Screenwriting : Outside my payscale by Cheryl Allen

Personally, I tackle the challenge and evolve as a writer and content creator. Really, the only other option I see is to pay another writer and produce the content.

You're definitely correct. I ultimately have the ability. Part of it is that I normally write more indie and this is a psychological thriller. Part is that damn, I want to be surprised where someone else can take this.

In the end, every writer got good at their craft because they had stories they needed to tell... so in my experience, nobody needs that next big idea. Every writer of substance already has something to work on that they believe in deeply, and we all need to get paid if we're going to get pulled away from that work.

If this idea motivates you to become a better thriller writer, then that's a good measure of this idea's value. If it motivates you to find some development money and get another writer on the payroll (which sounds insane to me, and God bless you if you do it), then that's clearly the value of this idea. If not, then I ask you to consider - just for a moment - that the idea itself has no value at all.

How ok are you with that?

When that doesn't sit with me, that's when I go to work.

I did it. I'm a scii-fi guy but I wrote a thriller because someone challenged me to write them into a screenplay. It won me the Fade In Grand Prize in the Thriller category. There is no such thing as "not the person to write it". The only limits you have are the ones that you put on yourself.

Tennyson, you've just become my favorite person on the planet. I love it when people call my bs, my bluff. You're exactly right and I thank you for it. <3

Anthony, yes. Exactly this. 'Grats on your accomplishments.

Thank you for taking my comment in the spirit of positivity. I’m glad to be of service!

Cheryl. Is your idea really unique and why don't you think you aren't the right person to write it?

I am personally unaware of anything out there like it although there are certainly elements that play in those waters. I'm going to give it a stab but there are some nuances to the execution of it that will grow me a lot. If I can pull it off like I see it in my head it's going to be super cool and growth is a good off sometimes painful thing. If I can't get it to my satisfaction I'd happily hand it off to someone who can because it's a nifty concept that deserves to come to the screen and breathe some life.

That is great! I wrote a few screenplays for a couple producers I didn't think I was right for and they turned out pretty good... at least the producer thought so and I guess that is what counts. So anyway you never know how something will go unless you try. Good luck!!!!

Write it. You may get it sold one day or even settle for a “Story by” credit.

@Cheryl Many psychological thrillers are from Indie genre. You need to write this because I can feel the energy coming from your idea and I don’t even know what it is. If it doesn’t take you to the outcome expected, then get a second writer.

Debbie, you just gave me chills. Thank you!

I get how you feel, but when I get those ideas, I'm more excited to tackle it and see if I can adapt it from my mind, to script. It's scary at times, but in a exciting way, you know?

I say go for it! At the very least, it will push the boundaries of your craft, and make you better for it.

I have an idea that I want to write one day but feel I want to improve as a writer before I tackle it. Mainly holding back because it's based on a true story and will require copious amounts of research.

It sounds like you're passionate about your idea though. I say, get out your comfort zone and write it :-)

Just write it, if you don't try how can you realize you're not the right person. You could surprise yourself. And even if you realize you're not the right person, at least a synopsis to give to the person who you think is the right one to write it.

In my best Kentucky accent: "Ya'll are wonderful. Don't change." <3

So what is your payscale?

Here's what happened to two writer-friends breaking in: both wrote original screenplays which sold to studios, both joined WGA Guild, and both were replaced/fired.