Go Into The Story

Psychology of Storytelling: Dark Places

“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”

Page One: “Knight and Day” (2010)

Written by Patrick O’Neill

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 3

This is the 15th 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…

Hollywood Tales: Someday someone will beat you to the punch

If you traffic in high concept stories, chances are you’ll confront this scenario.

Writing Tip: Are You a Push Writer or a Pull Writer?

Do you do your best creative work when you’re pushed… or pulled?

Page One: “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014)

Screenplay by Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn, based on the comic book “The Secret Service” by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 2

This is the 15th 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…

Screenwriting 101: Diablo Cody

“I don’t have a formal rewrite process. I just compulsively groom and re-groom scenes like a cat with OCD.”

Scene Description Spotlight: “Saving Private Ryan”

I doubt anyone who has seen Saving Private Ryan — written by Robert Rodat, directed by Steven Spielberg — will ever forget the film’s…

Page One: “The Kings of Summer” (2013)

Written by Chris Galletta

A Story Idea Each Day for a Month — Day 1

This is the 15th 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…

On Writing

“In any story there are three elements: persons, a situation, and the fact that in the end something has changed. If nothing has changed…

Page One: “Kingpin” (1996)

Written by Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 31

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Go Into The Story Interview: Jack Waz

My interview with the 2024 Black List writer for his script Decoys.

“Just write the next word”

Words of writing wisdom from screenwriter Anna Hamilton Phelan.

Page One: “The King” (2019)

Written by David Michôd by & Joel Edgerton

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 30

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Screenwriting 101: Diablo Cody

“I didn’t really look at it as teen-speak but more like weirdo language! Ellen Page just presents it in such a saucy way, too, and I’m kind…

Interview (Part 6): Jack Waz

My interview with the 2024 Black List writer for his script Decoys.

Page One: “Kin” (2018)

Screenplay by Daniel Casey, based on the short film “Bag Man” by Jonathan Baker & Josh Baker

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 29

One month. FADE IN to FADE OUT. Creativity meets Productivity.

Interview (Part 5): Jack Waz

My interview with the 2024 Black List writer for his script Decoys.

On Writing

“We need myths to get by. We need story; otherwise the tremendous randomness of experience overwhelms us. Story is what penetrates.”

Page One: “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017)

Written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou