[Annamarie Maricle]

A few of the insights I gained from the opening teleconference:

– Summarize every lesson.

– Staying in “learning mode” and using my “beginner’s mind means that I’ll learn more. Setting aside what I already know will allow me the opportunity to learn more.

– Cultivating “Kaizen” – small, steady improvements leads to better writing.

– Celebrate the successes of others. Their successes mean that others can make it too.

– Embrace change. Do this class the way it’s designed. Don’t be a perfectionist. Learn how to turn in bad writing for first drafts.

– Keep moving. Don’t on the process and apply each lesson to the script that you start out with. At some point, you may want to shift to a new project, but don’t do that.

– Use the “Easy Way” to get through each lesson.

– Giving feedback is more helpful than receiving it. Feedback in this program follows a very specific format that is designed to make us better writers.

– If I fall behind, join the group where ever it is and then catch up. (I’m getting a late start in the program, so this one is helpful.)

– I will need to keep reminding myself, over and over again, to let go of the need to be perfect. I can release my previous experiences writing grant proposals in an environment where a single typo was unacceptable (even in a first draft!) Hemingway said “ALL first drafts are shit.” (I wish I had printed this out with his photo and kept it on the bulletin board next to my desk!)

– Have fun learning and practicing new skills! This program is a wonderful opportunity that sets us on the path towards great writing.

[Annamarie Maricle]

1. Annamarie Maricle

2. I agree to the terms of this release form.

GROUP RELEASE FORM

As a member of this group, I agree to the following:

1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.

2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.

I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.

3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.

4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.

5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.

6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.

[Annamarie Maricle]

My name is Annamarie Maricle.

I’ve written three screenplays (with partners) and started several others that haven’t been finished.

During this course, I plan to improve my writing skills. I also want to improve my ability to write faster so I can complete all of the coursework.

For most of my career, I’ve been an extreme “shadow artist,” as defined by Julia Cameron in “The Artists Way” – someone who supported the work of others while not nurturing my own creative spark. For many years, I worked for nonprofit arts organizations (mostly in theatre) as a fundraiser and grant writer. It’s been a wonderful journey, but my own creative projects usually got pushed aside so I could meet one more deadline… About eight months ago, I started working for a nonprofit that provides programs for neurodiverse adults – we even have a film and media studio (which is why I decided to work there.) Right now, I’m a bit anxious about how I will manage to juggle an intense new job and dive back into writing – but I want to finish the ProSeries.

[Annamarie Maricle]

Hi Mackenzie – I’m also very far behind – and was wondering if I could still catch up, but than saw your post. Thank you for giving me hope that I can still do this!