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How to Structure Your First Scene UPDATE.

I will not contunie “Finding Your Voice as a Playwright” class and I will not pay. I try 35690 other resources to improve my writing.

I kept thinking about my answer: What will you plant when beginning a play? “my narrative will shift its focus to the settings.” 

Harem Entrance

13. Dolaplı Kubbe

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Magnetum Magenta

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Istanbul Beneath My Wings

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Istanbul Beneath My Wings

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Istanbul Beneath My Wings

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Istanbul Beneath My Wings

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where, when, what, what, where, what.

Where do you write? Everywhere, but if I could choose, it would be a cottage house filled with greenery.

When do you write? Unfortunately, I'm hardly writing at all. I struggle to transcribe the scenes I've vividly imagined into written words. It's possible that transforming that mental landscape into a tangible form feels like stepping out of my comfort zone. After all, it's so much easier to craft scenes in my mind using imagery, music, and evocative dialogues. However, through this online journal, I aim to cultivate the habit of writing as much as possible.

What themes recur in your note-taking or your thinking? I'm considering various themes, but the most dominant one is POWER. All three sultans are establishing different relationships in their pursuit of power. For Hürrem Sultan, it's a necessity because her deepest desire is to have respect and love. She believes she can attain this through power. To Hürrem Sultan, power is merely a means to an end. Consequently, she doesn't become ensnared by it; instead, she understands how to master it. In contrast, Safiye Sultan suddenly finds herself holding power in the palm of her hand, despite not actively seeking it. Her approach to dealing with power resembles a journey. She understands that everything is in constant flux, disappearing and reappearing, mirroring her experience with power in her pursuit of happiness, being on a path, and exploring. She takes pleasure in walking the path with power but recognizes that the one unchanging element, the sole true possession, is the path itself—the act of being on the journey. Kösem Sultan, on the other hand, perceives power as an imperative, as vital as drinking water or taking a breath. Consequently, Kösem's power extends to much broader than her predecessors, and the prices she pays to maintain that power are significantly higher than those paid by the others.

What stories move you? Stories that make me feel something. Hatred, excitement, disgust... Any emotion. Stories that explore the universal emotions humanity has had from the beginning of existence.

Where is the emotional truth of your writing? The existential contemplations that occupy my thoughts regularly, shaping my philosophy and my relationship with Allah, are not unique to me alone. I recognize that these existential ponderings are universal, shared by humanity as a whole, and my characters in my writing reflect these shared experiences.

What conditions do you need to complete your first draft? Persistence and dedication.

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How to Structure Your First Scene.

I'm continuing the course, and on the third day, I've reached the second week. The topic of this week is “How to Structure Your First Scene.” I'd like to answer some of the questions asked during the lecture here.

What will you plant when beginning a play? When beginning a play, it's crucial to plant a seed that encapsulates the essence or theme of your entire work. This could be an image, a line of dialogue, or even an emotion. It should be something that resonates deeply with you as the playwright and sets the tone for what's to come.

In many stories, series, and movies, the main focus is usually on characters. The whole story revolves around characters and their experiences. However, in a narrative where characters constantly die, relocate, and are no longer part of the story, there can be no character for the story to follow. Therefore, my narrative will shift its focus to the settings. While characters may come and go, the spaces they inhabit, the relationships they form with those spaces, and their interactions within them will emerge as the primary elements of the story. Throughout the series, characters will carry the desire and necessity to attain absolute power. The expansion, growth, and addition of new spaces will parallel the ascent of their power. Undoubtedly, the most pivotal space will be the harem, a dwelling where the Sultan, his family and concubines reside. The root word Ḥ-R-M finds itself in other terms linked to the concept of prohibition, such as "haram" (forbidden). Hence, the opening scene of the story should signal our entry into a private, restricted space, where it's not appropriate for us to observe. A Turkish bath scene where concubines, lying naked by the pool, partially covered by loincloths, are bathing. Intimate and discreet, as it reflects the essence of the story's primary setting. A private space that holds the secrets of an empire, capturing its family's most personal moments, their battles for survival, their joys, and their sorrows.

Domenico Morelli - “Turkish Bath”

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In Sanskrit aesthetics, performances are known as Lilas, which is a kind of sport, a game, a playfulness. There are also Maya, an illusory, and that all life is Lilas and Maya.

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Thank you.

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“Finding Your Voice as a Playwright”. 

I have started one of the courses in the online MicroMaster Program at the University of Cambridge, titled as “Finding Your Voice as a Playwright”. 

My access to this course lasts until October 11th. Currently, I'm faced with two options: 

- Option one entails paying $199.99, which would grant me unlimited access to the course and the ability to earn a certificate. 

- Option two, on the other hand, involves a more substantial investment of $1,432.80. With this option, I would gain full access to all courses in the program and the chance to earn a prestigious MicroMaster certificate in Writing for Performance and the Entertainment Industries. 

