The word "normal" has no place in our lives, especially for those of us who have dared to call ourselves screenwriters. As we delve deeper into our writing, developing more skills and generating more content, we constantly create new worlds. Unlike this world those worlds lead to limitless boundaries, and with each new idea that surfaces within us, we find ourselves meeting different facets of ourselves each time. The journey of screenwriting is both fascinating and daunting, as it requires us to truly free our minds and hearts to express what lies within.
Sitting down to write, whether by hand or at a computer, takes real courage repeatedly. It is a challenge to piece together all the moving parts and craft a compelling story. Often, we must let go of the status quo and resist the urge to simply write what we think others want to see. One of the most difficult tasks for writers is to be vulnerable and transparent. While we easily embrace our strengths and qualities, we love about ourselves, we tend to shy away from acknowledging our weaknesses. Yet, it is ironic that those very weaknesses hide treasures beneath the surface.
Personally, I am committed to continuing my exploration of these worlds and characters. I practice daily, actively rejecting the idea of "normal" in my screenwriting approach. As the year comes to a close, my goal is to continue to achieve true mental freedom—climbing mountains, jumping hurdles, and pushing past obstacles that frequently arise on my screenwriting journey.
I use my notes, pitch scorecard, and consultations as building blocks to craft even greater stories. Each block, added with openness and vulnerability, brings me closer to my destination as a writer. As we end the year, let us let go of what we and others perceive as normal, and open ourselves to true “creative license” in our writing and art.
Let us refuse to let someone else's normal define our own when we are telling dynamic stories. Stay the course, remain focused, and continue to invest in yourself and your craft. Take risks, because you are always worth the risk.
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Great post, Mone't Weeks! "The word "normal" has no place in our lives." I need to make that my computer background. Where was that picture taken?
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Love your post Mone't Weeks and yes, "normal" has no place. We notice things that most others don't - those special nuances that serve as fuel for thought. I love it that you also write by hand. It's a quicker route from soul to paper. Glad you're with us!
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Thanks ! It's my son at Chasm Lake Denver, Colorado
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Thanks Leonardo!
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You're welcome, Mone't Weeks. You could turn that picture into a story.
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You're very welcome Mone't Weeks - Happy IY Weekend!
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I choose to believe normal is a myth someone made up to make "uninteresting":more appealing.
Love that photo.
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What a beautiful article.
I absolutely agree with every single word. Being a screenwriter, author, or world-builder requires courage — the courage to never place limits on your own mind. Limits suffocate imagination and creativity.
What I love most about this journey is that there are no fixed niches. You can create whatever you want, let your imagination fly, explore the undiscovered, and write freely. Eventually, you’ll find both your team and your audience.
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Thank you Meriem
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Mone't Weeks, this is such a beautiful reminder, and I’m really grateful you shared it during Introduce Yourself Weekend. I’m Ashley, the Head of Community here at Stage 32, and I love the way you’ve framed the idea of letting go of “normal” to make room for true creative freedom. That tension between courage, vulnerability, and imagination is something every writer here understands deeply.
If you’re looking to learn something new craft-wise, the Education Team can help you choose classes tailored to your goals, just email them at Edu@Stage32.com. And if you want help preparing a project for the marketplace, the Success Team is incredible for giving curated advice and helping you connect with the right people: Success@Stage32.com.
We also have our free Community Open House webcast coming up, which is perfect if you want to kick off the next chapter of your writing journey with clarity and community support:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-november-community...
Thank you again for putting this message into the world. Letting go of “normal” is how great stories begin, and it sounds like you’re already doing the work that leads to real transformation.
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Thanks Ashley
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Powerful message! Breaking free from 'normal' expectations is essential for authentic storytelling. Your journey inspires!
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Such great wisdom....I am on a similar path of personal enlightenment I suppose you could say. Such wisdom is earned, not given - I, like you I am sure, am so appreciative of the experiences and people that have reinforced this idea for me and allowed me to get comfortable with discarding the idea of 'normal' being a goal and destination.
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Thank you, Phuc
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Thank you, Darrell
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Thank you Ashley