What got you into writing?

[Nightflyer]

I used to write at school, but then I left when I was 15, so I just stopped. Then when I started working at a Video store 5 years later I took it up again.

I love movies and I watch as much as I can, then one day it was like "Hay, why can't I do this." And that was all she wrote..

Anyone else remeber when and why..

[Junior]

In high school i hated English literature classes, I was a math and art freak.

I really wanted to prove to myself that I could/can handle any subject I try hard in, so I took up writing and vola, I became adicted.

Movies, Tv and a lot of video games.

-Junior-

[tolga009]

People have always said that my "pen" was very strong, that I could write well. I also had a strong imagination as a child and still do. What really got me was the Back to The Future series for which I wrote like 4 other sequels back in 5th grade dor English class.

It wasn't Until two years ago, when I was holidaying in Bournemoth Uk, where I was so bored, I didn't know what to do and so I started writing. I found out I had developed pretty much through the years and had more fun!! And I've been writing on and off ever since. Hadn't written anything for 2 months and just started again last night.

[Raena]

Fourth grade, a friend and I started scribing together. Even after we stopped, I continued. I found out that my words complimented my imagination nicely.

[R. P. McMurphy]

When I was about 8 or 9 years old, I discovered this little game called Mad Libs. I was addicted to the whole premise. When a friend was over or I was talking on the phone, I busted it out every chance I got. Thats when I knew I was creative, and felt weird that I found that out before anybody else did. So I started making up my own Mad Libs and scenarios and let my friends try it.

I always loved writing essays and short stories in my classes. Loved writing and making up characters.

Then in about 6th grade, my mother bought some classic films. And as ironic and cliched as it sounds, I watched them out of bordem. I was in awe. One of the first classics I saw was this little gem titled One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Thats when I was oficially hooked on films and filming and writing in general.

[Crynot]

I guess I always used to write stories, never scripts though. Then it was when I started smoking weed - I would think of these crazy movie ideas and I just had to get them on paper. I learned the format and fell in love with it. Even though I don't smoke anymore - My number one passion is to write scripts.

There's just something about creating a character that doesn't really exist that is just way too mind blowing when you read a piece of paper and see this person actually come to life.

Screenwriters freakin rule!

Crynot

[Popsie]

I've always enjoyed writing and adored watching films. I'd always wanted to be a screenwriter - but never thought I’d be any good at it (so why bother) - then about 14 months ago I was surfing and I came across one of those 'what job should you be doing' type of things - where you answer questions and it lists some jobs that some computer somewhere thinks I’d be good at and enjoy (I know those things mean fuck all but it was way more interesting than working!) so anyways - screenwriter was at the top of the list and for me it was like a message ('we're on a mission from god' /ubb/smile.gif) and so I basically just picked up a pen and paper and wrote down all and any film ideas that popped into my head - ever since then I’ve discovered that screenwriting really is my passion, I think about it all the time, I’m forever thinking about it actually, to the extent that co-workers have made comments about how quiet I am these days (and how my quality of work isn't too hot either), I’m always jotting down ideas and dialogue. My ears always prick up whenever anyone tells a 'life story' of a friend of theirs and the question 'is there a film here?' always crosses my mind.
For an embarrassing confession - I even have a dictor phone by my bed cos my best ideas always come to me while I’m trying to go to sleep and rather than write it in pitch black on some glossy magazine that will be illegible I talk into that! - So I guess you could say I’m obsessed! (Who else takes their laptop to the party island of Ibiza??)

I couldn't agree with you more crynot - there is truly something magical in creating a character - the way they grow from one small idea, into lots of ideas (or characteristics) until eventually you have a (to us anyways) real person - then they way you can have them do whatever you want!

[zeppelinat]

Hello,
This is my first time posting anything on the bulletin board, so I am the new person. Anyhow, I have had an enormous interest in film and screenwriting for about 9 months now. I particularly give credit for my inspiration to last year's best picture... American Beauty. After seeing AB, I really understood that film was more than entertainment. Inside of this simple little story about a man in his mid-life crisis was something very special and very deep that I had never gotten from any movie in my life. Also, my aunt has written several screenplays which I have read. She has been a huge help to me, and has helped me to open my mind to many possibilities.
I used to struggle with creativity. I am mainly a mathematics type of person, but I started a gradual change when I picked up the guitar 5 years ago. And now, I am so into "the arts" it is unbelievable if you knew me years ago.
I am currently working on my first screenplay. My aunt loves my idea, and she thinks I have a lot of talent based on some little things I have written.
However, I have trouble getting myself motivated to write. I love film and I would love to write something that would make somebody feel the way I did when I saw American Beauty (that'll be very hard, but maybe I can do it someday:-)
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS ABOUT HOW I CAN GET MYSELF MOTIVATED TO WRITE? I think I get bogged down with homework and other responsibilities so much that writing feels like a chore, and I don't want to write under those circumstances.
Any advice would be appreciated.

tathurs@hotmail.com

[R. P. McMurphy]

Hello, zeppelinat. Glad you're in to films now.

Inspiration, huh? Theres been some topics in this forum that dealt with the subject. The suggestions ranged from listning to music, watching a really good film, working outdoors, looking at still pictures or reading a good novel. And the list still goes on...

My advice to you is to just write. When you're comfortable with your surroundings, your minds giving at least small hints of thinking, just start writing whats on your mind. Maybe like a journal for the day, or a short story. Then, after a while (be patient), you will get more ideas. Remember: inspiration will find you. But you still need to keep your eyes open...

[zeppelinat]

Thanks Nightflyer and McMurphy for the advice on how to get myself motivated. :-)
Actually, today I was talking with my aunt about my screenplay and I was able to work out some kinks that I had previously ran into. Also, I am about to read a screenplay for a writer's group that I am attending tomorrow. So, I am already getting motivated again. If I don't have a lot of time with finals coming up, at least I will have time during my long winter break to write with enjoyment. So, thanks again.

[Crynot]

zeppelinat,

I'd love to help you out with any future kinks, or if you just want someone to look over what you have. I'm currently working on several scripts of my own and I know all about the frustration of getting stuck and finding ways to get motivated. I find that feedback from someone else is the best motivator.

Let me know,

Crynot

[zeppelinat]

Thanks for the offer, Crynot!
I will definitely take you up on it...once I get some more written. I plan on working real hard on it over winter break, so I will let you know.
Why don't you send me your email address, or post it, and I'll give you a summary of what my current script is about, along with the kinks that I have run into.
My email address is tathurs@hotmail.com

Thanks, :-)

zeppelinat