Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A Shot of Inspiration


As writers we take our shots where and when we can get them. A recent adventure to the Austin Film Festival proved to be just the inspiration I needed. If you are an aspiring screenwriter, or writer in general, this was the place to be. First I must mention one of the classes I took was called A Shot of Inspiration, and as the class was in session, Daniel Petrie, Jr. writer of Beverly Hills Cop, The Big Easy, and Shoot to Kill, passed around shots of whiskey. Liquid inspiration, he called it. Of course we had our own cups. No swigging from the bottle. I’m notorious for giving myself away with facial expression alone, and I must have made an eye pop, combined with gape-jawed surprise, because the next day a fellow writer found me and said my expression at the mention of free whiskey was priceless. I really don't drink much. And just so you know, that whiskey scorched all the way down.

Seriously though, the four day event was nothing short of amazing. Not only did I meet other splendid writers, but plenty of directors, producers, etc. Here’s a few I got to take panels with and also meet: Marcia Nasatir, Tom Skerritt, Herchel Weingrod, Pat Hazell, Cheryl Hines, Gayla Nethercott and Peter Hodges, author of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, a personal favorite. Like I said, these were just a few.

Ron Howard was there, and I especially enjoyed his tennis shoe style. He is the original nice guy who just happens to be extremely talented and well known. Watching Apollo Thirteen, the movie he directed, with him and astronaut Jim Lovell in the audience was a real treat as well.

Classes, or panels ran from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and then there were plenty of independent movie screenings to watch. And if you were still fired up, parties to attend. We saw Serious Moonlight, directed by Cheryl Hines, Precious, Apollo Thirteen and several others.

The best part for me though was spending time with my oldest daughter, a screenwriter, and watching her get such a kick out of the events and movies. If you haven’t attended this event, please put it on your must do list.

15 comments:

  1. Forget inspiration, just gimme the damn whiskey! ;)

    So jealous that you got to do that, D. Good for you!

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  2. Thanks for the recommendation!

    Kate x

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  3. Ha, yeah, I like the way you think, Lydia. And thanks. I hadn't even planned to go, but it all worked out. So glad.

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  4. Hi Kate. You're welcome. I'm happy to recommend this event.

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  5. I've just presented you with a Humane Award on my blog. Check it out! (and for the record, no, I have no idea what it is for, but it's nice to get awards)

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  6. I'm happy for you and your daughter, for getting to spend time together doing something that you are both passionate about. Sounds like you had a thrilling time!

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  7. Gee, Lydia, thanks so much! What a nice award.

    Anita,

    Appreciate that. I had suggested my daughter go, and didn't think I'd be able to, so it was a nice surprise when it all worked out.

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  8. All the fun stuff happens in Austin! That sounds like a lot of fun...you lucky gal. I'm glad it was inspiring. Best of luck on your revisions!

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  9. Yes, Austin is a great city. A writer's mecca. I'm so thankful to have attended. Thanks regarding those revisions. Same to you!

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  10. Okay. I'm back again to re-post a comment. Sheesh! It is eerie the mine disappear. Like some weird time dimensional warp. Don't really remember what I wrote. Something like I can't believe the interesting writing events you find to attend. It sounds like a wonderful learning experience and family time with your daughter. What a great gift to share together.

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  11. What's up with this, Ronda? I'm sorry you're having to post twice, and I appreciate you taking the time to do that. You're a peach.

    This Austin gig just kind of came to me. I got something in the mail and thought of my daughter, but then she thought of me, and round and round. As you know, things sometimes work out for a reason. If nothing else, I enjoyed the time with Candice.

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  12. This sounds like so much fun! I love films but haven't watched one in god knows how long.

    Jai

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  13. Glad you had such an inspiring time, though I don't advise liquor as being a quicker way to genius or publishing fortunes ... I have other types of "Inspiration" in mind most often.

    Could you make a tiny change in the link for "A Writer's Edge" in the right column? If you make it http://www.writers-edge.info/Blog.html the post teaser will show (maybe). kbaithx!

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  14. Thanks, Geo. Me either regarding liquor as inspiration, although I have found a nice glass of wine comes in handy after a hard week of writing.

    Happy to make the change, but I still ended up with basically the same thing. It does take you to a link. I tried to import it with Google Reader but it just won't budge. Anymore suggestions?

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