When I was growing up, I wanted to be a writer. And so, I sought out opportunities, worked hard, persevered and, today, I’m a writer. This story would be impressive if not for the fact that, in addition to wanting to be a writer, I also wanted to be a famous detective and a starting cornerback for the Oakland Raiders. Still, one out of three aint bad and, in retrospect, I picked the right one.
I may have realized that particular dream but there are many more that, for now, for whatever reason, remain on my life’s on-deck circle. So what are they and what’s taking me so long?
1. THE DREAM: Write a novel.
WHAT’S KEEPING ME?: I’m very disciplined when it comes to writing under a deadline, but not so much when I have all the time in the world. Also, writing prose fiction is A LOT harder than scriptwriting. Believe me, I know.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?: Good. I already have one work of (relatively) short fiction under my belt, the short story “Downfall” for the Lou Anders-edited Masked superhero anthology. Granted, it took me about nine months to write, which doesn’t bode well for a comparatively longer work, but I’m sure I could get it done if I approach it with the same discipline I apply to writing scripts. I already have a terrific idea for a mystery novel. All I have to do is spend a month outlining it before embarking on a chapter a day pace.
2. THE DREAM: Becoming fluent in Japanese.
WHAT’S KEEPING ME?: My poor comprehension skills are a problem. Unlike most language students who have an easier time understanding the language than speaking it, I’m the time opposite – which severely inhibits my ability to learn. I’ve been studying Japanese on and off for years now and yet, in that time, have only achived the verbal skills of a very polite four year old Japanese boy. Yes, I have a Japanese girlfriend and that could help – IF she didn’t insist on speaking to me in English so that she can improve HER language skills.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?: Fair to good. Either I move to Japan for a year (highly unlikely given the fact that it would be next to impossible to fly the dogs over with me) or start taking comprehension classes.
3. THE DREAM: Cooking classes.
WHAT’S KEEPING ME?: Sure, I can cook, and cook creatively, but I have yet to really master basic knife skills and sauces. When I was on Stargate, I kept saying that, once the show ended, I would take a year off to attend cooking school. As it turned out, I got busy with other matters and cooking school was never a realistic option.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?: Good. Akemi is equally keen to take some cooking courses so that should force me to make the time.
4. THE DREAM: Travel.
WHAT’S KEEPING ME?: This year was supposed to be my travel year and, while we did hit Vegas and are planning to head back to Tokyo, many of the cities on my list will go unvisited in 2012: Hawaii, Chicago, New York, New Orleans, San Francisco. I also briefly toyed with the possibility of doing a foodie road-trip, but had those plans quashed by an, uh, opportunity in Toronto.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?: Good. Oh, I’ll get there eventually but it’s all work-dependent. This year, I wanted to take it easy and focused on freelance writing over producing opportunities. 2013 is supposed to be the year I get back to full-time production but, hey, who knows? If things don’t pan out, I’ll have the free time.
5. THE DREAM: Writing for comic books.
WHAT’S KEEPING ME?: Despite the year off, I’ve actually been surprisingly busy, trying to wrap up certain elements of my personal life. At this point, it’s simply a matter of prioritizing.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES: Fair to good. With the four-issue opening arc of my comic book series, Dark Matter, under my belt, I feel confident approaching (or, rather, having my agent approach) some of the big publishers. Again, this will all come down to timing – and the relative interest of the decision-makers.
So, do tell. What’s on your yet unrealized To-Do list?
Our latest Stargate poll is off to a rousing start. I asked: What was the best comedic episode in Stargate history?
So far, 230+ fans have voted and SG-1’s Window of Opportunity has the early lead. But there’s still time to rally behind your favorite episode.
Head on over here and cast your ballot, then leave a comment for a chance to win a signed Stargate script:
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