Began work on the collaborative screenplay, and very glad I started writing again. The last three weeks I shorted myself writing time, driving my creative efforts into either work or socializing, cutting back to such degree that I became one of those people I avoid: frustrated, tense and irritable. For good measure, I slept infrequently.
Anyway, back on the wagon and excited to see where it takes me.

This weekend is earmarked for the Basic Safety Rider’s Course. Upon completion, I will be licensed to ride Bonnie anywhere I like. I predict this will happen often, as I have no shame. Oh yeah, this is Bonnie:

In case the week couldn’t end on a stronger crescendo, a handwritten note requesting The Last Track arrived via post on Thursday. Besides the personal touch, it marked another first because they asked for an author bio and my short term writing goals. Never has anyone asked me that, and it felt pretty good, though it also meant writing something coherent quickly and on demand. I opted for humor over pomp.
Even more interesting, while the agent publicly and explicitly discourages electronic solicitations, they asked for me to send all materials to them via email.

Another step closer, I march.

After the sixth rejection in four days, a new idea for approaching agents about The Last Track hit me. Something indirect. Something different. Something a bit clever and hopefully amusing.

I’ll post more about this very soon.

Just received this note confirming my entry in the 2007 Nicholl’s Screenwriting Fellowship. This year set another record for submissions. Regardless, I’ll know where I stand in early August.

Welcome to the 2007 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition, a program of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

We have received your screenplay, * TITLE REDACTED *, application form and entry fee in proper order. If you contact us regarding your submission, please include your entry number — * NUMBER REDACTED *.

Thus far, we have received over 5,040 scripts for this year’s competition. We hope to complete first-round judging by the end of July. We will then tally the results as quickly as possible.

We expect about 5% of this year’s entrants to progress into the quarterfinal round of judging. If all goes smoothly, you will be< hearing from us near August 1 as to your status in the competition. If you encountered any difficulties with our new online applicationsystem, please accept our humble apologies. Thank you for entering the 2007 Nicholl Fellowships competition. Best of luck in it and with all your screenwriting endeavors. Sincerely, Greg Beal Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting