Question:
How do I stay focused on my writing?
Put Your Butt in the Chair and Keep It There
Sometimes fun, sometimes torturous, writing a feature-length screenplay takes devotion. “Put your butt in the chair and keep it there,” best simply explains how one finishes a scene, five pages, an act, reaches FADE OUT, rewrites, and polishes a screenplay. The next time you start to procrastinate, repeat these ten words, “Put your butt in the chair and keep it there.”
You Are Responsible
Being a professional writer means writing daily (or as close to daily as possible for you). It requires managing time the best you can as a creative person. And it demands you find ways to make money (hopefully with your writing). Writing for a living can be a struggle, but developing good work habits and believing in yourself help tremendously.
Writing's Clichés
Writing's clichés—though inherently unoriginal—are well worth repeating. The fact is that writers—as creative folks—are often likely to become distracted, procrastinate, or plead writer's block. It's also easy to get too close to a story and lose one's way. Try guidance by cliché—while trying not to write clichés—for inspiration. Writing's clichés are memorable, and can save you time (to use being original with your own works).
If You Love It
The key to finishing a screenplay may be found in one's passion for the work's subject. Most writers cannot finish a story embarked upon solely for its marketability. Write the story in your heart and you will most likely reach FADE OUT.
Screen Writing Frequently Asked Questions
How do I follow screenplay format?
How do I dream up a movie idea?
How do I obtain representation?
Do I have to move to Hollywood?
How do I make a story believable?
How do I add direction to dialog?
How do I get input on my writing?
How do I stay focused on my writing?
What is important to remember regarding creativity?
How do I get into screenwriting?
Do I need to rewrite after my first draft?
What is the upside of the writer´s life?
How do I keep the audience´s attention?
What will I write for Hollywood?
What shows may educate me about screenwriting?
How do I write shots and camera angles into my scripts?
What is my role as a screenwriter?
What would I offer Hollywood as a screenwriter?
How do I use writing to get into acting?
How do I keep the reader reading?
How do I indicate voiceover, or off screen dialog?
Where can I see movies or shows made from good scripts?
How do I give copyright notice?
How do I keep readers interested?
What festivals should I attend?
Where else can I learn more about screenwriting?
Where can I find exposure for my writing?
An agent has asked me to write a "Blurp/Logline" about my screenplay. What is a Blurp/Logline?
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| William Pirraglia |
