Go Into The Story

On Writing

“Writing is like meditation or going into an ESP trance, or prayer. Like dreaming. You are tapping into your unconscious. To be fully…

Page One: “It” (2017)

Screenplay by Chase Palmer & Cary Joji Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman, based on the novel by Stephen King

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 4

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

Screenwriting 101: Andrew Bujalski

“Write out the scene the way you hear it in your head. Then read it and find the parts where the characters are saying exactly what you…

Scene Description Spotlight: “Jerry Maguire”

“A beat of silence, then noise returns to its normal commercial roar. A couple of fleas have been swatted off the carcass of an immense…

Page One: “Isle of Dogs” (2018)

Screenplay by Wes Anderson, story by Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola & Jason Schwartzman and Kunichi Nomura

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 3

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

Scene Description Spotlight: “Inglourious Basterds”

Today let’s consider the narrative voice of a drama: Inglourious Basterds (2009), written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.

On Writing

“The best time for planning a book is while you’re doing the dishes.”

Page One: “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978)

Screenplay by W.D. Richter, novel by Jack Finney

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 2

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

Go Into The Story Interview: Wendy Britton Young

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

Writing and the Creative Life: The Creative Personality

Creative Personality as comprised of 10 dichotomies. How many do you have?

Page One: “The Interview” (2014)

Screenplay by Dan Sterling, story by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg & Dan Sterling

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Day 1

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

Interview (Part 6): Wendy Britton Young

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winners.

Scene Description Spotlight: “The Hangover” (2009)

Today, we check out The Hangover, screenplay by Jon Lucas & Scott Moore.

Page One: “Interstellar” (2014)

Written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Get Your Head On Straight

It’s time to gear up for the latest Challenge which begins tomorrow!

Interview (Part 5): Wendy Britton Young

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

Spec Script Deal: “Riding Hurt”

Teton Ridge Entertainment acquires action crime spec script “Riding Hurt” written by Buck Bloomingdale. Via Variety:

Page One: “The Interpreter” (2005)

Screenplay by Charles Randolph and Scott Frank and Steven Zaillian, story by Martin Stellman & Brian Ward

2025 Zero Draft Thirty March Challenge: Story Prep — Character Development

A series to help prepare writers for next month’s Zero Draft Thirty writing challenge.

Interview (Part 4): Wendy Britton Young

My interview with the 2024 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting winner.

The Business of Screenwriting: When you don’t get the gig

We are seated in the expansive office of a top Hollywood director and we are having a great time. I mean a really great time. We talk about…