by Tim Long (@ScreenplayStory) In the competitive world of screenwriting, where industry readers judge your script in the first few pages, openings are a vital part of a successful screenplay and film. Not only are they important first impressions of your writing ability, they also serve a variety of narrative purposes that can raise the... Continue Reading →
26 Steps to Crafting A Spec Screenplay - Part I
by Fin Wheeler Made a New Year’s resolution to get more serious about the way you write? Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a spec screenplay like a professional. Step 1: Idea On every paid gig you’ll have to write from someone else’s idea. So, when it comes to your original projects, don’t waste your precious spec-writing... Continue Reading →
Quote of the Day: Larry L. King
Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts.
Quote of the Day: J.B. Priestly
Perhaps it would be better not to be a writer, but if you must, then write. If all feels hopeless, if that famous 'inspiration' will not come, write. If you are a genius, you'll make your own rules, but if not - and the odds are against it - go to your desk no matter... Continue Reading →
How to Make Yourself Write When You Really Don’t Want To
Heidi Grant Halvorson of the Harvard Business Review has written a great article on the mindsets that keep us from being productive and what we can do to combat those feelings. Her advice applies to all types of work, but the lack of motivation she's talking about is exactly the kind most writers suffer from.... Continue Reading →
Quote of the Day: Art Arthur
Don’t get it right, get it written.
Quote of the Day: Viki King
Write from your heart; rewrite from your head.
Quote of the Day: Ray Bradbury
Love. Fall in love and stay in love. Write only what you love, and love what you write. The key word is love. You have to get up in the morning and write something you love, something to live for.
Quote of the Day: Francoise Sagan
I shall live bad if I do not write and I shall write bad if I do not live.
Stuck? Try a Writing Prompt
Here are over 300 writing prompts to get you writing. They won't all lead you to your next big idea, but they'll get you writing, and that's always the first step.