Admit It, McConaughey!

I had a few hours to try what Matthew McConaughey was cooking for us at the 'ART OF LIVIN' virtual event table. I admit I went only for the free part, but let me tell you this: I did one rewatch of the 2nd part. It was worth it. Not every second of it, no. Most of it, yes. Where to begin? I've never even liked McConaughey in the first place. I thought he was just another poser, a clueless American actor boy with more toys than he could play with. Then my Instagram showed me this event, and I was like: 'What the hell! I want to know what he's cookin'! I'm a curious creature, after all. Also, I wanted to test my theory about him. I joined on YouTube with another 300,000 folks! (tops was around 400,000)

McConaughey said a few things that are useful for all of us. Let me share some with you:

- Name, claim, and declare! (whatever it may be for you)

- Invest in yourself! / revolving vs. evolving

- Complete honesty / admitting the lies to admit the true you

McConaughey asked a few questions, and we had to type our answers in the chat box. He was reading out quite a few (mine was there, too). How would you answer these:

- Why are you here? 

(he asked about the event, but perfect in general)

I loved the talk about the false sense of identity/illusions/white lies/impostor syndrome/the boogeyman/gratitude/TRUST.

- Me, too. /an invite back to the human race/ by Brother Christian

- Trust 5% percent more! (I agree!)

Although I couldn't afford to pay him anything, I'm humbled by the experience. McConaughey put his heart n soul into this. He solidly made millions of hearts lighter. The midlife crisis is a real thing. People need a push in their lives. Start doing something is easier when you see others taking their first steps, too. That was the strongest about this virtual event. Togetherness. Acceptance.

You can trust me when I praise McConaughey cuz I still don't like him. I like what he did. THAT was worth my attention. I'm going to read his book /Greenlights/ because he made me curious. I want to know MORE. Life is an endless learning experience for all of us.

I understand that McConaughey needs to pay his bills, too. I was unimpressed by the promo feeling near the end, but I'm not here to judge. I couldn't afford the 47USD VIP Fast Pass, so no wonder I can't sign up for his 'Roadtrip: The Highway To More' for the super low price of 397USD. Whoever reads this and can try it, please let me know some details!

In the meantime, start LIVING!!!!

your fellow human,

Kata The Writer

Screenwriter Salary 1.0

Answering the queries here, both for myself and fellow rookie screenwriters out there reading these posts. In our material existence, we must take care of money matters. First, there's no such thing as a fixed screenwriter salary. This is not like any other job in the entertainment industry. Being a writer itself is a lot different. We work as we like. We write with discipline (who am I kidding, we are not Stephen King). We create whenever the muse blows a kiss on our mouth. We can't live without a pen and paper (or a notebook and its keyboard).

Screenwriters are paid on a freelance basis. I've never heard about the otherwise. We are living through the next paycheck. Or we are doing other jobs to feed the dog (and ourselves). Until we get a name/track record. You can become an A-list or independent screenwriter - that's your call, but still no steady money from month to month. That's a fact one should consider right next to the craft itself. If you can't imagine living any other way possible - this life is for you.

There are more non-WGA member screenwriters than WGA members, so let me talk to my kind from now on. It's a long run (three years) to get a Writer's Guild of America membership, especially if you are not from the USA. A writer must meet definite criteria to get full or partial membership. They count units that are earned by the writer. What does that mean? WGA asks for your writing employment and/or sales within the Guild's jurisdiction and with a signatory company (who signed the Guild's collective bargaining agreement).

When you are not a WGA member, what should you expect to be paid for your stories? Higher the page count, the higher the salary. Shorter the deadline, the bigger the money. (If you have to finish in 4 weeks > or 4 months.) Read an online article about an example of a TV pilot salary (2,000 USD). Yet, writing shouldn't be primarily about earnings. I know, I know. We have to make a living from our big dreams. Don't worry! A solid credit can be worth a pile of gold! An honest connection helps you evolve a hundred times better! You want to see open doors after all those years of knocking, right?

Being a WGA member has benefits, but you need a gig first to get in. Membership costs 2,500 USD. It gets you health insurance if you keep working as a writer. The WGA guarantees that you will get a higher salary than if you are not in the Guild. One original feature screenplay with treatment pays the most. On TV, it's the 60 Minute Network prime time teleplay. My goal is to get a staff writer position on an ongoing TV show. And to get my scripts sold, of course.

your fellow screenwriter,

Kata Varga

Fuel My Fire

Unbreakable, unstoppable, untamable. Born in orange flames. Pushed to the edge as a natural-born rebel. All of me. I'm a unique breed. I do the impossible because that's what I was made for. My stories are wild. I've never been anywhere close to anything boring. I don't even know what that word means. I grab life by the horns. My thoughts are always positive. I'm living in the moment - that's how it becomes a present.

I enjoy the company of those who share the same values. I'm not bulletproof, but learning the method. Take your best shot, or don't come anywhere near me. Creative energy flows in my veins. I can't not write. My mind keeps on spinning around. Fiction and non-fiction mix in my scripts. The way I tell a story is just how you like it. It makes everything feel right. 

