Positively Consistent

I titled this blog Positively Consistent because maintaining a positive demeanor has been at the forefront of my thoughts lately. Why? If I’m not positively consistent, then individuals who are severely attention deprived might affect me. Who are the severely attention deprived you ask? They’re the people who are needy beyond reason, and probably don't know it: in a nutshell, selfish.

Let me give you an example. Suppose a group of, lets say 12 people, ranging in age from small children to seniors are gathered together for an occasion. Two of the adults in this group engage in a heated debate that leads to a disturbance creating an emotional tidal wave that ripples through the gathering until everyone is yelling at each other. Someone wonders, “What happened”, another wonders, “What’s the big deal”; still another wishes they would all shut up. And the children, who are too immature to identify a cause for this disturbance, are afraid. This pleasant gathering is now chaotic. In this scenario, the two individuals who allowed their emotions to explode are needy beyond reason – selfish.

Here’s another, less obvious, example of sever attention deprivation. Let’s say you're working on a project

with someone and the two of you are engrossed in it. Then along comes someone

who does something to get both of your attention, and neither of you is aware

of him/her. S/he does something else, more noticeable. Still, neither of you

are aware of his/her presence. Finally, s/he causes a disturbance to get both

of your attention, says, “Hey. Just stopped by to say hey. I didn’t want

anything.” then leaves. In this scenario, s/he had no regard for either of your

privacy or time. This person is needy beyond reason – selfish.

Both scenarios are examples of severely attention-deprived individuals whose behavior caused a disturbance. Within that spectrum is an array of severe attention deprivation scenarios you may have experienced. Such behavior creates a dysfunctional unproductive situation. Basically, a severely attention deprived individual is someone who creates a disturbance beyond reason. Even the severely attention deprived individual will recognize this character because the severity is greater than their own.

I, on the other hand, work at giving attention rather than taking it away: 1) because I’m attractive, and 2)

stealing someone's attention is not a good look for me – it's behavior that

doesn't look good on me. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying I’m attractive in the physical sense – although I am. What I’m saying is that I have a pleasing personality. And the reason I do is because I like to keep the Peace: peace that surpasses all understanding. Besides, Jesus left it for me:

“Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. I

have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you

will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (John 14:27, John 16:33, Phil 4:7)

I admit it’s a challenge because my vocal range is wide (i.e. I have a big mouth).

So what does this all mean? For me, as a Screenwriter, recognizing the severely attention-deprived makes for

creating good story conflict. As a Believer, it gives me something to add to my

list of things to be thankful and someone to be prayerful for.

Now, let’s get into some Screenwriting: The Script Adventure.

Last weekend, I meet with the Atlanta OBS Writers Group. I’m happy to say that, of the three of us who met, I

came script ready. We meet again next weekend to discuss my script, and I’m

looking forward to the members’ feedback.

Earlier that day, I met with some folks looking for someone to script an educational program they’re

developing. I felt we had a good meeting, and they gave me documentation to

review and use to write the first episode. Well, I wrote the Teaser and sent it

to them to review and decide whether they really want me to write the episode.

I thought it best to let them review my work before I write an entire episode –

that’s work, and I’m doing this for free. So I want to know whether I need to

pump out another 36 pages. In any event, I’m excited to have an opportunity to

write a teleplay. Besides, I’m waiting for a reply to get advice from someone

who’s done it.

Other than that, I’m still rewriting my second feature and hope to get it analyzed and submitted for

competition before the end of March.

Oh yeah, one last thing, I'll probably go see Shutter Island this weekend - looks like a great film.

Happy writing,

/GM

Writing is rewriting until its' written!

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