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Well then you've misinterpreted my comments. I like flashbacks and voice-overs very much when they're done well. But doing them well isn't the easiest part of screenwriting to master IMO. That's all I meant to say.

Spencer Robinson Really valuable insight. I’ve realized the same while writing devices like flashbacks or voiceover only work when they’re serving the story, not decorating it.

The point about placement really hit. When it doesn’t connect to the present moment emotionally or thematically, it breaks the flow instantly.

I think as writers, we sometimes use these tools thinking they’ll make the script feel more “cinematic,” but clarity and intent matter more than complexity.

This really resonates, especially the idea of being intentional with every device. I’ve found that when something like a flashback is used just to explain something, it often weakens the present moment instead of strengthening it.

When it works, it usually feels like it’s adding emotional context or shifting how we understand a character, not just filling in information.

Otherwise it starts to feel like the story is stepping away from itself instead of moving forward.

Spencer, I hear you loud and clear!

I'm not really a flashback fan when it comes to writing scripts...that said, during the October 2024-April 2025 period, I worked with a producer named Dennis Erichsen to help script out his "Mental Lockdown" psychological thriller.

Because "Mental Lockdown's" lead character, Kenny Martin, was a suspect in the murder of his mother Ella, and had to spill the beans to a police detective named Nancy Brigati, Dennis wanted the story primarily told in flashbacks...beginning with the day Kenny's father John was robbed and murdered: 9-11-1984...Kenny's seventh birthday. (And that also was the day Ella started forty years of messing with Kenny's head.)

Other than that...as long as I can find a way to tell a story free of devices, I feel I'll be fine.

Thanks for sounding off...glad you're here on Stage 32!

Hmmm. My second novel, Terminal Cascade, I have converted into a screenplay and the whole story is "Present", "Past", "Present", "Past". Every chapter throughout the entire book follows this. The reason is that I take you through the development of this mild, brilliant, GRU scientist, how he develops this thrombotoxin, and how he figures out how to develop immunity for himself, at great...I mean great...personal sacrifice. At the end of the "Past" chapters there is a great reveal...how is he deploying the toxin? He is the walking Grim Reaper...able to take out city blocks and walk away completely unscathed. It is a very unusual format...but for my story I believe it works... I guess they wouldn't be considered flashbacks...but two completely intertwined stories that collide at the end...

I’m an independent book editor and translator . I work closely with authors who want their manuscripts to feel polished, professional, and truly ready for readers, not just “edited" but refined with care. I genuinely love working with authors, especially those who are passionate about their stories but want a professional eye to help bring everything together. If you’re working on a manuscript and need thoughtful, honest feedback.

Sandra Michelle Appreciate the perspective — that distinction between editing and refining is an important one.

At the moment I’m still focused on deeper structural development rather than manuscript-level polish, but I agree that having the right editorial eye becomes critical once the foundation is fully in place.

Wishing you continued success with your work.

Radoslav Isakov, This really resonates, especially the idea that stepping away isn’t losing momentum, it’s resetting perspective. I’ve noticed some of my best clarity comes after taking a break from the work.

Richard Joseph Secchiaroli sounds like you have a compelling story. Might I suggest you check out the Jobs section and perhaps post a ghostwriting position there with a bit more detail to help you find a good fit? Good luck!

Thank you! I will do that!

Yes do check out the jobs section and do post a ghostwriting position wanted there

Once there is total silence in the room, I can get in the zone and stay there. Nobody must interrupt me so it works especially well from around 11pm to 5am.

I write anywhere at any time - but in bite sized chunks. Ask yourself a question about your piece and answer it by writing on your phone - who cares if it's in an airport with kids screaming - focus on the small question and the small answer. For routine - routine is good at home for example. BUT if you want to really deep dive, go to the place where your story is. I spent months on the Greek island of Patmos for that reason, finished the book manuscript but still haven't polished the TV Pilot and should have.

I'm not a member but I think I've read that some people use it to cull email addresses and make cold query email pitches.

Yeah, that's what I did before, too, but I just don't know how to find the right place to pitch to now. I feel like I'm just flailing. If you see a movie and it's similar to something you've written, why query someone who'd just done something like that?

This is a daily and continuous process for me personally

I do this all the time. I primarily do surreal stuff but I do have some stories that are dark, sexy, and ordinary (which are naturally the hardest ones for me to write).

