Mastery Journal

Born to write, I am currently pursuing my Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing at Full Sail University. Along with establishing myself as a Poet, Author, Editor and Publisher, I will soon take on the title of Screenwriter, translating written ideas into entertaining visual creations.

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I am a Writer...

www.WriterGrind.com

#WriterGrind®

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Effective Branding

Kevin Hart has not only branded himself as a stand-up touring comedian; he is an actor, producer, writer, athlete, family man, and much more. With four million followers on Instagram and counting, he manages his own image and even requires a marketing clause in his contracts (he is paid to promote all projects associated with his name). This allows him to have complete creative control over his career, from endorsements, movie and television appearances, and even as the first comedian to secure a shoe deal with Nike.

In this ad, Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, directly addresses Donald Trump’s insensitive attitude towards minority voters. Without having to provide her own input, other than “I am Hillary Clinton and I approve this message”, she allows Trump to burry himself with his own words. This article further explains the power of her message and how it strengthens her campaign: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/28/us/politics/hillary-clinton-ad-pushes-issue-of-race-against-donald-trump.html?_r=0

Image via Soap Opera Network

Last but surely not least, my television idol, Shonda Rhimes has effectively branded herself as a showrunner, writer, and producer of four Thursday night shows - all on one network, ABC (not pictured: The Catch). The hashtag #TGIT is used to promote the weeknight’s lineup. Fans come together, virtually, to live tweet each episode, which helps boost ratings and viewership. As a result, Grey’s Anatomy, now in its 13th season, is the longest running show on the network.

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Star’s Dilemma Storyboard Images

Meet Star, a nineteen-year-old ambitious artist who is living her dream independently. Star has been painting for about 10 years. It is not only her passion, but also her means for survival. However, when she receives an EVICTION NOTICE, she must quickly think of a way to come up with 500 dollars in overdue rent money. She has 24 hours...

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Gamification Mastery Discussion

Gamifying Asthma Inhalers For Kids with Gecko Health

Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/niaid/5950870440

A digitized inhaler is not only a “fun” concept to get children to be more attentive to their health when it comes to breathing issues; it is also a reliable method for monitoring particular concerns within the tracking app. “Data from each dose syncs with an app, which translates the medication dosages into points that kids can accumulate” (Mak, 2016). Although I do not have asthma, I recognize the importance of upgrading a typical inhaler as it relates to the advancement of health care products. With reminders set via LED lighting and detailed usage history available to parents, caregivers and doctors, asthma can be treated in a more effective manner.

Wak, Heong Weng. (May 10, 2016). Gamifying Asthma Inhalers For Kids with Gecko Health. Retrieved from http://www.gamification.co/2016/05/10/gecko-health-delivers-asthma-meds-with-double-dose-of-smart-and-fun/

10 Specific Ideas To Gamify Your Classroom

“Games are one motivator that almost all kids are responsive to. Many teachers have had the experience of asking students to stop playing games such as Angry Birds during class. However, it can be rationalized that games can be a very strong motivator for students when the same game elements are applied in an educational context” (Acedo, 2014).

As a high school teacher who is constantly nagging students about playing games on their cellphones, I can most definitely relate to this theory. This school year alone, I have noticed how my students are more engaged when lessons are centered around technology. This article provides great examples on how to educate on the level of students’ overall interests, proving that gamified classrooms promote goal-setting techniques and also strengthen confidence. 

Acedo, Mike. (January 6, 2014). 10 Specific Ideas To Gamify Your Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/how-to-gamify-your-classroom/

Gamification of Politics for the Millennials Generation

“Gamification can help get people involved. A political platform might not be as addictive as World of Warcraft, or follow players around like Swarm. It probably won’t involve as many amusing GIFS as Twitter, Imgur, Tumblr or Reddit. But it should have certain game-like features: competition, creativity, challenges, rewards” (Thibault, 2015).

With so many social media platforms being utilized as go-to sources for breaking news, this article supports the notion that politics are only entertaining when “infused with features like interactability, strategy, competition and rewards” (Thibault 2015). I’m personally guilty of hashtag activism, as it is explained throughout. Many of us become so attracted to what’s trending that we veer away from our own beliefs. Maybe we all can agree that politics are more entertaining when certain laws and regulations can be publicly disputed. 

Thibault, John, (September4, 2015). Gamification of Politics for the Millennials Generation. Retrieved from http://millennialmagazine.com/gamification-of-politics-for-the-millennials-generation/

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bestselling Author and Aspiring Screenwriter to Pitch at ABFF

Jacksonville, FL May 1, 2016

Bestselling Author Liltera R. Williams will be making an appearance at this year’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF), taking place in Miami, Florida, on June 15th through June 19, 2016. After self-publishing four books, Williams decided to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. She is currently enrolled at Full Sail University, based in Orlando, Florida.

Just six months away from completing the accelerated online program, Williams is preparing to break into the industry as soon as possible. She plans to pitch her first short film at the annual ABFF event. Therapy Session is a suspenseful drama that tells the story of a suicidal psychiatrist struggling with the effects of physical abuse from her father as she suffers from flashbacks and must decide if forgiveness is worth it once she comes face-to-face with the man who has caused her the most pain.  

Although Williams has been successful with the production of original stories comprised within both fiction and non-fiction books, she realizes that screenwriting is a totally different avenue. In preparation for her ABFF appearance, she will be visiting Los Angeles, California, this month to gain a realistic idea of what it will be like to reside and flourish in Hollywood. “In order for the vision to come true, you must first create it. My motto is LIVE YOUR DREAM, so I can’t wait for my dreams to magically manifest. I have to work hard and be proactive.”

