Sometimes, you’re halfway through writing a scene and suddenly—you're stuck. Not because the scene itself is broken, but because your Angle of Attack is off.
You’re aiming for Point D, but you’ve started at Point B. So you try
again, this time from Point C. Still no good. The rhythm’s off, the emotional
beats don’t land, and the scene feels like it’s chasing its own tail.
But if you’re lucky—or just paying attention—you’ll realize what’s
missing. You need to start at Point A.
That’s the true beginning. The place where the scene breathes naturally,
where the setup flows into the payoff, and where the emotional logic makes
sense. Starting from Point A gives your scene the foundation it needs to move
the story forward with clarity and purpose.
So the next time you’re writing a scene—or even outlining your entire
screenplay—check your Angle of Attack. It might be the difference
between forcing a moment and letting it unfold.
