Writing screenplays or anything else that falls into that general category is a very good exercise. It forces you to focus on small details and good dialogue.
Learning to format a screenplay is tricky. There are several good program options. See a list here. I picked the Celtx program because it was free, looked easy to learn, and didn't take much to download.
I enjoy finding screenplays online and reading them along with the film. This has been the single best learning experience. I also have a slew of books that seem helpful although I haven't got into them near as much as I'd like. I should work up some reviews soon.
There are several social sites for screenplay writers that look helpful. I don't have any suggestions because I haven't joined any. I don't want that sort of distraction when finding time to write is so precious, but I think these sites can be very helpful and encouraging.
If you are a screenplay beginner I would look into Script Frenzy to get a good start. :-)
Let me know if you have any advice or experience in this area.
I haven't a clue what I'd like to do yet and I have some big non-fiction writing deadlines, but I want to try to participate. I've been trying to get more familiar with the whole screenplay writing thing anyways and this would be a lighthearted way to practice.
What shall I write about?
If your participating, what is script going to be about? If you think of it, friend me on their site!
Here are two amazing paintings by a friend. Lacy is a wonderfully talented artist (as you can see for yourself)! I love the flower textures in both paintings.
Earlier this month we were able to go to a beautiful performance of Bach's St. John's Passion in Portland. I'd heard most of it before, but never sat through it concentrating and reading the English translation.
If you can get a DVD, I strongly recommend adding it to your Lent traditions. I really want to become more familiar with it. The words are simply amazing. Can you imagine having something like this song in your own language? It makes me want to learn German (even more than usual).
This aria comes right after Jesus arrest and the Evangelist sings -
"Simon Petrus aber folgete Jesu nach und ein ander Junger"
Simon Peter, however, and another disciple followed Jesus.
This is the first soprano solo and focuses on something I've been thinking lately.
The live video isn't the best, but the building is beautiful behind them all. ;-)
No. 9 (13) Aria (Soprano)
Ich folge dir gleichfalls mit freudiegen Schritten I will follow you likewise with joyful steps
und lasse dich nicht,
and will not let you [go], mein Leben, mein Licht.
my Life, my Light.
Befordre den Lauf
Hasten the way,
und hore nicht auf,
and do not cease,
selbst an mir zu ziehen, zu schieben, zu bitten.
yourself, to pull at, to push [and] to beseech me.
Read it Again: Already did...but probably will again. :-)
Recommend it: Yes!
Persuasions is an interesting glimpse into clear thinking, practical theology, and unapologetic conviction. Doug Wilson organizes his short book into fourteen chapters, each dealing with a different traveler and their conversation with Evangelist. The story form and dialogue make it an easy read, while getting a taste of the arguments of atheists, agnostics, feminists, and others. Wilson shows that life apart from God’s Word must borrow reasoning from that Word and ultimately undermine itself.
If we try to persuade belief in Christ on merely an emotional basis, we deserve to be laughed at. We must know that what we believe is true. Surely this is part of the meaning of 1 Peter 3:15. Persuasions is a tool towards that end.
Certainly an easy group-read, extra Bible time activity, highschool assignment, or quick individual read. It started some interesting discussion in our house.
Down-to-earth honesty that brings ideas we often think unimportant into the realm we think and breathe everyday.
I'm trying to teach myself to think clearly and this book was certainly a help in that direction.
From the Book
Because each chapter could stand alone, individual quotes don't give the big picture of the book. Here is one from Evangelist that I thought was particularly interesting-
I reject everything that rebels against God--no matter how many footnotes or big words are contained in the rebellion. God has laid the wisdom of this world into the grave. Modern scholars are vainly trying to bring about a resurrection. It cannot be done.
