Hey guys! I hope you all are having a decent day thus far. I on the other hand am having a bit of a dilemma. You see, I have this romance story idea that I want to start out in book form first, but for some reason it seems easier to start out writing the story in the screenplay format first. What would you do??
Screenwriting : Needing Advice by Tiffany Hilliard
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3 people like this
I would start with what feels easier and more natural to you. At least, you will start somewhere. :)
2 people like this
I agree with Evelyne.
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Evelyne makes a good point. Once you start writing the script it will be like an outline for your novel. All you would have to do is begin to add more descriptions and flesh out the story.
3 people like this
Do the screenplay, they make great outlines for novels. I'm converting one of my screenplays into a novel right now. I've already sold it to a publisher :-)
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Awww, thanks everyone!! Screenplay it is!!!
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I couldn't write a novel to save my life so I wouldn't have a choice. If I could write a novel I would never have taken up screenwriting.
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I agree with Steven. A screenplay forces you to focus on the story. I also suggest you start the novel and use it for "brain dumps" of exposition that ultimately may or may not be included in the manuscript. Cheers.
3 people like this
Whatever gets the wheels turning! If you continue gravitating towards the screenplay format, then perhaps that's the way the story wants to be told. You can always return to the other format.
4 people like this
Experience says if a novel is strong and has popularity it's easier to make into a movie. At the same time movies do get turned into novels, like Star Wars, but that's rarer. From a writing perspective I think it depends on what's best for the story. Currently I'm writing my first novel, after having written 8 features, not because I wanted to write a novel instead of a feature but because the story made more sense in novel form. I think the story should dictate the way it's told and then adaptations come later based on the opportunities the original story breeds.
In either case, you should do a detailed outline of the story before you start writing.
2 people like this
Whatever gets words to a page. Anything that moves it faster isn't all bad.
3 people like this
Whats the endgame ‘cause spec screenplays, at least here in the United States, are generally just writing samples.
But with a book, the author is the sole creator, can self publish, build a paying fan base, make some $. All physically possible without leaving home.
I love everyone's response.
Dann Maxxx, I would love to be making money from both, but I totally get what you're saying.
5 people like this
Yes, I agree with everyone here with their comments. Screenwriting does come way easier for me when I'm laying out my story. I would so whatever feels right. I also would recommend checking out this amazing webinar if you go the script route for when you have to go back and edit. It's super helpful!
https://www.stage32.com/webinars/The-Art-of-the-Self-Edit-10-Things-You-...
@Kristin Holloway, thank you.
3 people like this
Screenplays make great book outlines. I'm turning one of my scripts into a novel right now and have already sold it to a publisher. Michael Crichton started all his novels out as screenplay's first.
@Steven Hopstaken Cool, definitely considering this for future references.