Go Into The Story

On Writing

“People like to ask me if writing can be taught, and I say yes. I can teach you how to write a better sentence, how to write dialogue…

Page One: “The Peanut Butter Falcon” (2019)

Written by Tyler Nilson & Michael Schwartz

Reader Question: What if you fall out of love with a script?

“What about a script you fall out of love with after 2–3 drafts, and just can’t finish? Put it aside for now or just push through?”

Interview (Part 6): Sophia Lopez

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script A Hufflepuff Love Story.

Writers on Character

Quotes from professional writers about the importance of characters in the story-writing process.

Video: “The Objective Correlative”

Another in the excellent screenwriting series Raising the Stakes.

Page One: “The Power of the Dog” (2021)

Written by Jane Campion, novel by Thomas Savage

There is no right way to write

Learn all you can, but ultimately it’s about your Stories and your Creative Self.

Interview (Part 5): Sophia Lopez

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script A Hufflepuff Love Story.

Great Scene: “Psycho”

78 shots in 45 seconds = One of the most memorable movie scenes ever.

Video: 10 Screenwriting Tips from Edgar Wright

Reflections on the craft from the writer of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, The World’s End, and Baby Driver.

Page One: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” (2006)

Written by Ted Elliott& Terry Rossio, characters by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Stuart Beattie and Jay Wolpert

Craig, thanks for this.

Your comments got me thinking and I did some research. I found an alternate ending of the movie. I’m going to do a blog article on it…

Make Words Your Friend

“Putting one right word after another” — that is so right. When you bust it all down, writing is about choosing words. A writer can choose…

Interview (Part 4): Sophia Lopez

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script A Hufflepuff Love Story.

The Business of Screenwriting: There are three kinds of people in Hollywood

Story. Some get it. Some kinda get it. And some… well…

Writing and the Creative Life: Why Creative People May Feel More Anxiety

I’m even nervous posting this…

Page One: “A Perfect World” (1993)

Written by John Lee Hancock

Thoughts on the Disunity to Unity Arc

Reflections on The Lion King and Simba’s physical and psychological journey.

Interview (Part 3): Sophia Lopez

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script A Hufflepuff Love Story.

Screenplays are stories, not formulas

William Goldman has famously written, “Screenplays are structure.” That is true in a tangible sense because at some point, a script becomes…

Scene Description Spotlight: “Titanic”

Before Avatar went on to gross $2.72B worldwide, writer-director James Cameron created another movie phenomenon called Titanic (1997) which…

Page One: “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985)

Written by Phil Hartman & Paul Reubens & Michael Varhol

Keys to Handling Exposition

Take my 1-week online class to learn ways to make exposition entertaining. Begins Monday, August 15, 2022.

Interview (Part 2): Sophia Lopez

My interview with 2021 Black List writer for her script A Hufflepuff Love Story.