“There's
this glorious and astounding magic that happens when I put pen to paper or
fingertips to keyboard. I go to this alternate realm of
consciousness. It's where I meet characters who speak to me, who take
me to interesting places, and
who introduce me to compelling situations. I'm
not certain where any of this comes from because
none of it was there when I sat down, when
I was convinced I didn't have any words in me. But still, it's all there. So even when the thought of a blank page makes me feel a
little queasy, I force myself into that chair anyway. And
it's after a minute or two of laying down those once elusive words that
I have to wonder what all the fuss was about. The words come; they always
do.” -- Jim Vines
QUOTE FOR THE DAY...
YOUR QUESTIONS & MY ANSWERS (#1)...
Q: I want to write screenplays, but I don’t know where to begin. What’s the best way to get started?
A: My foremost
guidance? Delve deep into the art, craft, and mechanics of screenplay writing.
Begin with a selection of instructional books. A handful of well-regarded
resources should be enough. Take some time to explore and identify the books
that come with strong endorsements from fellow screenwriters. Progress to
perusing a variety of produced screenplays. A simple online search for “free
movie screenplays” will unlock a treasure trove of resources. Watch the films
these scripts birthed. Then, revisit the scripts—not just as a reader, but as a
student of the craft. By this juncture, you’ll have amassed a wealth of
knowledge to propel you into writing your inaugural script. And then, take the
plunge—seat yourself and commence writing. I won’t prescribe an outline just
yet, nor will I dictate the medium of your writing. This journey is yours to
chart, through trial and error, learning and evolving. Find your stride, your
method, your voice.
“DO THE WORK.” Those
three words encapsulate the essence of growth. Now, brace yourself for the
first draft—a wild ride through any genre, any story. Perfection isn’t the goal
here (remember, “Don’t get it right, just write”). Pour your heart onto those pages.
Once you’ve wrestled your draft into existence, share it with three or four
trusted, discerning friends. Seek their insights: Did any scenes meander
aimlessly? Was the dialogue authentic? Did characters leap off the page or fall
flat? Their feedback will be your compass, guiding you toward refinement.
Equipped with feedback,
embark on the rewrite odyssey. The path you choose is uniquely yours. Some
writers are digital purists, while others, like myself, prefer the tangible
feel of paper and the flourish of a red pen before digitizing their edits. This
journey is personal, a voyage of discovery. Screenwriting isn’t a
one-size-fits-all craft; it’s about finding what resonates with YOU.
Dismiss the notion of
selling your debut script. The marketplace is tough, and the likelihood of your
first script being picked up is slim. Treat these initial attempts as your
apprenticeship in the craft. It may take multiple scripts before you pen one that’s
market-ready. In fact, the harsh truth is that a saleable script may never
emerge from your efforts. Screenwriting demands a blend of artistry and
craftsmanship, and not everyone is cut out for it. I, for one, can’t draw to
save my life, but that’s the reality of art—it’s not for everyone.
Screenwriting has become a popular arena, with many eager to try their hand at it. With technology at our fingertips, anyone can attempt to write the next blockbuster. But the question remains: can you? So, dive in. Give screenwriting everything you’ve got. Write with fervor, learn from each word, and let the journey shape you!
Screenwriting Book of the Week...
A BEAST IS BORN
A BEAST IS BORN
PLOT TWISTS: BALANCING SURPRISE AND PLAUSIBILITY...
When your lead
character pulls off an “amazing” escape, it’s essential to lay the groundwork early.
Take a script I critiqued: our protagonist, a woman on the run, suddenly hops
into a stolen plane and soars away, leaving frustrated cops below. The catch?
For the first 90 pages, we had no inkling she could fly an airplane. No need
for a lengthy backstory, but a subtle hint would’ve sufficed—maybe a passing
comment about her past aviation adventures. And then there’s that corridor
scene. Our woman, cornered, pushes a hidden button, revealing a secret door.
But wait—this location wasn’t previously established! It’s like she stumbled
into a parallel universe. Let’s keep our heightened reality plausible.
Audiences will suspend disbelief, but they won’t tolerate eye-rolling moments.
My journey from idea,
to script,
to script,
BLENDING GENRES
BLENDING GENRES
It can be a delicate
art. Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Action, Sci-Fi/Thriller, and Comedy/Drama are all
classic combinations that work. But caution is key when venturing beyond these
boundaries. I once reviewed a script that was a hodgepodge of Sci-Fi, Comedy,
Drama, Musical, and Western elements. Imagine space cowboys and musical
showdowns—quite the chaotic concoction. Experimentation is part of the creative
process, but remember, moderation is your ally. Once you’ve made your mark as a
seasoned writer, then you can play with genre conventions. Take, for example, a
script that aimed to mimic Pulp Fiction’s
dark comedy but missed the mark on both humor and entertainment. Its climax,
featuring a hitman’s heinous acts, was far from comedic. It’s a stark reminder:
know your genres and strive for harmony in your storytelling.