Right now I’m working on a social satire.

good luck. i tried stepping out from scifi into comedy and horror. i discovered humans like my horror best, and that i shouldnt write it because it makes me feel sick. i also discovered i'm not funny. im sure you'll do a much better job

That’s so great. I also hope to find a good idea outside my comfort zone, but it never happens—my mind always brings me back to sci-fi worldbuilding.

I’m an independent book editor and translator . I work closely with authors who want their manuscripts to feel polished, professional, and truly ready for readers, not just “edited" but refined with care. I genuinely love working with authors, especially those who are passionate about their stories but want a professional eye to help bring everything together. If you’re working on a manuscript and need thoughtful, honest feedback, I'm a Freelancer working on Fiverr.

Thank you! So excited!

congrats! love that feeling.

Big congrats!

Congrats! May your script go forward toward the green light.

This is a great win especially when it comes from someone outside the usual pipeline. That kind of response tends to be more honest, and it says a lot about the strength of the work itself.

It also highlights something important: sometimes it’s not that the material isn’t working, it just hasn’t reached the right set of eyes yet.

On pitching what you’re describing is more common than people admit. It’s rarely about the idea, it’s about holding the structure under pressure. One thing that helps is anchoring yourself in the core spine of the story rather than trying to recall everything. If that’s solid, you can navigate the rest.

Either way, this is a strong signal you’re on the right track. Keep going.

Happy Sunday, - - It's now Monday. Happy Monday, Emilia. If you're not nervous when pitching, you're not normal.

I’m an independent book editor and translator . I work closely with authors who want their manuscripts to feel polished, professional, and truly ready for readers, not just “edited" but refined with care. I genuinely love working with authors, especially those who are passionate about their stories but want a professional eye to help bring everything together. If you’re working on a manuscript and need thoughtful, honest feedback, I'm a Freelancer working on Fiverr.

Sandra Michelle I actually have my publisher of three agreements with them stemming from January of '09. I'm not independent nor self published. So I'll pass on your services. But continue to move forward towards your next indie author of (hopefully a) yes to your work until them. No offense to your business nor your craft. 100% not meant to be any discouragement for you. (And) Thank *you* for offering.

$100?! Heck no - way out of budget for me... but I do hope you get good feedback!!

Good luck with your screenplay on The Black List !!

Blacklist should not be used for coverage, or be in a writer's toolbox. It's not designed that way. It's a system that allows a writer to gauge where their script might fall industry-wide. The only one that really benefits is the multi-millionaire owner, Franklin Leonard. High scoring scripts are not a superhighway to success that Blacklist self-believes.

Beside that limitation, the vastly underpaid writers hastily skim scripts for a paltry sum. It's part time 'Mad Money'. Their notes are frequently incorrect, ill-advised or half-baked. There have been many instances where the same script has been awarded both an 8 and a 3. Taste is taste, but that's beyond the pale. A script deserving a rare 8 should not also stand as a POS 3.

Also, AI has been creeping in though Leonard swears on his mother's grave this does not go on.

An anecdote about AI. A writer friend received Blacklist feedback spit out by AI. They complained and offered pages of proof. They sought either a refund or another eval. Nope, nope, nope said Blacklist support. The writer sent a refund request to their CC provider who agreed it was definitely AI and refunded the $100 fee.

Caveat emptor. Blacklist sucks money from writer's pockets with a crevice tool. All a writer is left with is lint.

BTW, anyone know where we can find an independent book editor and translator who works closely with authors who want their manuscripts to feel polished, professional, and truly ready for readers?

@E Langley - spot on! And no, unfortunately I only know of someone who loves working with authors, especially those who are passionate about their stories but want a professional eye to help bring everything together!

E LANGLEY - You just shot into my hall of fame. I LOVE honesty and you just dished it up nice and dirty. This is a very emotional moment. There is hope for humanity.

Congrats on the placement!

I’m an independent book editor and translator . I work closely with authors who want their manuscripts to feel polished, professional, and truly ready for readers, not just “edited" but refined with care. I genuinely love working with authors, especially those who are passionate about their stories but want a professional eye to help bring everything together. If you’re working on a manuscript and need thoughtful, honest feedback, I'm a Freelancer working on Fiverr.

Great job, Leonardo! Here's wishing you more and more success with "18!"