Are there any novelists out there who have made the switch to (or dipped your toe into) screenwriting? What's the biggest difference? Which do you enjoy most?
Screenwriting : Novelist to screenwriter? by Pat McCord
Novelist to screenwriter?
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I am trying to! I read a book on adapting books to film, which helped a lot. The biggest lesson (which seems obvious, but was not obvious to me) is writing for film/TV is VISUAL storytelling. You have to make it interesting visually. My novel had a ton of internal thought processes going on, which would only be OK on film/TV if something visually interesting is also happening. However, I think some people (starting with "West Wing"??) have gotten a little carried away with requiring that every dialogue occurs while people are walking around or moving! (But if they're going to sit down and have a conversation, make sure they are scratching or twitching or sipping coffee or something! But I digress.) I believe that author was right in focusing on VISUAL storytelling as the key difference. The films that are magical are the ones with fantastic cinematography in ADDITION to great script. Make sure your story also paints a (moving) picture.
Thanks for that. One thing you mention that's appealing is being able to dispense with inner dialogue and descriptions--of course, that must still be in the writer's head, I suppose. Some people rely on formatting software. Do you use that?
I started with novels then switched to screenwriting. I do prefer screenwriting, but they are a much harder sell. Both form require tight, solid story lines.
I have not used screenwriting software.
Harder sell, of course. But maybe more fun.
I've had trouble getting my head around formatting, but I think by collaborating with a professional screenwriter I can get around that by focusing on the story and leaving the nuts and bolts to someone who knows their business. I hope!
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My husband wrote a screen play over a period of years. You'd think we'd be talking about it all the time, but we actually have many other topics to discuss. He does use a formatting software (Final Draft) that he swears by. If one of us makes it, we will share the revenue and the champagne, though.
It's always such a long shot. You never know.