Williams has been honing her craft for close to two decades. “I was born to write,” she says. Her first name, Liltera, even resembles the spelling of ‘Literature’. Full Sail’s MFA program has been a rough learning experience; however, Williams refused to back down from the challenge. “I knew that it would be demanding, but I was motivated by the possibilities. Every assignment allowed me to gain a better understanding of what will be expected at the next level. My passion for writing keeps me driven.”

The American Black Film Festival provides exposure and one-of-a-kind opportunities for aspiring screenwriters, filmmakers, and actors of African descent. Whether in front of or behind the camera, their talent will not go unnoticed. Williams is taking advantage of the invitation and getting a head start on her screenwriting career by introducing herself to panel representatives, film experts and well-known celebrities who are scheduled to be present. Williams can be contacted via phone or email for those interested in finding out more about her short film. 

iWrite4orU [phone] [email protected]

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Mastery Journal Assignment for Episodic and Serial Writing

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge and thank Professor McKain for the quality of material that he provided for the duration of this course. Not only was the material useful, it allowed me to experience the reality of being on a writing staff firsthand. Initially, I did not recognize how impactful the discussion board posts would be, mainly due to the lack of participation from other classmates in previous courses. However, the setup was much more efficient this time around and the expectations were very clear.

Although I’ve previously collaborated on projects and sought feedback from peers, I am extremely new to the screenwriting process. To some beginners, this course may have been somewhat intimidating, but for me, it served as motivation to improve my writing skills.

Working on the “No Good Deeds” series was an intensive learning opportunity. I found it much easier to contribute to a format that was already established versus starting from scratch and creating a series of my own. Studying the show bible, breaking a story and then rewriting the episode according to the preferred structure provided a sense of accomplishment that I did not believe was attainable so soon.

I most definitely can picture myself as a member of a real writers’ staff and I have set my sights on joining one of my favorite shows, How To Get Away with Murder, in the near future. Now that I have gained knowledge about the overall process, from writing spec episodes to proper Final Draft formatting, I feel more confident moving forward with my plans to join the television industry. In the meantime, I will revisit the Deep Learning Assignments and utilize the directions to prepare for original projects. I will also be attending a film festival in Miami, FL this summer, expecting to learn much more about how to become a successful screenwriter.

-LRW

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Pinterest Protagonist/Antagonist

Protagonist: Dr. Kimberlee Sebastian (Psychiatrist)

Antagonist: Marc Jones (Obsessed Patient)

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Library Assignment

Dr. Kimberlee Sebastian, 35 year-old Psychiatrist​ from Atlanta, GA

Book: Life Code: The New Rules for Winning in the Real World by Dr. Phil McGraw

Magazine: Psychology Today, January 2016 Issue

Website: www.apa.org

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My fifth book, PEN, PUBLISH, PROMOTE the Write Way (Detailed Guide for Aspiring Writers and First-Time Authors) is still in progress. But, once completed, it will serve as a guide for my writing workshops. If it isn’t clear, I am a die-hard literacy advocate. Not only do I care about the personal and professional success of high school students, but I desire to have an impact on preserving the quality of work released within the self-publishing industry. Every day in the classroom, I am discovering new reasons why reading is difficult, while also confirming that reading deficiencies have a direct impact on one’s writing skills.

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While in the classroom, I am constantly jotting down notes or documenting special moments. At some point in the near future (maybe this summer), I’m sure that I will be inspired to write a book about my first-year teaching challenges, and the superpower(s) that I gained along the way. However, first, I could create a proposal suggesting that all new teachers write biweekly or monthly blog posts detailing both positive and negative things they've learned in the process of teaching. This could be beneficial for incoming novice educators. I could also write a letter to the Superintendent providing strategies on how to improve literacy in Title I public schools.

Retrieved January 28, 2016, from http://shop.htprintables.com/iTeach_c76.htm

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I am committed to ensuring that my students are equipped with the knowledge they need to perform well on both standardized assessments. If 60% (87/146) of them showcase an improvement on retakes with a passing FSA or ACT score, it will greatly affect the school’s overall literacy rate. I am tasked with tracking data from practice assessments on a daily basis. Perhaps, I could come up with an improvement plan that will be effective school-wide. I look forward to helping my students reach a new level of freedom and adding this accomplishment to my professional resume.

Retrieved January 28, 2016, from http://diaz-arts.com/page/2/

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Quote: Toni Morrison

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37657778@N07/4281410119

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This is a tweet from How to Get Away with Murder Creator, Pete Nowalk. I’ve noticed that he’s been sharing pieces of the script from episodes on Twitter each week during #TGIT live-tweeting sessions, giving viewers an inside look at how the action unfolds before it is translated on-screen. Not only does this engage viewers; it also offers aspiring screenwriters, like myself, a clear example of the script writing and formatting process.

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Mastery Journal Timeline for Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership

Mastery Journal Timeline for Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership

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I came across this image while completing the Brainstorming Research & Framework assignment. It reminds me to continue building where I am, instead of reserving the height of my talent/success for major cities.

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Experience is what you get when you don't get what you wanted.

Randy Pausch

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Diigo Library

My Diigo Library includes screenwriting links and references that will keep me up to date with the latest industry trends and requirements.

https://www.diigo.com/user/iwrite4oru_lrw