All the news, so to speak, seems to be coming out of Orlando today. Rather Orlando via Greece in the case of WFTV’s uber-talented JR VAN WASSENHOVE. He took his lovely bride to Greece for their honeymoon (so romantic!), and he also took along his drone, resulting in the most spectacular footage – a marvelous remembrance. He even posted a very well documented How to Shoot Drone Footage in Greece, which is fascinating. Even if you aren’t headed for Europe, it’s an informative read. Thanks JR!

LARRY WATZMAN who’s the new VP Creative Wrangler at WOFL, Fox in the Big O, has tapped a new Sr. Producer who was already in the market. ZOE PLASENCIA, who has worked at many Florida TV outlets as well as some non-profits. Lucky lady to get to work with Larry. Well Dunne! WOFL.

ED ROTH has written for Disney, the San Diego Padres, The List, and a host of high-end entities, like Jacobs & Gerber. He shares this reflection on what we’ve all faced when starting a project – the blank page. Take it away Ed –

Nothing by Stephen King. Anne Rice or Dean Koontz can evoke more terror than the blank page, especially when there’s a deadline.

This goes for professional writers as well as those who just have to bang something out (Venn diagram overlaps here). There are the usual questions about deciding the topic, finding an angle, establishing a voice and eventually, wondering if it’s time to fish or cut bait. Rest assured, everyone experiences the dread, no matter how many words you’ve contributed to the digital universe.

The secret, of course, is to just sit down and start writing. Even if it’s just a ramble, it works. At some point, you either fall in love with the direction or curse the day you accepted the assignment.

Contrary to popular opinion, getting inspiration isn’t a goal; it’s something that happens when you put yourself in a situation that allows the synapses to start firing. Taking a shower is a good one. Driving is another. Talking to people about bad ideas is also great – this one lets you hear how awful those too-clever-by-half “insights” sound. It also gets you out of your head, something that is immensely helpful.

So don’t fear the blank page. Embrace it. Start putting words down. Any words. It’s easier to revise and cut than create from scratch (ask any editor).

Turn the terror of the blank page into the possibilities of the blank page. You got this.

(Note: This closing statement was originally “Be the blank page,” but the Caddyshack reference felt out of place. See? You’re not the only one who rewrites.)

Think About This: “Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.”  ~ Confucius