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I'm not a big C.S. Lewis fan (although I tend to respond to any writer who uses initials instead of an actual name: don't ask), however, my personal Muse (the all knowing and wise JTC) recently introduced me to a wonderful line of his that bears comment, especially with respect to a career as a screenwriter.
Here's the quote:
"All Joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still "about to be."
When I heard this I thought about it and I found it very life affirming. Like so many things that great thinkers and great writers say, it's open to interpreation.
Because of the nature of this column, I chose to apply the quote this way: I am filled with joy once I get a new idea. I'm filled with more joy as I start to write it. And I remember the joy of other ideas that turned into finished screenplays. And I recall the hope for the script as I sent it out into the world. And I remember the close calls and near misses and the occasional deal that actually happened.
However, the further into the newest project I get, the less joyous it becomes and I start to get angry and frustrated. There is no joy left. Then, somehow, the joy returns as I manage to solve the problems of the script and as move forward to completion I get really, REALLY joyous about the joy that is about to be.
I love the joy that is "about to be." My joy is fresh with every new script. My hope is fresh. My aggressiveness is fresh. My determination is fresh.
And as I wait to see how it plays out I anticipate doing it all over again.
I may have to read more of this C.S. Lewis guy.
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