Go Into The Story

Lose the Orphans

One way to cut pages while not messing with the integrity of the story.

Why Staring Into Space Is an Important Strategy for Success

“In the shower we are simply staring into space, washing our hair on autopilot. We aren’t checking our messages or Twitter feed, or writing…

Page One: “Candyman” (2021)

Screenplay by Jordan Peele & Win Rosenfeld and Nia DaCosta, based on the 1992 motion picture entitled Candyman written by Bernard Rose…

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 13

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 4): Kieran Turner

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Black Dogs.

Reader Question: Does one character “own” each scene?

Which character has the strongest sense of purpose in that very moment? What is their goal? What do they want, both in terms of the overall…

Hurry up and wait

The bane of a screenwriter’s existence: They want the script NOW… then they make you WAIT… and wait… and wait…

Page One: “Caddyshack” (1980)

Written by Brian Doyle-Murray & Harold Ramis) & Douglas Kenney

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 12

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 3): Kieran Turner

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Black Dogs.

The Virtues of Spacing Out and Goofing Off

Finally, science is good for something! Spacing out rules!

The act of writing provides health benefits

“From long-term health improvements to short-term benefits like sleeping better, it’s official: Writers are doing something right.”

Page One: “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” (2013)

Written by Danny Strong

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 11

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 2): Kieran Turner

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Black Dogs.

What are you afraid of?

The single greatest inhibitor to creativity is fear. Do you recognize any of these voices?

Screenwriting 101: Christopher McQuarrie

“Good exposition is the art of turning pure information into emotion. The Indianapolis Monologue in Jaws. Harry Caul’s dream in The…

Page One: “Bright Star” (2009)

Screenplay by Jane Campion, novel by Andrew Motion

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 10

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Interview (Part 1): Kieran Turner

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Black Dogs.

Seeking Representation: Managers First, Agents Later.

For a screenwriter trying to break into the business, “How do I get an agent” is the wrong question to ask.

On Writing

“I have two desks. One has a writing slope and the other has a computer on it. The computer dates from 1996. It’s not connected to the…

Page One: “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995)

Screenplay by Richard LaGravenese, novel Robert James Waller

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 9

This is the 14th year in a row I’ve run this series in April. Why a story idea each day for the month? Several reasons which I’ll work my…

Go Into The Story Interview: Greg Roque

My interview with 2022 Black List writer for his script Jerry!