If there is one part of this process with which I am completely at ease, it would be deadlines. Journalist/Editor for eight years, reporter for fourteen years before that, writing on top of the car (or nearby people) and calling in story? Daily occurrence. Random House wants their latest 350pp pop culture MS in 90 days? Sure. Kevin Morales' 10-Day First Draft? Conquered! Deadlines? Phooey on deadlines! :) Self-discipline is something you can actively develop, and from that bone-deep commitment to "just do it," again, and again, and again. you can look at 110 blank sheets with no fear of filling them. Will it be perfect first time? No. Knowing yourself - strengths and flaws - really does take away most of the fear of putting it out there on schedule. Try Kevin's next 10-Day draft! Or any other time-based challenges that present themselves. Embrace deadlines and surprise yourself with what you CAN do! Taking new reporters out on their first assignments was always about *showing* them how to meet the deadline. Screenwriters don't get much of that sort of opportunity, but, writing to your own self-imposed deadlines, committing to early bird dates on contests, and participating in accountability exercises whenever they appear is all good training. If you know your weaknesses - and there is always someone ready to tell you! - then you can fix it, or find someone else to help you fix it. Get as many notes on everything you write as you possibly can! Knowing YOU means you organize that time before deadlines better for YOU, and lower your deadline stress with every project you complete. Happy writing!

Scott - you have really targeted what separates being a pro from just dreaming about it - the ability to deliver when the money is on the table and the deadline is set. Eight weeks to craft a 100-page motion picture screenplay? Not for the faint of heart. Thanks as always for your candor and counsel.