Today is World AIDS Day. Luckily, AIDS is no longer a death sentence, but it is still a major problem throughout the world. It seems like the medical community is optimistic about finding a cure. It would be wonderful thing, and to raise awareness I’m dedicating today’s quote of the day to Craig Borten, co-writer of “Dallas Buyer’s Club.” If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s based on a true story and it’s one you shouldn’t miss. Here’s a description:

In mid-1980s Texas, electrician Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) is stunned to learn that he has AIDS. Though told that he has just 30 days left to live, Woodroof refuses to give in to despair. He seeks out alternative therapies and smuggles unapproved drugs into the U.S. from wherever he can find them. Woodroof joins forces with a fellow AIDS patient (Jared Leto) and begins selling the treatments to the growing number of people who can’t wait for the medical establishment to save them.

Also, here’s today’s quote of the day:

“For me, it’s the characters, breaking the characters. That’s what I spend most of my time with. Once I’ve done that, character will speak to plot and story.”

Some writer’s start with a title, some with a premise, and for some the foundation is the character. There may not be a right way to get started, but clearly starting with the characters helped Craig create an Academy Award winning film. A film with serious recognition, a great story, and one that has helped inform the public about the hardships of AIDS.