiring writer, I have a tendency to delve deep within myself, and 99% of the time the things I find are not pretty. They are ugly and dark. The realism, most times, too hard to bear.

Music is a large part of my life. Often times enough, not only the music, but the lyrics as well, penetrate the deepest of regions that I, myself, couldn’t go. It’s beautiful. It’s beautiful what music can provoke, and pull to the surface.

So many times on MTTM, I’ll probably mention a few lyrics here and there that grappled with my heart and/or mind that particular day.

I’ll try my hardest to write daily, but I doubt it’ll happen. Perhaps, weekly instead. I’m in the middle of writing for a grant, so time is of the essence, but I’ll do my best.

The last thing I’ll mention is that I absolutely reak havoc in regards to grammar.  I can’t emphasize that enough.  I’ve learned to live it… so will you.

(Thank God for editors.  Such a dirty work they have.  I admire them… truly.)