Go Into The Story

Interview (Part 2): Matt Altman & Dave Matalon

My conversation with the writing duo behind the 2024 Black List script Three Hitmen and a Baby.

The Disunity State of Clarice Starling

How the opening of The Silence of the Lambs establishes the Protagonist’s psychological starting point for her transformation-journey.

Page One: “Mallrats” (1995)

Written by Kevin Smith

Join me for a writers retreat in Spain!

Plus, a special discount for Go Into The Story readers.

Interview (Part 1): Matt Altman & Dave Matalon

My conversation with the writing duo behind the 2024 Black List script Three Hitmen and a Baby.

On Writing

“Only the hand that erases can write the true thing.”

Page One: “Malignant” (2021)

Screenplay by Akela Cooper, story by James Wan & Ingrid Bisu and Akela Cooper

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.

Go Into The Story Interview: Jon Boyer

My conversation with the writer of the Black List script “Free Byrd.”

Deep Focus: Film School on the Cheap

Resources put together by members of the Go Into The Story community.

Page One: “Malibu’s Most Wanted” (2003)

Written by Fax Bahr & Adam Small & Jamie Kennedy and Nick Swardson

Writing and the Creative Life: Perspiration and Inspiration

Sometimes it’s all about the work. Sometimes it’s all about the un-work.

Go Into The Story Interview: Craig Borten

My interview with the co-writer of the Oscar nominated screenplay Dallas Buyers Club.

The Business of Screenwriting: You will fuck up

“One day, you will sell your screenplay, and then your problems will begin.” — Audrey Wells

Page One: “Malcolm & Marie” (2021)

Written by Sam Levinson

Happy Birthday, Go Into The Story!

Launched on May 16, 2008, here we are 6,210 days of blogging later… but what does it all mean?

Go Into The Story Interview: Callie Bloem and Christopher Ewing

My interview with the 2022 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winners.

On Writing

“The best advice on writing was given to me by my first editor, Michael Korda, of Simon and Schuster, while writing my first book. ‘Finish…

Page One: “The Majestic” (2001)

Written by Michael Sloane

Screenwriting 101: Scott Derrickson

“Many filmmakers, especially young ones, are afraid being ‘pigeonholed’, but that’s a pejorative word for ‘branding’, and branding is…

Go Into The Story Interview: Amy Berg

My conversation with a top Hollywood TV showrunner.

Page One: “Maggie’s Plan” (2015)

Written for the screen by Rebecca Miller, based on a story by Karen Rinaldi

Keys to Handling Exposition

Take my 1-week online class to learn ways to make exposition entertaining. Begins Monday, May 26, 2025.

Go Into The Story Interview: Haley Bartels

My interview with the 2021 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

On Writing

“A problem with a piece of writing often clarifies itself if you go for a long walk.”