We are celebrating & acquiring knowledge in here today!!!

Today is a good day.

Why, you ask?

Well, even though it's Monday, it's my birthday.

 
Since I'm still breathing, and as far as I know...upright, we must celebrate!

That's right! Aliens.

Never mind!

And, what better way to celebrate than have one of my very best blog-buddies join us with her new book!

Welcome, Tara Tyler!

***

Screenplays - Not as easy as you'd think...
On one of my many back burners sits the screenplay of Pop Travel. I'm wishful thinking. But hey, that's how I got this far in the first place. You never know! So if you're considering going in that direction, here's some advice I've picked up from working on mine. It's very exciting and a lot of fun!

Where to begin?
That's a really good question. I bought SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder to help me "beat" out my MSs, but it was written as a guide on writing a screenplay. It's pretty terrific for both. And just like a novel, the first scene in a screenplay has to hook 'em.

But that's not what happens in the book...
Every scene/chapter should be its own mini story with a beginning middle and end, complete with a climax. But a screenplay has to be less than 150 pages!! 100 is the best because the rule is: every page is a minute of film. A screenplay has to move the plot along, keeping only the bestest parts. So much cutting! And I can totally see why they leave so much out of a novel and even change characters or scenes to make it work on screen.

Think Visually.
Mr. Snyder recommends you watch the opening scenes of a few similar genre films you enjoy to pay attention to their hooks. It was a great motivator. Writing a screenplay takes "show not tell" to a whole other level. It's all setting, action, and dialog!

And that's about as far as I am. I've re-outlined my screenplay several times because I have to cut more out with each pass. It's so hard! The formatting is crazy, but that's the easy part - there are apps and programs and templates for that!

Ever tried or considered trying it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!


Thanks for having me, Heather! You're always a sweet friend to me =) I hope your readers enjoyed my amateur take on screenplays. I'm always learning and trying stuff! Why not?!

SIMULATION
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: Sept 14, 2015

In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they're creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper's latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.

As if the case wasn't frustrating enough, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper who's looking for the same guy. As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn't her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.

SIMULATION delivers more technology, more intense action, more humor, and more, distinct new characters. Come along for the ride.

Available Now!

Amazon ~~ Barnes & Noble ~~ Kindle

Goodreads giveaway!

Tara Tyler writes sci fi and fantasy action-adventures from her little corner of the world in Ohio as she tries to keep up with her three boys and coach husband. Always making time to write, she sometimes puts off chores and lets laundry pile up... hence, she's also the Lazy Housewife, offering advice and tips to other gals out there trying to do it all without going crazy. She and her housewife friends blog at The Really Real Housewives of America.

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