Obstacles to progress.

Yes. It has been 2 months. Why? Well...

When last I left you, I had the piece planned out as far as the structure. I had this crazy idea that I wanted to run the outline by some friends to get their feedback. I even suggested that my labor day party would also include a "brainstorming" session where I might bounce ideas off of the Fitzgeralds, and some other trusted peers. That never really happened. I was busy grilling.

But I also had a second thought. It's difficult to really present a synopsis, and have it be evaluated. I want to avoid "You need to be careful that you don't...." type feedback in favor of "The way you wrote it, it seems..." type feedback. Less about how one imagines the script MIGHT be, and more how the finished script actually is. So, I'll share my plan with some friends, just to get the feedback, but I think a formal presentation should wait until I have a first draft.

Another thing that's putting a hold on my progress is my own hesitance to consider this a DRAFT. I tend to want artistic projects to be finished as soon as possible. So I sometimes write them trying to perfect them along the way. On Sunday, I started writing the first real scene (which was scene two.) I just kind of went with it, wherever the story took me. I didn't edit; I didn't stress over "That's not right" or "That should be better;" I just wrote and then got to the song. It was very liberating.

I need to remember that "St. Nick" took 18 years to become perfect. the first draft was 4 hours long, and it only just recently became a finished product. "The Bakers Wife" was continuously edited by Joe Stein and Stephen Schwartz for 30 years before they were happy. "Chess" sucked until this most recent concert. (The music was awesome, but the plot sucked.)

Sunday - Wrote scene 2 - Joe arrives at Kim's Apartment, they have some awkward exchanges, share a kiss, and then propose to go out.
Monday - Through brainstorming, I have a concept for the song for that scene. It will be called "Impressive." Kim will sing about how she wants to impress Joe, but she doesn't have the time to make plans for tonight. Joe counters by reminding her that he came to see her, and finally they end up in each others arms. Kim finishes the song with the line, "You want impressive? Then let's stay in tonight." Then they retire to the bedroom.

Progress!!!!!!!!!!! I welcome all commentary and input, so please comment below, and share, like and follow. Also, if you're a trusted friend and would like to read my outline, let me know, and I'll share it with you.