The first three pages are like a first date – trimming action lines can get you traction. Sharing TRIM, CUT, and CRAFT approach to attract your reader. Learn how to trim you first 3 pages down to 2
https://open.substack.com/pub/storywaves/p/trim-your-action-lines-video-...
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Dominic Morgan aka Scriptfella also has a great YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jhot1aHpwo) about the importance of the first page of a screenplay and how you can win or lose a reader on page 1. He says to to hook a reader on page one and keep them reading, you must attempt to do these 11 things:
1. Optimize your page design
2. Upgrade your first line of dialogue
3. Write something visual directors will want to shoot
4. DON’T WRITE AN INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL
5. Make every word count
6. Intro your hero ASAP
7. Don't write skim
8. Hit the ground running
9. Build up your line of credit with the reader
10. Show them something they've never seen before
11. Ground your lead character
Easier said than done!
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Great tips, Kelly E. Keough. I can’t stand when there’s one word on an action line by itself. I’ll rewrite and rewrite the line until I get the word on a line with other words, but sometimes no matter how much I rewrite, that one word will still be on a line by itself.
You said in the article, “Let's delve into the reasons someone might stop reading your script before even reaching page three. It could be due to confusion, lack of action, or simply because it's boring.” Those are the things I focus on when writing and rewriting action lines. I used to be so obsessed with white space that I wrote my action lines as short as possible, and readers were confused by my action lines, my action lines lacked action and visuals to pull readers into the story, and my action lines were boring.
I don’t think I’ve ever written the last page first in a script. I might try it.
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Super tips, Kelly E. Keough . I did something similar with my last novel. I wrote a reverse outline. That was very helpful, too. Thank you!
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Maurice Vaughan, i’m so glad you agree about the one word line hangers. Such a pet peeve of mine. I really enjoyed reading all of your feedback and hearing your thoughts about your process. At the end of my video workshop, which I will release week by week, I apply all the skills to my own pages and show the transformation. I will never write bad opening pages again !
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Robin Gregory, thanks so much for the comment and telling me about your experience writing a reverse outline for your novel. I hope to hear what you’re working on now.
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Pat Alexander, those are great tips/video. My favorite one on that list is intro your character ASAP. That aligns with the story starts on page one. thanks for the comment! Which tip out of that list do you think is most important?
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Kelly E. Keough You're welcome, Kelly!
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Kelly E. Keough Build up your line of credit with the reader. The more strong pages you have at the start, they more likely all readers will be to finish your script (hopefully with a smile on their faces). So many scripts by page 5, you know you're in for 100 more pages of pain, so if you can convince the reader to believe in you, you can really set yourself up for success