Here’s a progress report about some of my work, which I generally don’t like to discuss before it’s finished. Much of what I am writing takes time to develop, and one of my projects – a war story intended for movies – is gaining feedback. As with much of what I’m writing, it is taking longer than anticipated, though I have a patient and understanding partner. Another story is in the early stage. I have a development meeting tomorrow to further advance what at its core is an inspiring tale of a self-made man. Other projects are making progress, too, including my goal to make more archival material available in new formats and create new commentary and content about foreign affairs, health care, music, film and history. This week, I helped a couple market their start-up business and I made a breakthrough on a project about an exceptional person whom I’ve been asked to write about.
Some projects do not work out as planned due to factors beyond my control. I had been asked to write memoirs for someone of some renown and I was unable to do so as anticipated because, unfortunately, it turned out that the person was diagnosed with dementia and we were unable to develop the manuscript. It is frustrating when that happens. That’s partly why I’m glad I was able to interview and write about actor Peter Breck before he died, and I am planning to produce a series about his late Big Valley co-star, the legendary Barbara Stanwyck, including reviewing a new biography about the movie star.
I know that good writing requires an ongoing commitment to excellence, so I am taking writing and communications classes while finishing the fourth and final year of my studies at the Objectivist Academic Center (OAC) and I am still working on an idea for objective communication, as I mentioned here. It has been over three years since I sold Box Office Mojo with my partners to one of the world’s largest companies and it’s been exactly six years since I wrote this review of an unforgettable winter movie about dogs, which was part of the reason I said Yes to one of my current works in progress. Much has happened (and not happened) in those years and I am positively excited about what I’m working on – including uncredited work for others – so I wanted to share some of what I’m doing, some of what’s up, with my faithful readers. That means you. Thank you for your support.