Do you have a story to tell? What are you waiting for? I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met that say they’ve been thinking about writing a screenplay. They tell me their story is really, really, really good and then they add, “I know it would make millions of dollars and win an Oscar. Then I ask, “Why haven’t you written it?” Most of the time, people tell me they just don’t have the time.
One thing I know for sure is we all have twenty-four hours in a day. It’s what we do with our time that makes the difference. I don’t want to offend anyone, but if you are called to be a writer, you must practice your craft. Tiger Woods became a great golfer because he practiced. The Williams sisters practiced tennis, gymnast practice, lawyers practice, doctors’ practice and so must you. Hiding your story inside of your head is stealing your gift from the world to enjoy.
One thing I know for sure is we all have twenty-four hours in a day. It’s what we do with our time that makes the difference. I don’t want to offend anyone, but if you are called to be a writer, you must practice your craft. Tiger Woods became a great golfer because he practiced. The Williams sisters practiced tennis, gymnast practice, lawyers practice, doctors’ practice and so must you. Hiding your story inside of your head is stealing your gift from the world to enjoy.
As a story analyst for First Act Script coverage, I see a lot of scripts that have no structure, one-dimensional characters, no premise or plot. According to author Linda Seger, in “Making a Good Script Great,” she states that “Screenwriting is both an art and a craft.” She states that Art is how you express yourself in your story. Craft is learning how to tell the story.
Stories come to us from many sources of inspiration. Most ideas are from life experiences. No one can give you the passion for your story. That must come from within. However, anyone can learn the craft of storytelling.
If writing a screenplay is your goal, then start today. Make a deal with yourself that for at least one hour a day you will write. If you schedule an hour a day, you’ll be surprise how much writing you’ll get done by the end of the month. Another way to get on track is by joining a writing group. Not only will you get the support of other people trying to do the same thing you’re doing, but you’ll also learn the craft of writing. To find a writing group in your area, check with your local library or find a group on-line. Have you been thinking about writing a screenplay? What are you waiting for? Leave a comment below.
Stories come to us from many sources of inspiration. Most ideas are from life experiences. No one can give you the passion for your story. That must come from within. However, anyone can learn the craft of storytelling.
If writing a screenplay is your goal, then start today. Make a deal with yourself that for at least one hour a day you will write. If you schedule an hour a day, you’ll be surprise how much writing you’ll get done by the end of the month. Another way to get on track is by joining a writing group. Not only will you get the support of other people trying to do the same thing you’re doing, but you’ll also learn the craft of writing. To find a writing group in your area, check with your local library or find a group on-line. Have you been thinking about writing a screenplay? What are you waiting for? Leave a comment below.