When I started this blog, I promised a review on the UCLA Professional Screenwriting Program (Online). At the time, I envisioned that I'd be able to continue working on my novel, outline all my future novel and screenplay ideas, and write the two screenplays the program required. Boy, was I wrong! I spent so much time developing my first screenplay in the first two quarters of the program, I had very little time for anything else. Now, I am in the final quarter, and I have ten weeks to write a screenplay that I have had just a few days to outline. Needless to say, with the kids, a full-time job that pays the bills, and a script that must be completed by the beginning of June, my plate is FULL.
Today, however, I thought I'd give you a preliminary review of the program. And the verdict is. . .I love it! Though it is challenging, it is just the push I needed to get my writing into gear and in tiptop shape. The constructive critiques given by my writing group have been tremendously helpful, and the additional classes on screenplay structure have been invaluable.
Truly, the course has given me so much confidence in my writing ability, it is worth the money just for that. Before enrolling, I rarely ever let anyone read anything that I wrote. I am a perfectionist at heart, so submitting a draft for anyone's review was not an option. This program forces you to think about the process of writing in a different way, and for that, I am grateful. Now, I understand that the first draft is just that--a "shitty first draft." I no longer expect perfection (though secretly I still try to make it as perfect as possible). Shh...don't tell my instructor.
When I finish the program in June, I will return for a more detailed review. But, for now, I have pages to write!
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