Sadly, I think it’s been over two months since I’ve read any more in my Bautista book, which means it’s been about that long since I’ve even thought about that screenplay idea.

On the positive side, I did finish the third/half of the book that was pretty much narrative about his life. The following chapters are an academic analysis of his time and of the cultures of his day. This means I have the basics of his story in my head and in notes- we know the events that happened to him between when he was born and when he died- and I can consider plot points based on what I have now.

The later chapters of the book provide color and detail on his age, though, and therefore need to be completed.

It’s fairly typical of me to get to this place though. I start a project I get excited about, and then I lose steam halfway in. With nothing pulling me forward, no outside demands or incentives, I do this. I stall. I lose the drive to finish things, just for my sake.

The Bautista story has four key divisions: childhood, soldier, explorer, governor.

The Bautista script has to have a main singular arch. Development, conflict, resolution. A compelling story line. Answers to the question “Why is this man worth knowing about?” And that is where the research has to be solid. I have to answer that question for myself. What did he accomplish- as a singular person, for himself, for his family, for his friends, for his country, measured in the refining scope of history? Was he moral? Was he revolutionary? Was he innovative? Was he good? if he was good, why so, considering the world of his day?

To be continued.