The kingdoms fall, and 'the end of the world' can come, but my stories will live on forever. This is how I make my stand. Everything will burn one day, and justice will be served to everyone. Immortality is not for the flesh and bone. Eternity is only for the soul. I hunt hearts similar to mine. There's a tribe out there somewhere. I'm on the road, and I keep looking for you. Where are you? What takes you so long?

your soul spark,

Kata The Writer

Aspiring Diverse Writer 1.0

That's who I am. Ever since I started talking (6 months old) and writing my first little bedtime stories before Hungarian elementary school started (6 years old). I had smooth sailing learning English ever since the first day of school (7 years old). It's my second language, and I've been studying it for more than thirty years now. I'm thinking, dreaming, talking, and writing in English as much as in Hungarian. I enjoy being a lifetime student. I find pleasure in understanding more and more of our world. That's one of the keys to my writing. I keep evolving.

My stories show the depth of my universe. I was born to write. That's my never-ending passion and path in this life. I am changed. Now I look at rejection as fuel to my fire. I know my worth and what I'm capable of as a writer. I can turn your world around. The 'upside down' is familiar to me. No doubt, life still can surprise me - that's what I love the most about it. 

I grew into the writer I was meant to be. I went through pain and glory, just like you all. What did I do differently? I put everything under my wings. I knew I had to fly. I needed some self-made wind under them after each fall. I decided nothing was going to end my dream. Nobody is tougher, and nobody is determined like me. I can feel my time has come. To be a hard worker and an untouchable dreamer is the best combo for the writer's life. I'm ready to be mentored. Eligible as hell. Pick me - that's all you have to do!

your best screenwriter,

Kata Varga

Juliet, Naked

How could I possibly miss this movie?! Just what I needed to see on this sunny (but still a bit rainy-cold) Sunday afternoon. I thought nothing can surprise me about an Ethan Hawke piece, but this one was something different (in the best possible way). My focus was on 'Stockholm' back in 2018. No wonder, in love with Noomi.

I can't wait to try writing a script with a fellow writer (or more writers aka 'writers' room' on a TV gig)! 'Juliet, Naked' was written by three screenwriters: Evgenia Peretz, Tamara Jenkins, and Jim Taylor. I love the story idea! I mean, come on! Each of us has at least one idol/icon who we die to meet! We know everything about him/her and their lives, and we dedicated a great deal of our time to figuring out their 'whys'. Just imagine you break up with someone, and they hook up with your idol! Genius. Okay, technically, Annie and Tucker start a long-term e-mailing relationship first. It's so lovely, heartwarming, and feels just about right. Highly recommend this film for every human over 35 with a beating heart! Must see. It might push you out of the shadow zone.

Hard to find a good (and gently funny) movie with a giant heart these days. Why is that? Like, I know! I'm grateful whenever I bump into a gem like this one. The chemistry between Rose Byrne and Ethan Hawke is cute. They seem natural. {SPOILER ALERT} The ending scene made me smile wide from my soul. Meeting in London, in a coffee shop. That's one of my ideas for a great first date. Tucker is simply doing what a real woman wants - taking that step, showing up, and being there. The way he stands up when he sees Annie across the road is bloody priceless. Absolutely worth the wait. Thanks for making this film! High five to each cast and crew member.

your fellow screenwriter,

Kata Varga

Genres 1.0

Time for another industry-related post. The entertainment business as I'm learning about it. As a writer, I had to understand that writing a screenplay differs from writing a novel. The main thing is how you create the content. Writing a book is like the most uplifting art of putting words - sentences - paragraphs - pages together (literally 'bleeding on paper'). Writing a script is like building the structure first. Screenwriting is all about construction. The renovation comes with rewrites.

A screenwriter should be writing. You have to have at least 2-3 FINISHED scripts in your hands to get a start. Be creative - that's your job at first! It's a lot of struggle and rejection for years (decades even). If you can't take it, you are about to rethink your career goals. This isn't happening overnight. You have to read scripts, you have to write drafts, you have to rewrite your stuff, you have to read others' stuff, and you have to write every day.

Another hard-to-digest thing was for me to stay with one genre. I knew what I was good at, but I had to realize how I was going to get better at it. As a screenwriter, I need to get really good at one genre. For me, it's DRAMA (& mixing it in unique ways), no doubt. I was born to write about conflict, starting with the logline. No joke. As one of the eager audience members, I crave a compelling story. I want to be surprised by crazy twists in unexpected moments, so that's what I'm trying to write down. I give my readers many reasons to stick around. My protagonists are never the usual kind. Instead, they are always doing something, they are constantly dealing with high stakes, and they are never boring. I felt this is one of the crucial points to share with you all. Going to come back to this topic soon!

your fellow screenwriter,

Kata Varga

Just Another Day In April

It's not. This is Spring/2023, and the date is the annual of my Dad's Mother's passing. I regret not knowing her better. She led a tough life. I mean, she had three sons. Come on, with a soldier husband (who was much younger). Not going to give you a Hungarian history lesson, but you should know those were not the days of an easy-breezy love song (not that it is now, but still). They did what they could. They lived as they could. My Dad became who he was destined to be. Family played a defining role in his past - present - future. Grandmothers are the ones we hold on to. Best teachers, best friends, and best examples of how it can be done. All of it, anytime. Alone or not.

