3 Getting Started
I needed to get start on my plans, so I decided to begin by writing novels to dip my toes into the entertainment industry and gain some recognition. However, being a child, I couldn't just write anything; I had to start small. That's when I realized I could write children's movies as short stories. The problem was, I didn't know how to publish them, and I wondered if anyone would believe that I wrote them.
I checked if Toy Story existed in this world.
"Looks like it doesn't, huh? It seems like the entirety of Pixar doesn't exist."
I started writing a story based on Toy Story. It took me almost a month, but I was able to write it.
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The story follows the adventures of toys that belong to a boy named Andy, which come to life when Andy and other humans are not around. The main characters of the story are Woody and Buzz Lightyear.
Woody is Andy's favorite toy. Every day, he gets to play with Andy and the other toys, including Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, and Rex the dinosaur. Everything is great for Woody until a new toy arrives: a space ranger action figure called Buzz Lightyear.
Buzz comes with fancy wings and laser beams, and everyone is amazed by his cool gadgets. Soon, Buzz becomes the new favorite toy, and Woody feels a bit left out. Jealousy take over Woody's heart, and he hatches a plan to get Buzz out of the picture.
However, things don't go according to plan as Woody and Buzz find themselves outside of Andy's room, lost in the big wide world. So, they have to overcome their differences and work together to find their way back home.
The antagonist of the story is Sid, Andy's next-door neighbour, known for his destructive and sadistic behaviour toward toys. He enjoys disassembling and reassembling toys in unusual and sometimes monstrous ways. He becomes a central figure when Woody and Buzz become stuck in his house.
Not only do Woody and Buzz have to deal with Sid, but they also have to make it back to Andy before a certain time because Andy and his family are moving to another house.
Woody and Buzz discover the true meaning of friendship. Through the ups and downs, they form an unbreakable bond, realizing that being there for each other is more important than being the favourite toy.
In the end, Woody and Buzz make it back to Andy. The toys in Andy's room, led by Woody, also learn to embrace change and welcome new friends into their midst.
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After finally finishing the story, I decided to share it with my mother.
"Hey, Mom, I finished that project I am working on," I said as I approached her.
She was watching the TV, turning it off. She replied, "Oh, let's see this secret project of yours."
I handed her the pages and anxiously waited for her reaction as she read through it. Silence filled the room, broken only by the rustle of paper. Finally, my mother looked up, a warm smile on her lips.
"Danny, this is incredible. How did you come up with this?"
"I don't know, Mom. It just sort of came to me. I thought about what it would be like if toys could talk and have adventures when we're not around,"
She chuckled, "Well, you always had a vivid imagination."
"Do you really think it's good?" I asked her innocently.
My mom nodded, "Absolutely! It's a great story. You have a talent, Danny, and now we need to find a way to get this published," she said as a thoughtful expression graced her face.
"But Mom, I'm just a kid. Do you think anyone will take me seriously?"
Her eyes softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Sweetheart, age doesn't determine talent. If your story is good, it deserves to be shared. We'll figure out a way."
My mother and I brainstormed ideas on how to get my story out. It was then she remembered reading an advertisement in the newspaper.
"Danny, you know what? I remember seeing something in the paper this morning," she said, reaching for the newspaper and flipping through its pages. "Here it is!"
As she unfolded the paper, her eyes scanned the columns. Suddenly, a small, triumphant "Aha!" escaped her lips, and she pointed at an advertisement among various community announcements.
"Look at this, Daniel! There's a local story-writing contest happening in a couple of weeks. It's right here in town. I think you should give it a shot," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I leaned in, trying to read the details. The contest promised an opportunity for aspiring writers to showcase their talent.
"But, Mom, do you think they allow kids to participate in these contests?" I voiced the nagging doubt that echoed in my mind.
Her smile remained unwavering. "You won't know unless you try, Sweetheart. Your story is fantastic, and contests like these are about talent, not just age."
Skeptical but intrigued, I pondered the idea.
She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We won't know until we try. This could be the perfect chance for your talent to shine. Besides, who knows what doors it might open?"
Feeling confident, I decided to enter the contest. Maybe my mom was right; someone would notice me. After all, I was just a 10-year-old. I also wanted to find out how much this changes this world has compared to his old one he could use all the advantage he can get. As the contest deadline approached, I submitted my story, hoping that it would stand out and maybe even win.
