Happy Friday, everyone! I don’t often send out a Friday newsletter, as my regularly scheduled programming is normally reserved for Tuesdays (Scene Breakdowns), and Thursdays (Inspirational & Educational posts). I’m expanding what I do here on Substack, though, as well as how I will be supporting writers going forward.
I’ve received quite a few new subscribers over the past month, and I’m so incredibly grateful that you decided to make these Story Farm newsletters a regular part of your week. It shows me that I’m actually doing something worthwhile, and in this world of working from home, through Zoom, and especially in the world of writing…it’s a regular thought and feeling of, “Is this thing on?” So I’m very thankful that you’re here with me, and I will devote my time to supporting you as much as I can. On that note…
What’s to come at The Farm?
A Substack Subscription: I’ve spent the last month researching Substack and all that it offers, as well as what other content providers offer through their paid subscriptions. I didn’t want to do just the same ‘ol, same ‘ol - “pay me so you can read my newsletter”. What I’ve decided is to present my paid Substack subscription as an ongoing, weekly workshop-focused membership that also presents weekly round-ups and updates on everything I think screenwriters will be eager to know and learn. Here is what the subscription schedule will be and what it will provide (Free subscribers will still receive the full Tuesday and Thursday posts):
Monday: Weekly Writing Prompt - let’s get you starting the week off creatively and productively
Tuesday: Free “This Scene…” breakdown - the same fun video breakdowns of my favorite scenes from movies and TV
Wednesday: Weekly Assignment and Exercise - this will be exactly as it sounds. Every week I will send you an exercise and assignment that I use and give my Story Farm clients to help them build and develop their craft and project
Thursday: Free inspirational/educational post - the traditional Story Farm Substack posts
Saturday: Screenwriting Biz Round-Ups, News & Offers, Contest Suggestions & Deadlines - I will spend the week keeping track of any and all news and updates regarding the screenwriting industry and community, and put it all into one Saturday post. From contests that I feel are worthwhile, to news on development deals and potential writing gigs or resources I feel writers should pursue.
The Story Farm Circle Community: this is a new online writing group and membership that I am officially starting in October. It will be $27.50/month and will be much more interactive. The Substack subscription is for writers who are either a little strapped financially but still want the support, or are simply taking a casual approach to their screenwriting education. The Story Farm Circle is for writers who wish to be a part of a more active, live writing group where I host monthly logline reviews of members projects, pages reviews of members scripts, development workshops and classes, as well as office hours and time to be quiet and write. It also includes an active forum (much like a Facebook group) where you can stay connected with your peers. You can register FOR FREE and still participate in the membership forum if you just want to test things out. Click the button below to register and join in on the writing fun.
Call Packages and Long-Term Coaching: Nothing is changing here! My regular call packages are still going strong, and you all have until the end of November to jump in and add yourself to my roster. You can check out my call package options and offers here. Develop your feature or Series with me, 1-on-1 with deadlines, brainstorming, development notes, and more. I am also opening up my Professional Program in October for those of you who are really serious about your career, and are ready to invest in a long-term, extensive grad school approach to screenwriting. If you have questions, you can post a comment, send me a message here on Substack, or email me max@thestoryfarm.org or click the button below for more specific detail.
Don’t Be Alone in Your Writing Process
Networking isn’t just attending some event or film festival (though I do suggest you try to do that), it’s about being a part of as many groups and organizations and writing institutions as you can. Your peers - the people you’re in the trenches with - are the people who will provide opportunities for you in the future, and vice versa. We’re all in this together! My Story Farm writers have stuck with me for 20, 80, 120 calls or more through my call packages over the past four years or so. They’ve made the decision that investing in themselves, their writing, and their education is an essential part of building a writing career. The Substack subscription and the Story Farm Circle are low cost ways for you to be a part of something, learn something, and stay on a schedule.
I get it that not everyone can afford a coach or consultant as regularly as some, but this is why I’m launching these low cost options. Dive in. Make the commitment. Let’s get you working and creating.
I’m excited to be adding these new elements to The Story Farm! It’s all in the name - cultivate, grow, produce. I can help you in your process.
—Max Timm
The Story Farm
Thank you for ALL you do to mentor screenwriters Max. So much good and inspiring information. I for one do get a lot out of time spent ingesting your content.