I type over 80 words per minute. So transcribing by hand to then go to the laptop or desktop would be an inefficient use of my time. Better to use a word doc and then copy/cut and paste. However, I get it... a stream of consciousness is a stream of consciousness. I sleep with my cell phone next to me and write memos when the mood strikes me, be it walking, dinner, chatting with a friend.
Books is a totally different process than teleplays/screenplays for sure. I still find myself struggling to embrace superfluous prose. With movie scripts or a pilot episode, your main goal is to get into the scene at the last possible moment and exit the scene as quickly as possible, because pace and immersion is paramount. Books though, can require a slow burn to them. As I have gone along though, my books continue to get longer and longer. So I just let the muse take me where it wants to go. I am developing my 4th book now in a series.
As to selling? Well that's very broad question. Selling what exactly? I would need a little more information. However, I will give you some insight into what I mean.
If you want to sell a screenplay, and you are a newcomer. Your odds are pretty awful. Why? Because we live in an era where the majority of movies made today are based off of IP. Meaning they are based off of books. There are five (5) major book publishers and those five have hundreds of smaller imprints under their umbrella. There are millions of books, with already established fanbases who are eagerly waiting for those stories to be told (think The Martian or Gone Girl).
So... studios have become more risk averse than ever. They are snatching up IP left and right. Harper Collins is owned by News Corp and Simon & Schuster is owned by CBS. Harper Collins last year entered into a deal with film exec Elizabeth Gabler (formerly of Fox 2000) to have Sony distribute their IP theatrically. This is just one example of the pinch new writers face. The majority of working screenwriters are only doing OWA's (open writing assignments) because the studios are also reimagining/rebooting their old properties like The Lion King, Godzilla or Planet of The Apes.
So if you really want to get into Hollywood writing movies, that means you have to go the independent route [think horror or low-budget comedy] to get your foot in the door. Easier to do if you can partner with a filmmaker, up and coming or established. You'd have an even better chance if you could get someone with established named recognition to partner up with you. However, if you're a black person, it's an uphill climb because most black talent doesn't seem eager to produce content like that. At least opposed to other stars like Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson and Seth Rogen.
So I say all that to say... be prepared to grind. And fail. Then keep grinding. And fail less. And pay attention to opportunities where they come. What works for me, may not work for you. Doesn't mean you can't succeed though. It's just nothing will be handed to you and no one owes you anything.
My $0.02
nah but thats good you ready to go.
