Screenwriting : What’s your writing style? by Jacqueline Hicks

Hi Jacqueline, I write until the end then review.

Hi Jacqueline. Our process has a little more to it. We obviously come up with the story, then we write it out, maybe 3-4 pages. Once we have the high points set, we use index cards (in our software) to map out each scene, and what will be in it. When that's done, we write the script straight through to the end. Then it's read, rewrite, read, rewrite, etc... until we are happy with each page.

I jump in and write scene by scene developing as I go. Then before I write again I go back and do an edit then start writing more. At the end I edit the whole thing, then I and a writing partner do a live read through to find whatever the multiple programs and I missed.

Each day I usually go back a few pages to what I'd written the day before and revise before barreling forward again--like a running start.

Jacqueline, I start with a logline, then develop six plot points. Based on the plot points, I come up with a combination scene list/outline.

When done with the scene list/outline, I get right into the script.

At the end of each writing session, I check the pages I'd gotten through turning out...and I try to correct my errors before I move on to the next pages.

When I'm all done writing that script, I go back over it for errors. (And yep...I end up going over each screenplay umpteen times before I feel satisfied with it.)

Great question, Jacqueline...all the VERY BEST to you!

I have my own setup with writing stories-

1 Idea

2 Synopsis

3 Characters/Setting

4 Script/Illustrations

5 Proofread

6 Editing

7 Critique

I usually write when inspired and then go through it over and over like a fine tooth comb looking for nits. And move on and add more. It's too overwhelming for me to think I have to come up with over a hundred pages but if I take one step at a time it works for me.

I just watch a bunch of movies with similar plots and themes, seek out the scripts, copy and paste them into a document, rewrite, add my point of views. That's it.

Thanks, all. I’m glad I asked! I’ve tried pretty much all of the above, but usually will write the synopsis, then just go for it. Unfortunately, whatever I wrIte, the next day I HAVE TO READ what I wrote the night before. Sometimes, I feel it really slows me down, and often I can get caught up in correcting my spelling instead of just doing that later. Probably a writer’s block excuse. “Let me just correct these errors first...”) Sometimes, I wish I could just push forward.

I outline like crazy. I start with the broad strokes and then go back and revise the outline to slowly build it out. Sequences start to get broken up into individual scenes and then if I have a line of dialogue that pops in my head for a potential scene I put that in the outline. Then I go to script and keep referring back to my outline for guidance.

1. Outline or bullet point scene ideas

   2. Write first draft and spot edit during creation process

   3. Visually read through first draft screenplay and let Final Draft speech control read through the script aloud. I particularly enjoy the UK woman's voice. During this process I find omitted words, typos and trim non value-added of dialogue and narrative.

   4. Give the script to one or two writers I trust. I have writing friends that are great at catching things I miss and making plot or editing suggestions. Incorporate occasional great ideas from other writers.

   5. Revisit scripts that interest producers and do more fine-tuning before I send them out.

   6. Revisit work at a later date.

   My style is creating an easy read with load's of white space.

I'm traditionally a "pantser". Trying the whole outline thing on my new script. We'll see how it goes. I'm already fighting tendencies to just write. :p

I try to figure out what I want to say or the meaning of the story what the point of the story is. I guess it would be considered the thread the protagonist is on what he;she needs to learn. Then I decide how the story will end. then I write to that end. Crazy right?

Logline: To bring down a corrupt city government, a young lawyer must prove that the arrest of

a teacher at a couples sex club was the cause of her suicide; not her alternative lifestyle.

The ending comes down to the lawyer proving the thing that he needs to learn to understand his flaw and change.

I outline the hell out of it first using the same technique i used when i was studying Law before getting in Film. I put on paper everything i would like to see regarding my general idea (bullet points). Then i step back to have an overall view of the ideas. Then i keep which ideas i really like the most. Then i build the characters and i link the bullet points regarding to the defined characters. After all that i write a treatment.