The financial aspect is a bit complex. My monthly salary matches the $1,432.80 price tag, and I'm also dealing with an equivalent amount of debt. The good news is, I have a plan to clear this debt over the next two months. However, during this period, I won't be able to change to any certificate track. Considering my current financial situation and the uncertain state of my job due to my company's financial struggles, my immediate priority is to immerse myself in the course materials over the next two weeks. While obtaining that certificate holds significant value to me, now is not the time for me to focus on becoming a financial expert to eliminate my $3,000 debt. Instead, my primary goal in this course is to enhance my creative writing skills, step by step. 

Perhaps in the foreseeable future, when my financial situation stabilizes, I'll revisit the idea of pursuing that certificate. For now, my pen will wield more power than my calculator.

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the hardest part of learning is knowing what to learn.

Even if you think that what you're doing won't take you where you want to go, you still need to start somewhere because 1- it's much better than doing nothing, and 2- you can't know what you might find along the way. So, I asked ChatGPT; “How to become a showrunner?”

Gain Experience in the Industry: Start by gaining experience in the television industry. This can include working in various roles such as a writer, script editor, producer, or director. Building a strong foundation in different aspects of television production will provide you with a well-rounded skill set.  (This won't be my first step. I'm not ready to enter the industry yet.)

Develop Your Writing Skills: Writing is a fundamental skill for a showrunner. Work on honing your writing skills, particularly in the genre or type of content you aspire to create. Write scripts, pilot episodes, and spec scripts to showcase your talent. (This will definitely be my first step. I should find a writing program where I can earn a certificate and get started.)

Network: Networking is crucial in the entertainment industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people in the field. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities and collaborations that will further your career. (Courses from directors and producers I admire, training that will help me develop the screenplay I want to write... I should follow these opportunities and attend the education that I believe is the right fit for me. I will organize my social media to stay updated on event news.)

Gain Credits: Accumulate credits by working on television shows. Start with entry-level positions and work your way up. Credits as a writer or producer on successful shows will enhance your credibility and reputation in the industry. (This is the same with the first paragraph, not ready yet.)

Pitch Your Ideas: As you gain experience and confidence, start pitching your own show ideas to networks, studios, or production companies. Developing original concepts that are unique and marketable is essential. Be prepared to pitch your ideas persuasively and professionally. (This is the last step…)

Secure a Writing Job on a Series: To become a showrunner, you'll likely need to work as a staff writer or producer on a television series. This will give you firsthand experience working within a writers' room and understanding the dynamics of a production team. (Again, not ready yet.)

Learn the Ropes: Pay attention to how experienced showrunners manage their shows. Understand the production process, budgeting, casting, and decision-making. Learn how to collaborate with various departments, including production, post-production, and marketing. (Okay, this can indeed be one of the initial steps. Currently, I'm listening to a discussion featuring 5 showrunners who are sharing their experiences.)

Show Leadership: As you progress in your career, demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to take on increasing responsibilities. This may involve becoming a show's executive producer or showrunner's assistant before taking on the role of showrunner yourself. (I have Mars in Leo, this is covered.)

Develop a Unique Vision: Successful showrunners often have a unique vision and style that sets them apart. Develop your own voice and storytelling style that can attract viewers and network executives. (I genuinely believe that I have a unique vision. Even when I question everything else, this is the one thing I won't doubt.)

Pitch Yourself: When you feel ready, pitch yourself as a showrunner for a project. This may involve presenting a show concept and demonstrating your ability to lead and manage a production team effectively. (That's a great idea; I'll begin creating a pitch deck. Even though it's early, I can practise and develop my pitch as I go along.)

Be Persistent: The journey to becoming a showrunner can be challenging and competitive. Be prepared for rejection and setbacks, but stay persistent and continue to improve your skills and network. (Promise, I will. Promise.)

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an unusual experiment on changing my entire life and the other details.

Since the age of 6, I have had a single dream: to build worlds and tell stories. It feels like my existence has no meaning if I don't do this. If an angel came down from the sky right now and said that you will never be able to realize this dream in your life, I would kill myself right then without hesitation. Because there will be no point in living. Up until my early twenties, I didn't have any stories to tell, I couldn't find inspiration. At 21, I had a dream, and afterward, I became so filled with inspiration that I could come up with new ideas every second, every minute. However, I felt that I needed to learn and acquire some knowledge about the world before I could start. I've learned, and I'm still learning. It's strange that despite having such a strong desire for all this time, I haven't even made a short film. Yes, I've tried, but the production in my mind and the resources at my disposal never seemed to align. I've always wanted to tell epic stories, ones that narrate the past and future of humanity. If it wasn't going to be the way I wanted, was there any point in doing it? Plus, I still felt like the time wasn't right. But now, I'm ready to try everything, to do everything, to embarrass myself, and to take all the risks. Because the time has come. In fact, it's passing by.

Let's get started. I will record my entire journey here. It will not only help me track my progress but also serve as a guide for others when I fulfil my dream.

And undoubtedly, it will become a reality. I don't know how it will happen yet, but I will learn.