It’s been a crazy month.  As you all know, I spent the majority of it laboring over the script with great intensity.  The reason for that concentrated dash was the producer that now holds the script in his hands.  It was a difficult task, and I’m certain there’s still room for much improvement, but it’s definitely to a place where it’s strong enough to show.   Now that I’ve reached this blissful place, I’ve begun a much needed vacation.

In celebration of my lifelong friend Justin’s birthday, his girlfriend rented a lake house on Norris Lake in La Follette, Tennessee.  I recruited Jason to ride down with me (to keep me awake) and we headed out yesterday.  After nine hours of driving, we arrived around midnight last night.  I was shocked by two things.

First, I’ve been here before.  I didn’t realize it, but La Follette is also home to Cumberland Gap and Big South Fork.  This was the location of my much-enjoyed camping excursion with Justin last July.  As we drove past the Wal-Mart (sad, I know), I realized I knew exactly where I was.  Neat.

Second, the nature of this lake house is unbelievable.  I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting.  I think I imagined something somewhat small, cramped (with 20 some people in attendance) and most likely aged.  The reality was something quite different.  What we got was a four story (five with the loft), brand new, never been used, palatial home.  Three of the levels sport decks overlooking the lake.  There are two 42″ widescreen televisions, classy leather furniture, an Xbox, Bose surround sound, tons of bedrooms and a hot tub.  There is more than enough room to accommodate the group comfortably.  Myst hasn’t been completed, I haven’t become a rich, celebrity filmmaker, but I certainly feel like I’m living like I have.

The fatigue of the nine hour drive was immediately vaporized by the swanky surroundings and the mountain resting directly across from us.  Even in the darkness, it’s presence was both calming and energizing.

I awoke this morning to fresh, warm mountain air and a view of the sun rising over the trees into a cloud-swept sky.  Can’t ask for much more after the insanity of recent weeks.

As I write this, I’m looking out over a beautiful scene from the second story deck.  Here are some photos of my view:

With this escape, I’m able to take a moment, to breathe and to assess.  I have some thoughts about the massive, two year trek through scripting this film.

My first thought is, “Thank God for Patrick”.  This script – as it exists – is the product of my collaboration with him.  While I took on the task of actually penning the manuscript, it wouldn’t have been possible without his input and insight.  Our long talks over four years about narrative, plot, character, logistics, etc. for this script have been my salvation from the quagmire it could have become if I were alone in this venture.  “Myst” is just too massive and complex for me to have tackled without him.

It has been hard at times to maintain enthusiasm while buried under the weight of writing.  I’ve gotten disheartened, insecure, frightened, exhausted, angry, sick, depressed, heartbroken, anxious, drunk and miserable.  But, that’s only one side.  I’ve also felt exuberant, inspired, elated, happy, proud, euphoric, validated, vindicated and accomplished.

This leads to the thought of, “Thank God for the fans”.  Without you and your words of encouragement and your DEMANDS for a quality script, I think I would have been much less motivated to suffer through the hard times and experience the good ones.  Thanks, guys.  Sincerely.

With this tome (ridiculously thick) sitting at my side, I’m feeling pretty good.  It isn’t perfect.  It isn’t the final iteration.  It isn’t ready to shoot, but it is good.  I’m not the most secure guy and I often have difficulty recognizing the value of my own work, but I know this script is really good.

It has been a long road and I pray that it continues to wind its way toward success and the ultimate pay-off of a hit film, but just having this experience has been amazing.  This process has been the most challenging undertaking of my professional life, and yet I can’t imagine anything else I would have rather spent the last two years of my life on.  I’ve taken down my own personal Goliath.  I’ve produced the best writing of my life, and I’ve exceeded my own expectations for myself.   That is a huge reward in itself.  I feel accomplished.  I feel hopeful.  I feel excited.

More phone calls and emails are soon to come.  More battles and struggles are on the way, but for now I’m going to soak up the sun and the mountain air.  There will be time for the next phase soon enough.