Go Into The Story

Go Into The Story Interview: Stephany Folsom

My 2014 in-depth interview with the screenwriter of Toy Story 4, consulting producer and writer on the TV series The Lord of the Rings: The…

Page One: “Mass” (2021)

Written by Fran Kranz

“The only way out is through”

Imagine the process of writing a story as being a journey. Perhaps as you embark on your adventure, you have a map — an outline or beat…

Screenwriting 101: Humphrey Bogart

“If I ever have to spout exposition, there’d better be two camels humping in the background to distract the audience.”

Go Into The Story Interview: Brian Duffield

My conversation with the filmmaker whose writing credits include The Babysitter, Spontaneous, Love and Monsters, and No One Will Save You.

Page One: “The Mask” (1974)

Screenplay by Mike Werb, story by Michael Fallon and Mark Verheiden

Great Example of Handling Exposition

From Season 1 of The Last of Us.

Screenwriting 101: Lindsay Devlin

“A lot of people think movies are just sort of, ‘Anybody can do it. Anybody can be a screenwriter.’ But it’s a tough, tough craft. It’s…

Writing and the Creative Life: Seeing… Hearing…

One day a while ago, I was out with my family for a walk in the neighborhood. As we returned home, I noticed a speed limit sign in the…

Page One: “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” (1994)

Screenplay by Steph Lady and Frank Darabont, based on the novel by Mary Shelley

The Business of Screenwriting: 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…

Writing Tip: Something is Better Than Nothing

“No matter what you write, good or bad, it’s an improvement to a blank page.”

On Writing

“A lesson any writer can use. Don’t be afraid. That simple; don’t let them scare you. There’s nothing they can do to you. If they kick you…

Page One: “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (2021)

Screenplay by Dean Fleischer Camp and Jenny Slate and Nick Paley, story by Dean Fleischer Camp and Jenny Slate and Nick Paley and Elisabeth…

Screenwriting Tip: Feet on the ground… head in the clouds

A twist on a familiar adage speaks to the business of writing.

Screenwriting 101: Scott Derrickson

“The Divine Comedy of Filmmaking:

Go Into The Story Interview: Lori Evans Taylor

My conversation with the co-writer of the smash hit movie Final Destination: Bloodlines.

Page One: “Mary Poppins” (1964)

Screenplay by Bill Walsh & Don DaGradi, based on The “Mary Poppins” books by by P.L. Travers

Prep: From Concept to Outline: “It works!”

When you enroll in this online workshop, you will receive a FREE personalized autographed copy of my book The Protagonist’s Journey!

Go Into The Story Interview: Craig Mazin

My in-depth interview with screenwriter and co-host (along with John August) of the popular podcast Scriptnotes.

On Writing

“Sometimes it’s all dialogue with a quick stage note, sometimes it’s all descriptive work. The point is getting it all down, even if it’s…

Page One: “Martyrs” (2008)

Written by Pascal Laugier

Know Your Genre

If you want to write in a genre, immerse yourself in it.

Go Into The Story Interview: Ava DuVernay

My in-depth interview with filmmaker whose credits include the movie Selma, the documentary 13th, and the TV series “Queen Sugar”.

On Writing

“I don’t need time. What I need is a deadline.”