Hello All...I just registered with The Forum and apparently introductions are in order. Below is a short bio I used for my new play's submission. I look forward to networking and learning from the group.
Cheers,
Race
Race McKee is a published author and award winning humorist. A former professional athlete who hails from the rural South, McKee often draws upon the world of sport or his southern lineage in applying his distinctive brand of humor. He currently resides in the Seattle area with his stunning wife, a dog that more closely resembles a dust mop and his three-legged cat. This is his first stage play.
Race, a pat on the back to you, from me and a hardy "congratulations" for completing your new play. How long did it take you to finish it? How did you find the time and the stamina and the "nose to the grindstone" to complete it? Are you a full-time writer? What's the key to the "endurance" needed? I'm considering the idea of attending a remote "Writer's Hideaway" to rid myself of the noisy "Bells & Whistles" of Urban Life and maybe then, I'd be able to concentrate, in total seclusion, on completing my play.
Hi Deanna (love the name)....The concept rattled around in my addled brain for some time but once I started, I whacked it out in about six weeks. I thought I had a good idea, muddled through the first act, but I wasn't sure where it was going to go. Then I read a Kurt Vonnegut quote that essentialy said, "Just write....the end will just happen,"....and it did.
Per the "how to?" Whether writer's retreat or not, you can instill "seclusion." Lock yourself off. Turn off the cell phone, close facebook, don't answer the door....for scheduled blocks of time...oh yeah....that include's tv :). Thank you so much for reaching out. What "urban area?"
My ultimate "JOY" would be to live on a deserted Tropical Island, wearing only a "grass skirt" and a flower in my hair with NUT'N to do all day...'cept write in the sand.
Instead, here I sit, surrounded by squawking SeaGulls, on the briny "Atlantic Coast" of Canada. I love my "Nova Scotia", but I'd love it MORE if it was less populated with humans (and all their endless chatter and Gadgets & Gizmos )...so I can finish my Stage Play.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful quote...""Just write...the end will just happen"...
(In fact, everything you wrote was inspirational)
On a whim, I've decided to attend the Writer's Hideaway, located in a remote scenic area of New Brunswick.
A step back into time, long ago, into antiquity, is what I need...(docile and soothing with it's countryfied S-L-O-W paced living).
Can't wait to see the dirt roads, barns, geese, goats, hens and "fields of wheat"...covered with cow dung and horse manure.
Race, I'll send you "A POSTCARD FROM THE CHICKEN COOP"...after my arrival there :)
LOL....Deanna, a "Postcard from the Chicken Coop" is rather apropo since my play is called "A View from the Dog Food." I might have to plagarize that with pride. :) Enjoy the retreat!....Race
hahahaha..."A VIEW FROM THE DOG HOUSE" says it all...
...if you're talking about "Love Gone Wrong"
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Race, I do believe you and I are "Kindred Spirits of Roguish Humour" or maybe..."twins" separated at birth.
If so, how come I ended up in the "Frozen North" and you, in the Sunny South?
And I got the name "Ju-DEATH" and you got the cute name "Race"??
Not fair! Not fair at all.
Ohhhh...no more "sunny south".....I now live in Seattle....home of 53 days of sunshine a year and 10 month sweater-jacket weather....and I appreciate the "comedic kindred spirit comment." Normal is so boring. And I also appreciate the desire to sit on a tropical beach and watch the waves waft forth while sitting in front of a keyboard, but a cold, gray craggy beach in Nova Scotia should foster literary alchemy as well....I'm jealous.
And Honey....re: "The love gone wrong" thing....I wrote the book on that one (or I'm at least trying to....titled, "I Never Saw It Coming :) I tend to see the "good" in people but any strength over-used can be a weakness. My brother once introduced me at a party, "This is my younger, better-looking and smarter brother. Well...in everything except women." BTW...from your posts....I think you write not only well, but with a playful spirit. If you can apply that to dialogue and plot, I'm excited to see your work. Tonight, I will ponder grass skirt and flower...only....and I will dream well.
Last edited on Thu Nov 15th, 2012 05:08 am by Race McKee
Race's Quote..."a cold, gray craggy beach in Nova Scotia should foster literary alchemy as well"
Picture this weirdness..."A Sweet Little Lady, sitting on a rock, at High Tide, gazing at the sea,
writing a Pirate Parody ...("A Wind Swept Tale" full of murderous Ocean Hogs")
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Race, you're SO brilliantly intuitive!!!
That lady was "ME" writing my "Swashbuckler Adventure"
and due to the fact... I've never known a "Dirty Rotten Scoundrel" or a "Sword-Wielding Ruffian" in my life,
I do believe, the Divine "Hand Of God" helped me to write it.
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Last edited on Sat May 6th, 2017 08:26 am by SAINT NOT
Outstanding....I'm envious. Now, a little advice from a country boy. How do you get close to a unique rooster?....You "Neek up on him."....then bash him over the head with a two by four. Problem is, that will piss off all the hens....and there's nothing noisier than a bunch of brooding hens when they ain't gettin' any! Have a GREAT time!! I want to hear all about it.
News on this front....got pinged to (maybe) write for an animated film. Love the producer and we seem to hit it off. He just sent me background to give him a sample of what he's after....fingers crossed. Enjoy your journey....much more fun than the destination.
Wow!! What a great opportunity for you to "frolic" and lend your talents to Animation.
I'm so proud of you!!...(I "dropped" your name 10 times at the supper-table tonight)
Let me know when you sign the contract, on the dotted line.
("PAR-TEE TIME" will follow!! :)
Got my assignment and took my shot....submitted 4 pages of dialogue for a bunch of trippy characters....film at 11! Enjoy your experience....I can hear the joy in your cyber-voice.
Race's Quote: "Yes indeedy....just got the call...Getting more details this week and start the project in January"
"CONGRATS!!"
Race, your NEW YEAR is starting off on a "High Note". WOW!! I can only imagine the "high" level of confidence these lads have in you and your expertise.
Adding this project to your resume will boost your importance from "VIP" to..."VVVIP"
I'm very, very happy for you. Write on!!! :)
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"coff coff "...(x-cuse me!!)
Woke up this morning with a "rash" on my face. Can you see it?
Obviously, I'm allergic to something or "SOMEONE"...
...(like that "SPOOK" from Cabin 6..."Ole Willy Shakespeare")
He visited me last night and "scared me half to death"!!
Race, I gazed in awe at the sight of a Man, dubbed "The Greatest Writer Ever"
And in my deepest respect and reverence, I "conjured up" - (wrote) - this song and "sang" it to Ole Willy...
"...to be cont'd "
Last edited on Fri Feb 24th, 2017 09:18 pm by SAINT NOT
Race, I miss bantering with you!!
I am very busy these months, sewing together a wordy - Gig-Saw Narrative -
(ie:one with various little alien pieces, pasted together)- to create (gulp!) a Masterpiece .
{Wish me luck!}
When I complete this Stage Play I'm writing, I'll come back here
and give you a spoonful - to see if you like it.