Nick Baker: Screenwriter in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Sometimes grabbing onto a visual can kick-start the process. I think, "What does my protagonist see?" and stuff begins to flow from there. When that doesn't work, it may be a sign that I've chosen the wrong character as the protagonist and I try to write from another character's perspective. That works more often than I want it to...

I never stare a blank page, I start with a whiteboard and work on the structure of the scene or story as much as I can and when I have the structure done I seat and write. I like to outline everything first, where the characters came from before and where they go after the scene, what they want and things like that. Sometimes I get stuck in a line or a dialog but I write even if I know it is not working. When I get to a point nothing is working, so a step out and go watch a film, that has nothing to do with what I'm writing just to clear up.

That's interesting. It's similar to something I do when I get stuck. I usually have a couple of different stories that I'm writing and shuffle between them but when I really get stuck with writing I always have something else that I can be doing like I go and edit something or design some of the art. Sometimes when I'm really stuck I try to do learn something new or try to shoot something interesting and simple or shoot some photos or something that is in some way connected with filmmaking. But even if I'm still stuck and not creative at all then I go salsa dancing! That's one of the best things that get's me back into a creative mood. I go dancing for five hours and when I come home I'm ready to do anything creative without any problems.

Thank you all for your insight! You gave me some quality ideas that I will follow up on -- between the local film festival, masterclass.com, and reading scripts while watching the movie. Truly grateful for these tips!

To clarify on Kay's good question, I would like to sell a script to promote a cause that I'm advocating for via my family's story. I don't envision myself becoming a professional,full time screenwriter. Thank you for making clear there is a distinction -- I truly had no idea. I tried sending a DM but the system can't find any of my connections. But I'd love to take you up on the offer of instructional materials. Thank you!

IMO, you can only call yourself a "whatever" if You Get Paid to do it. A person who writes is just a person who writes until they sell enough to make enough to pay their expenses writing, Then, they are "a (professional) Writer".

Reading any number of scripts will NOT teach you how to tell a story. Most scripts, like most movies, music, books, and Ideas, are Bad.

Most (published and available) screen and teleplays are either transcripts, or "versions" that contain a lot of stuff that You, as a Writer, should not include in your screenplay anyway.

There are many books on screenwriting, and some of them are very good; explaining how to tell a story using the (professional) industry standard formatting and introducing some of the other considerations that producers, investors, and directors must consider; like budget and feasability,,,, e.g. Can it be done and for how much by whom? Telling stories well is (a Talent) just Step ONE in the huge and complex Business of "making movies".

Hi Toby! Welcome to Stage32 and congrats on taking this step to further yourself as a screenwriter! I'm not sure what stage you're at with your script, however I agree with everyone's suggestions: read and study screenplays to learn the craft. Also, when you're ready - I've heard a lot of good things about The Writer's Room right here on Stage32. I suggest checking that out. If you need help with anything feel free to reach out! Best of Luck!

I'm a fan of Sean's description in I, Tonya. "Obese and delusional. Not a good combination."

One of my characters is: A pompous Texan with a big hat and no cattle.

On some early coverage I got regarding one of my character's description, it was said "Don't describe anything that can't be seen or plays a part." I had something like "REESE, female, 30's, resourceful." Well, how is the audience going to see that she's resourceful? So with one of my later scripts, I intro my lead as "A crooked name tag on an untucked shirt reads FLYNN. Early 30's, relaxed and unflappable, Flynn has managed to under perform radiantly throughout her life." The description of being relaxed matches the visual of a crooked nametag and untucked shirt. You can see that. Just my thoughts on it.

Get Shorty is my favorite movie of all-time ... It's also the reason I'm a Filmmaker, so I guess you can say it left an impression on me. I've always described it as a "New-Age Classic" from MGM. A throwback to the comedies of old, but done with the flair that only Elmore Leonard's writing can bring. GREAT Adaptation by Scott Frank. GREAT Direction from Barry Sonnenfeld. GREAT Cast led by its lead, the GREAT John Travolta. Add in the brilliance of Dennis Farina, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito and Gene Hackman. Shot exceptionally well with all those cranes and dolly shots by the late, GREAT Donald Peterman. Music by Booker T and the MGs! That movie - and John's performance - willed me to make films. GOD BLESS and * STAY FRESH!!! *

To SHOW YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE IT, I own the Jacket John Travolta wore in the movie ...

.... And the shoes he wears in the barber shop scene that immediately follows the credit sequence. ;)