If you'd enjoy a novel about a struggling Hollywood screenwriter,
then I hope you'll check out...
GET THE WORK DONE...
GET THE WORK DONE
Writing is a daily
discipline for me, a commitment I uphold nearly every day. It’s not always
about churning out pages; sometimes it’s organizing thoughts, outlining, or
refining ideas. Each day, I dedicate anywhere from half an hour to six hours,
depending on whether I’m drafting or revising. This routine, which spans 5 to 7
days a week, is crucial for maintaining momentum and productivity. As for my
writing spots, they’re as varied as life itself. From the tranquility of
beaches to the bustle of coffee shops, I find inspiration in the energy of life
around me. While home offers comfort, it’s the vibrancy of public spaces that
truly fuels my creativity. To me, these writing sessions aren’t work; they’re a
joyous exploration of endless possibilities that a blank page represents. For
fellow writers, I say: find your own haven of creativity and make writing a
consistent part of your life. It’s all about putting in the effort and letting
the words flow.
PASSION?
A few years back, a producer with whom I had previous engagements approached me with a proposition: to write a screenplay about Edgar Allan Poe. This producer wasn’t just anyone—he had a string of produced films to his name, and the opportunity seemed ripe with potential. He was even willing to offer a reasonable sum for my writing services.
He shared his vision for a script that would delve into a particular chapter of Poe’s life. On paper, it was intriguing. Yet, internally, I hesitated. My passion didn’t typically lie with tales of 19th-century poets and authors, even if they were as enigmatic as Poe. Nevertheless, the allure of the project’s challenges won me over. I convinced myself that there was a compelling narrative to be woven from Poe’s tumultuous life and controversial marriage to his cousin.
Contracts were drafted, meetings ensued, and a commencement check landed in my bank account. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
The following eight weeks were a testament to perseverance. While sparks of enjoyment and fascination occasionally broke through, the truth was that my heart wasn’t fully committed to the story. Despite this, I powered through, piecing together a 110-page screenplay that I dubbed the “first draft”—a term I use loosely, as it was more akin to a third or fourth iteration.
I sent off the draft to the producer, laden with the premonition that it might not meet his expectations. It was a script born not out of pure inspiration but out of a sense of obligation—a reality that weighed heavily on me.
A few days after
submitting my script, the producer, a connoisseur of dining and deals, invited
me out for lunch—a setting he favored for discussions. We met the next day,
enjoyed a pleasant meal, and then he shared his thoughts. He appreciated the
script’s intriguing moments and sharp dialogue, but felt it wasn’t steering in
the direction he envisioned. Consequently, my involvement with the project came
to an end. No hard feelings, though. In fact, months later, he enlisted my
skills for a rewrite on a contemporary thriller—a genre where I truly thrive.
This experience
reinforced a valuable lesson for me: Write with passion, write what resonates
with you. Anything less is a disservice to yourself and, if you’re being
compensated, to the person funding your work. Passion is the pulse of authentic
writing; without it, the words may exist, but the soul of the story remains
elusive.
Psst...
I wrote a novel about a screenwriter.
You'll love it.
You'll love it.
Click here!
DON'T TAKE “NO!” FOR AN ANSWER!
My real-world experiences are a testament to the unpredictable nature of the industry and the value of perseverance.
Once upon a time, I handed my horror script to a “respected” screenplay analyst. He was on the hunt for scripts to produce. After a couple of weeks, he delivered his verdict: “Sorry, I just don’t care for it.” Ouch. But little did I know that this seemingly discouraging moment would lead to unexpected twists. In the years that followed, I managed to option that very same script to not one, but two production companies that saw its potential. It turns out that while the analyst didn’t see the magic, others did. Lesson learned: one person’s rejection doesn’t define your script’s destiny. But the rollercoaster ride continued.
My manager arranged a meeting with a director who hungered for fresh scripts. I pitched three ideas: two horror scripts and one thriller. The director’s response? He dismissed the horror concepts outright—no love there. However, the thriller idea caught his attention. He requested to read it. Hope bloomed. A week later, the director’s verdict arrived: “Thanks, but no thanks.” Disappointment? Sure. But then fate intervened. A few months down the line, I optioned that very same thriller script to a production company that embraced it with open arms. They loved it enough to renew the option after a year. Suddenly, my script had a new lease on life. And here’s the kicker: those two horror scripts the director didn’t care for? Well, I went ahead and optioned BOTH of them over the next few years. Turns out, even rejection can’t stop a determined writer.
