I like writing. I’ve enjoyed writing Human Software. However waiting for feedback can be nerve-wracking, so over the last few weeks I decided to channel some of that nervous energy into another endeavour.
As I wrapped up my last edits, I discovered a screenwriting course that was just starting the next week, and I enrolled. It feels surreal being in the company of strangers all explaining their ideas to each other, but every week we gain another insight, a little more experience and confidence in our ideas. I find it incredible to see how this works, and I’m starting to discover and trust in my voice a little more.
Additionally, because I’m dramatising the work in Human Software, I’m finding out very quickly what works in the screen medium and what doesn’t, but I’m also finding out where my narrative has weaknesses in both media.
Screenwriting is a completely different experience. From learning what a beat sheet is to getting the right software (I went with the industry standard Final Draft FYI), to learning how to structure a screenplay and what to say and what not to say in the script to attract directors and producers.
And then, as I discovered this week, if you’re lucky, you get to have a table read where the others in your group read out your words. That is a very humbling and special experience!
Suffice to say, I’m loving the sideways look that writing the Human Software screenplay is forcing me to take. I’m finding it invaluable.
However, the book is still there, simmering away. It won’t disappear. So this week I’ve posted a couple of adverts for copy editing and cover design with deadlines for the end of July. I’m aiming to publish the electronic version in late summer on leanpub and then the print version will be coming out in time for Christmas along with a beautiful cover and illustrations.