Happy at you

I’ve just finished climbing a treacherous mountain and I am writing to let you all know that the view is spectacular! 
 
Today, I am pleased to announce the completion of my first original screenplay, “Happy at You.” This project took over a year and a half to create and was written in collaboration with my good friend and co-author Chris Varonos. As a creative engineer, Chris brought a tremendous amount of depth to this story, and for that I am extremely grateful. 
 
Since the publication of my debut novel I’ve had dreams of seeing one of my stories unfold on the big screen. Stories read in books are one way of captivating an audience, but I wanted to venture beyond this singular medium. As any major undertaking entails, this project required a heightened sense of awareness in regard to my personal time and energy, so I have spent the past three months away in order to focus.
 
Throughout this past year and a half, I have been researching and spending time learning the art of writing for the screen. Taking the time to broaden your understanding of anything is something that I am a staunch advocate for and would recommend to anybody in any field. So often in life we find ourselves on the repetitive hamster wheel. In my own study, I learned so much about writing that I was excited to apply directly to this brand-new project.
 
I decided to step away these past three months in order to dedicate a majority of my mental focus to this script, but in doing so I also noticed some pretty interesting things I would like to mention. 
 
With little distractions, I found myself present in each interaction that I came across. From the complex to the mundane, I soaked up dinners with friends and getting my morning coffee in a way that I had yet to experience. But more than anything else, I actually allowed myself to get…well, bored. When writing I would nod off into some never-ending wormhole of thought and allow my mind to wander without reaching for my phone. Then, once the moment passed, I was able to quickly get back to work. Some of these results, to be completely honest, were extremely thought provoking in a way that I hadn’t imagined they could be.    
 
It is human to go through moments of doubt and it is natural to be afraid of what is next but knowing all of these things you have to understand one thing—you have to find a way to keep moving forward. This project to me symbolizes so much more than just another story, but a living example of how to always find different ways to grow. A lot of sacrifice was put into these pages, but I know the product will be worth it. I happily ride now into the abyss and know that something beautiful will be on the horizon.
 
“Happy at You” is a simple concept that needs little explanation. Any journey is more about finding ways to be happy than mad. Life is going to happen, but it is how we allow these things to more positively shape all of us that are truly important.
 
I am pleased to be back and expect to hear from me more regularly with information regarding “Happy at You” and much more. I have a feeling that some pretty big things are headed our direction in the not so distant future and I cannot wait to share this with all of you. How I have missed each and every one of you!
 
Well, that’s about it then for now. I’m feeling about as spotless as a newly shaven lamb. Some true celebrations are in order and I wish you all a very lovely day. I am so happy at each and every one of you. 
 
JD