Like the comments... Josh, I will never asked you to read one of my scripts. My two cents. Why do I write? First and last; I write for myself, because writing is fun for me. These are stories I want to see. The stories I want to take to the screen. Am I any good as a storyteller/screenwriter? When I did Amazon Studios several years back, (AS's promotes the "I read yours and you read mine -- then we critique honestly". My work got an average at 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Why? I spend years on each script. The PROCESS -- The first draft takes only a few days; the ideas I have thought about for months and notes from notebooks always inches away from my hand. The raw script is quickly placed upon a computer hard drive using Final Draft software. THEN that script is set aside for 4 months or longer. In complete quiet with full concentration, I do an honest read and evaluation -- if the story has marketing value I will start a first rewrite. Scripts go through 20 plus rewrites -- this takes a long time! Understand, I love the writing process -- I get to play God! This is fun for me. When I am comfortable with the dialogue, pacing, plot points, etc. -- within the 3 act play structure -- I do a read through with actor friends. The read through always leads to several more rewrites. My wife, a lawyer for 30 years, (has many briefs and taught legal writing at OSU), does a major proof. The scripts then journey to several librarians that love reading my work. They let me know how original the story is, the quality of the writing, what actor should play what part, pace, does it read like a movie, would they pay to see this movie, etc. Trust me, these librarians don't sugar coat their honesty. I always appreciate their time, comments and suggestions. I have only entered one script writing contest to see where I stood with other writers. I was a quarter finalist. Big deal. I don't enter contests. Why do I write? I write for myself (redundant -- I know). While my work is out there for anyone to read... I am not asking anyone to read my work, unless you want to network or work with me on some project, (you should know what I do, right?). I am not rich or famous -- I do not want to be. I am comfortable. I make stuff and I have fun making it. So, Josh, (or anyone else) unless you want to network with me, or work with me on some project, don't bother reading my stories.
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Taking the pressure off yourself, Marcel Nault Jr., is a good start. You're fairly new to the screenwriting world so you're still learning the ropes, and not just craft but also your personal process...
Expand commentTaking the pressure off yourself, Marcel Nault Jr., is a good start. You're fairly new to the screenwriting world so you're still learning the ropes, and not just craft but also your personal process and voice. Allow yourself space to breathe, to explore rather than emotionally bash yourself.
We're here to help you through the rough patches!
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All the time XD it happens when you spend to much time re reading and you just can't see why it doesn't work anymore. Just like John said, put that screenplay away for a while and breathe. You're an amazing writer Marcel!
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I write quickly, take notes and make a brief outline of where I want the story to go (in progress). Then I set the story aside for a few weeks or a month (or two), depending on other 'ideas' I am havi...
Expand commentI write quickly, take notes and make a brief outline of where I want the story to go (in progress). Then I set the story aside for a few weeks or a month (or two), depending on other 'ideas' I am having, (I never have writer's block). HINT: always keep a notebook handy (especially beside the bed). After a period of time, I do a complete 'fresh' re-write. Then set the script aside for six months! NO PEEKS & clear the mind of all residue. I then start over, visualizing each scene as l study dialogue. HOW CAN I MAKE THE STORY ADVANCE BETTER, faster with pace? DON'T say it - show it. After a few rewrites, I have a round table read with friends (who have also acted). I let them develop the characters and listen to their ideas! Another updated rewrite. Then I polish the 'English punctuation'. I hand off my scripts to local librarians who LIKE TO READ, (I have developed over the years with friendship). Also with a brief questionnaire every 30 pages. e.g. Does this sound like a story or a book you have heard of or read before? OR e.g. Did you expect this plot point? What did you think of this character arc? Etc. I have several scripts up on my Stage 32 site, they have been up for years. Give em a read to understand how my technic works for me. Might also work for others... Good luck. Read the novels, short stories and scripts of others. Stay fresh. I read a book a week. IT HELPS!