Screenwriting is unique combination of art and craft which combined make it one of, if not, the most difficult writing form to master. You can learn the basic craft in a couple of hours. Railing against the tried and true format is certainly your option but let me assure you that those old customs and traditions are based on long standing time tested traditions. They work, rail at your own expense. Beyond that, there are numerous myths preventing you from achieving screenwriting success. They are called myths because they are all false. The first (I hear it often) is that “I have to live in Los Angeles to become a screenwriter.” The simple answer is no you don’t. Today’s electronic communications allows you to write from almost anywhere and you can sent a copy of your script to producers, agents, indies not only in Los Angeles but New York, Chicago, Austin, Atlanta and everywhere else. The second I hear is that “I have to go to school to learn screenwriting.” If that were true, many/most of today’s working screenwriters would be unemployed. What it really takes is passion and determination. You have a story; use your raw untrained talent – sit at your computer and pound it out – I won’t lie to you, it takes determination. “I don’t have the time to be a writer.” Start by listing all your obligations – a family to support, a job or two, classes, kids to raise, a household to run, a dog to walk… When you’re done listing every obligation you have, add one more – “work on my screenplay.” Now it’s on your list of obligations. We are all equal in that we all have the same numbers of hours in the day. J.K Rowling was a single mom trying to make ends meet – she found the time to give us “Harry Potter”. There are lots more excuses that we cling onto to prevent ourselves from becoming successful (you define) screenwriters but they are all based on fear – fear of failure or fear of success. If you buy into any of them, you’ll never be a screenwriter.
Screenwriting : Why you'll never be a screenwriter by Doug Nelson
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Well said.
Cheers Doug
Well put Doug, and so true.
Love your post. Thanks Doug!
good post, Doug!