I want to live again the way my heart is telling me! Having fun is crucial! Laughing every day is the prescription you can get from me. Staying true to who I am at my core. This is what's important. I was born to stand out. I can't live by rules made up by people. I'm only going to face god in the end, so why bother? I'm a runaway kid, just trying to survive. One day at a time. I care too much, anyway. I can feel the pain of every living being. That's what I call consciousness.

Sense of humor and a dark past. All that you got to share as a starter kit when you want a conversation with me. I'm a writer. I've lived like a hundred lives so far. Same as my Dad. We were such a badass duo. I miss him more than I have ever thought. He wasn't perfect, he hurt me so many times, but he was the one who truly cared. It's because of my Dad that I became stronger than anyone should ever be. He loved me madly. My Dad told me that I'm going to lead this whole world one day. He called out my confidence, but he also built it up.

Love is a strange thing, but it's always worth a shot. I'd rather die trying than live alone in perfect solitude. It's a rare gift to feel something again. So I won't give up until I can prove myself wrong and leave all my fears behind. God knows my wild heart, and that's good for now.

your fellow writer,

Kata

Kate

Katie Woman

Katherine

Love & Titanium 1.0

As a writer, I grab the pen/keyboard to put down what matters to me. When someone or something gets through to reach my well-protected inner core. What happened to Jeremy Renner on the first day of this year - I couldn't and wouldn't believe the news. Took me a few days to digest that. I've always been rooting for him, so it didn't stop when I realized the accident actually occurred, and that it was serious. I had no doubt about his recovery. I prayed for him and his strength, both mentally and physically. I felt he is going to come back.

I could finally watch the 'Diane Sawyer Interview' with Jeremy last night, and it gave me those chills again, no doubt. The hospital footage and doctor interviews were the hardest to see. Not to mention his family's emotional pain! I feel an enormous amount of sympathy for Valerie, Kym, Nicky, and everyone around him in those critical days. Love truly helped him to stay with us. Thank god, and thank you all! This is life. This is a loving family.

Grateful to witness these parts of Jeremy's physical therapy and small victories. The best part is his humor is there. His motivation and determination gave me hope. Now I can show this to my Mom (who cries whenever I get a new tattoo) - to ensure her that I'm safe and we can come back from literally anything if we are willing to fight for it. I had a few surgeries before, and I'm familiar with the scale of heavy pain in the body. Yet, what Jeremy went through, and endured must have been one of those miracles people talk about. Stubborn is the new black, I mean - thank god, again!

Being strong starts with how you react - mentally - to the actions happening to you. Jeremy had a great role model for that - Valerie, his Mama. I can not imagine not being able to speak as freely and as much as I want. A broken jaw? That's crazy. That is the most challenging part. Had a tiny glimpse of that after my last wisdom tooth was taken out by surgery. I couldn't open my mouth for two weeks. (Best diet plan, though.) Not comparing it to Jeremy's injury, only trying to express my support. I can feel his path to recovery.

Rennervations!!!! I can't wait to experience that! Counting the days back! India - a special place for my heart - is one of the lucky communities Jeremy Renner helped! He made hundreds smile. Have fun, Jeremy! I'm sending big bear hugs to you and everyone in your family, especially Ava!

your fellow writer,

Kata Varga

Magnolia Aibreán

Got an actual professional cut (to be off with the 'granny-style' - how I felt I appeared while growing my fancy hair back). Red looks good on me. Always did. At 19, my first color was ruby to dye my hair. It still warms my heart to remember how little rebel Kata walked the line with her head on fire. After all, it truly represents us like a crown.

I'm officially obsessed with Magnolia Trees. Began in Dublin, but everywhere I go, it keeps on amazing me. Mother Nature is blooming. The colors of this spring are yellow, pink, purple, green, blue, and white. And any kinds of shades and mixtures of these. Not to forget those touched by sweet silver, diamond glitters, and sparkling rose gold. 

Gardening has also begun. It refreshes my soul to just go outside and deal with the earth. Planting our future food is the best kind of motivation. I know how I do it and what I use to help it grow, and I can feel all the uplifting effects on my mood. It is therapy, too. This is my first year having strawberries (my fav berries) join the team.

As a firstborn, I'm the one with the 'Big D*ck Energy'. To go further, Vedic Astrology says I'm a Leo - not a Virgo, as Western Astrology highly suggested. My call would be I'm a bit of both. A funny fact comes along: I'm as free-spirited as my younger brother should be. I was born as a natural charmer, and he is an incredible prankster. I'm a big sister who has always been daydreaming about a big brother but never actually had one. 

'Why Women Kill' is my new fav Comedy-Crime-Drama TV show. I have found it a little late but amusing like hell. Dealing with marriage is a challenge, not to mention infidelity - the show's primary topic. Roles of Women - what a yummy book I could love to write about this!

your fellow writer,

Kata Varga