In 2005, I was inspired
to create a collection of interviews with screenwriters who were actively
earning their livelihood through their craft. These weren’t necessarily the
marquee names but rather the unsung wordsmiths of the industry. Despite my
enthusiasm, publishers were less than optimistic. The responses ranged from
“Interview books don’t sell,” to polite rejections wishing me luck. Undeterred
by the lack of publisher interest, I pursued the project with vigor. I quickly
connected with 16 screenwriters, each sharing their unique journey and
insights. To my delight, David Trottier, author of “The Screenwriter’s Bible,”
agreed to pen the foreword, adding a touch of prestige to the endeavor.
I took the plunge into
self-publishing, releasing Q & A: The Working Screenwriter as a paperback
in 2006, followed by an e-book version years later. The book’s journey has been
gratifying, to say the least. It’s performed admirably over time, even opening
doors to opportunities such as being invited to speak at the Scriptwriter’s
Network—an honor that speaks volumes about the book’s impact and reach.
I recall a producer, a
seasoned gentleman with a flair for the artistic, who took a shine to my horror
screenplays. His track record with art-house films was impressive, and his
interest in my work was a promising sign. Initially, he secured an option on
one of my scripts, and about a year later, he did the same with another. He
embarked on the arduous journey of fundraising for both projects. Despite his
efforts and our shared optimism, the financing didn’t come through. Yet, this
twist of fate didn’t dampen his belief in my writing. Recognizing the potential
in my words, he commissioned me to pen two additional screenplays. This time,
it was more than just an option; it was a job that came with a genuine
paycheck.
Once upon a time, back
in the '80s, I penned a stage play—a labor of love, fueled by creativity and a
dash of audacity. But it wasn’t until 2006 that I revisited that old script and
thought, “Maybe it’s time to breathe life into these words.” Navigating the
murky waters of play production was uncharted territory for me. Armed with
determination, I reached out to an actor I’d met—an actor who also happened to
own a theater. Fate smiled upon me; he was actively seeking plays to produce. I
sent him my script, and his response was music to my ears: he loved it! The
wheels were set in motion—casting, staged readings, rehearsals—all the
ingredients for a theatrical feast. But then, like a magician’s vanishing act,
he disappeared. The project fizzled out, leaving me with dashed hopes and a
lingering question mark. Undeterred, I fast-forwarded to 2009. Perhaps
lightning could strike twice? I queried various theater groups, bracing myself
for the familiar chorus of polite rejections: “No thanks,” “Not our cup of tea,”
“Too many characters.” It seemed my play was destined to remain in the shadows.
And then, like a beacon in the fog, came the golden response: “Yes, we love
it!” Finally, a theater group saw the potential. The curtains rose just a
couple of months later, and my play took flight. True, it only graced the stage
for three weeks, but those were three weeks of magic—the kind that lingers in
the hearts of both creators and audiences. So, here’s to the tenacity of the
human spirit and the resilience of words. My play may not have conquered
Broadway, but it danced under the spotlight, and that, my friends, was a sweet
success!
Countless tales echo the same truth: the unpredictable nature of life’s journey. One moment, a door may close, casting shadows of doubt; yet, in the next, another door swings wide open, ushering in a beam of opportunity. It’s the serendipitous dance of chance and endeavor. But amidst the pursuit of writing—a craft that can be as rewarding as it is challenging—lies the essence of existence. To truly live is to embrace the world beyond the written word. Cherish moments with family, bond with friends, travel to distant lands, and immerse yourself in adventures. These experiences enrich not only the soul but also the stories we tell. As you navigate the writer’s path, let your passion fuel your craft. Send your finest work into the world, persist with tenacity, and hold fast to hope. Never surrender to the siren call of defeat. The road may be strewn with trials, but it’s also lined with unexpected joys. Stay the course, and you may just find yourself marveling at the wondrous tapestry of events that unfold. May your life be as vibrant as your narratives, and may your stories reflect the fullness of your lived experiences. Keep writing, keep living, and let the surprises of life inspire you!
Psst!
Do ya like novels about screenwriters?
Then I hope you'll check out Luigi's Chinese Delicatessen!
Do ya like novels about screenwriters?
Then I hope you'll check out Luigi's Chinese Delicatessen!
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