Go Into The Story

The Importance of a Strong Story Concept

“It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of a story idea to the eventual success of a spec script.”

Screenwriting 101: Lloyd Harvey

“Give yourself permission to enjoy the small wins along the way. We make it a practice within our creating, our writing, and our making…

Page One: “Near Dark” (1987)

Written by Eric Red & Kathryn Bigelow

Reader Question: When can you stop tinkering with a script and finally say “done”?

And for a writer, what the hell does “done” mean?

Go Into The Story Interview: Filipe Coutinho and Ben Mehlman

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Whittier.

The Importance of Persistence in a Writer’s Life

“PERSIST on telling your story. PERSIST on reaching your audience. PERSIST on staying true to your vision.”

On Writing

“Being a writer means you are running a small business, manufacturing sentences, and you are the owner of the business, and the foreman of…

Page One: “The Natural” (1984)

Screenplay by Roger Towne and Phil Dusenberry, novel by Bernard Malamud

2022 Willamette Writers Conference

The 56th annual event in Portland, Oregon is scheduled this year from August 4th through August 7th. I’ll be there. How about you?

Interview (Part 6): Filipe Coutinho and Ben Mehlman

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Whittier.

60 Second Screenwriter: Should I make a short film?

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

Interview (Written): Suzanne Allain

A conversation with the novelist and screenwriter of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

Page One: “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)

Written by John Hughes

Three Things About Screenplay Structure

Do not let page count concerns stifle your creativity… or your story.

Interview (Part 5): Filipe Coutinho and Ben Mehlman

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Whittier.

60 Second Screenwriter: What’s an elevator pitch?

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

Great Scene: “Being There”

The enigmatic ending of the brilliant 1979 satire.

Page One: “The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear” (1991)

Written by David Zucker & Pat Proft, based on the television series Police Squad by Jim Abrahams & David Zucker & Jerry Zucker

Deep Work vs. Shallow Work

As writers, we need to protect time for the former from the encroachment of the latter. Here are four strategies to do precisely that.

Interview (Part 4): Filipe Coutinho and Ben Mehlman

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Whittier.

60 Second Screenwriter: What’s a log line?

A video series addressing key screenwriting concerns in one minute.

Writing and the Creative Life: “Believing is seeing”

A twist on the old saying, “Seeing is believing.”

Page One: “Mystery Men” (1999)

Written by Neil Cuthbert, comic book series by Bob Burden

“You just muscle it out”

Advice on writing the first draft from writer-director Darren Aronofsky.

Interview (Part 3): Filipe Coutinho and Ben Mehlman

My interview with 2021 Black List writers for their script Whittier.