Gears changed in my writing machine. The truth: I’m sick of reading my manuscript, and I’m bored with the revision process. I know, I know—writing is mostly revision, but I need a diversion, so when a writer friend asked me to spend January collaborating with her on a screenplay, I jumped at the chance to put away my mystery manuscript for a few weeks and take on a new project.

Sometimes you have to take a risk and try a new opportunity. Michele and I talked about this collaboration in late December, but I traveled the last week of the year, so we were able only to plan and outline. Last week, we had a three-day writing marathon. So far, we love our story and the work we’ve finished.

Collaboration has been easy because we complement each other’s talents, and we both have good ideas but are willing to listen to new concepts, to accept constructive criticism, and to eliminate lines we’ve written when necessary for our goal: sell the screenplay.

We will have another writing marathon this week, which should net us a finished screenplay. Then on to the agent. But that’s another story for another week. I’ll let you know the outcome of our efforts. I’m keeping the faith that we will sell this screenplay.

This week, I encourage you to take a risk and do something new—preferably something physically safe. No jumping off tall buildings to see if you can fly; you can’t. My young cousin is an inspiration to me this week. Just out of college, he left his lifelong home, friends, and family in Tennessee to move to Los Angeles. He’s taking a risk and a huge step toward achieving his dream of becoming an actor/writer. Good luck, Mitch!

Take a risk to bring one of your dreams a step closer to reality—Write Now!