Introduce Yourself : Hello all! by Patty Wiseman

Welcome, Patty! I'm just getting back myself!

Thanks, Jeff & Eric, still trying to figure this all out!

Good to hear, Andrew! Thanks for the welcome!

Hi Patty & welcome aboard. Why don't you tell us about your book and your intent.

Hi, Doug! I have a series, set in the 1920s & based on a true story in my family. An arranged marriage, mob, flappers, etc. I've won awards for each of the 3 books, 4th one to be published this month. I've started the screen play for 1st book, but realize I need to learn more.I describe my books as the American version of Downtown Abby. I think they'd make a good TV series.

Welcome to Stage 32, Patty!

Patty, I found it difficult to switch from the novelist to the screenwriter. I too have three novels (The Hooded Summer set in 1925, The stolen Kingdom set in 1892 and Faithfully Executed in 1945), so I understand writing period pieces. Learning to write tight, to be very brief is difficult for the novelist but necessary to the screenwriter. Essentially the well written script contains no adverbs, it's written in present tense, is tight and concise – learn to replace “and” with commas, keep action blocks to three lines (hard sometimes). There is formatting software that will help you immensely, I use Final Draft but there are others. I suggest that you get a copy of The Screenwriter's Bible by Dave Trottier – it's a great help on understanding script format and terminology. You say like Downtown Abby; a serial sit-com? F you have any questions, just ask. There are lots of folk on these forums that can help.... Best wishes.

Wow, such good infirmation! Thanks so much! I was about to purchase Final Draft. I've been told it's the only format they will accept. I'm having trouble uploading pics on my computer. Having to do it on my phone. I'm loving this site already. I've really noticed the difference in the way you write for a screenplay. I have a lot to learn! Thanks for all the advice!

Doug, Downton Abby was a drama series on PBS Master Piece Theater. Based in England. Very popular. I can only hope to aspire to that quality! :)

So terrific to have you here, Patty! Kudos to this community...Some terrific information in this thread.

Patty, I'm aware of what it is (my wife has all 6 seasons on DVD – I've watched many). I recognize that it's a well crafted series but to me, that stuffed shirt uppity-modus-vivendi is very tongue-in-cheek. And I love it.. It's a long hard scramble up that mountain of marbles but hold your aspirations high, draw a bead on it and climb. I'm confident.

Welcome!

Doug, luckily the story is written, just need to learn how to turn it into a screenplay, but I love a good challenge!

Nice to meet you!

Patty, turning your story into a “spec” script will seem daunting at first but you'll get used to it. There are lots of scripts out there that you can download but they will all be some sort of production scripts (scene numbers, transitions, omitted scenes noted...) I posted a little short script on my profile that I use when teaching. It's in “spec” script format, the writing style may be a little jarring to a novelist but just look at the overall page format. It works.

i turned my book "Time Dancer and the Potion of Invincibility" into a script that was reviewed by a Warner Brothers writer. Fortunately, he liked it. We'll see what happens next.

So nice of all you to offer so much great information!! Thanks to everyone!