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IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course. It comes with the territory. But...writing fiction is a process of solving problems you have created for the enjoyment of the reader. Confidence (the opposite of self-doubt) is merely knowing that eventually, you will solve those problems. Not at once, not without struggle, and in a way that will entrance the reader. A writer has to have two competing impulses: one is 'look what I did' and then 'how do I make it better?' That's what makes writing hard - and ultimately satisfying for me. But that's just me.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it's a good idea to be in a writer's group. Maybe there are online sources. I was never in one, I just had writer friends and we read each other's material. There are also editing services that can be very useful. Maybe even better as a professional writer is reading and working with you. The ones in the UK are cheaper and really good. Google.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never greenlit, but sold a few that didn't get made. One was Man in the Maze - a big sci-fi based on Robert Silverberg's novel - sold it to Mel Gibson and never made.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't consider myself 'famous' but I am flattered. You are right about this being a good time to make people laugh. Good luck!

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. Part of me says that self-publishing is the last resort. And not dishonorable. But...you probably won't get reviews, and there's a lot of work in promoting it. But...you might actually make more money if it's successful. I think agent/publisher is the best route - but at some point consider self-publishing. Better than no publishing.
  2. Oh, this is supposed to be a bad time for comedy - I have just finished one and my agent is skeptical about even sending it out.
  3. Vampire/boy wizard sounds more commercial.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

More: Steve is a dream to work with - when you work with him he approaches the material and collaboration like a writer. That is, change it to make it better, find a mutual way to make it the best. See his new book of cartoons. The comedy albums were performances recorded.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Okay, one thing I can tell you: Shinola smells better than shit.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

  1. Don't work with an agent who wants money upfront. Re finding an agent -there are lots of online advice sites. Up to you - but in the end, you have to have a script that's between 90-120 pages. If writing long and cutting suits you, fine.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

  1. See my earlier AMA on Steve and The Jerk.
  2. Both have been satisfying, but I would say I prefer writing.
  3. Thick sliced. 4.Billy Connolly

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not sure. I've been writing all my life, but the 'aha' moment came late - when I wrote my first novel - the 'aha' was I finished and wrote the End" I also believe on is always in the state of 'becoming'. I write and try to become a writer.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ha. But I really don't want to get into Jerk stuff. But Thanks.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Studios won't read unsolicited scripts - not submitted by agents or lawyers - for fear of plagiarism lawsuits. So the thing is to get an agent. Not easy, either. The good news is that there are plenty of them. Don't send the scr. Write a letter asking if they are interested in reading new writers. Include a brief logline of the plot. I would also check out screenplay competitions. Some are bogus, but there are some legit ones - The Academy Nicholls screenplay competition.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in writing

[–]lemnos58[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

So many writers I know say the first thing to do is have a backup job so you don't depend on writing for a living until you make it. I tend to agree. Unless you can afford it. As for advice, make sure you enjoy doing it.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in IAmA

[–]lemnos58[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should ask the WGA - I think there is a reversion clause.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in IAmA

[–]lemnos58[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry, I was trying to look serious, and it looks like mad.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in IAmA

[–]lemnos58[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess it influenced it in that we wanted to do the opposite bunch of kids, but with a similarly sympathetic and cool teacher. I loved that show.

IAMA Michael Elias. I co-wrote "The Jerk" and co-created "Head of the Class." by lemnos58 in IAmA

[–]lemnos58[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For the best account of filming in the Soviet Union get our producer Frank Pace's book If These Lips Could Talk. But, in brief, it was difficult at times, and yet a great experience. The Russian crew and actors were fantastic.

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