Go Into The Story

Reader Question: Do all Protagonists need a character arc?

A character’s ‘arc’ is a big buzzword in Hollywood development circles.

How to Use Go Into The Story (Part 1): Watch Movies

Some end of the year advice for GITS readers.

Script To Screen: “Clerks”

A scene from the 1994 movie Clerks., written by Kevin Smith.

Screenwriting 101: Eric Heisserer

“I think a really strong script that has a crackling voice and a unique character can go a long way. But it if it has a solid story concept…

Daily Dialogue — December 26, 2017

“Final resolution. Midnight kiss, New Year’s Eve. Boom! Check it off!”

Wanted: Daily Dialogue themes for 2018!

Join this series tradition with your suggestions and get some creative juju!

Reader Question: Does a story absolutely need an antagonist?

Is it possible to just create obstacles to what a character wants and not have them emanate from an antagonist?

Why I keep hosting this blog… and a Christmas wish for you

Because of emails like this:

Script To Screen: “Citizen Kane”

A memorable scene from the 1941 movie Citizen Kane, original screen play by Herman J. Mankiewicz & Orson Welles.

On Writing

“‘Look, don’t just stare at the pages,’ I used to tell my students. ‘Become the characters. Live inside the book.’”

Daily Dialogue — December 25, 2017

“To my big brother, George. The richest man in town.”

Bob Dylan reads “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”

The classic Christmas Eve poem as read by a Mr. Robert Zimmerman from Hibbing, Minnesota.

Screenwriting News (December 18-December 24, 2017)

The week’s writing deals and movie project news.

“Twas the Night Before Black List…”

Funny how things become traditions here at Go Into The Story. Several years ago, screenwriter Chris McCoy uploaded this series of tweets…

Reflections on “It’s a Wonderful Life”

This is the best piece I’ve ever read on Frank Capra’s classic movie.

Interview (Audio): Rian Johnson and Spike Jonze

A conversation between two noteworthy writer-directors about The Last Jedi.

Dustin, glad to hear you are connecting with what we do here at Go Into The Story.

Best of luck to you in all your creative endeavors in 2018 and beyond!

Daily Dialogue — December 24, 2017

“Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking. Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child’s cry. A blazing star hung over a…

Daily Dialogue theme next week: New Year

Join the Daily Dialogue crew: 3,509 consecutive days and counting.

Saturday Hot Links

Time for the 321st installment of Saturday Hot Links, your week’s essential reading about movies, TV, streaming, Hollywood, and other…

Writing Goals: 2018 [Part 10] — Trust the Process

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2017 and will do in 2018.

Interview (Written): Andrew Kevin Walker

A conversation with the screenwriter of the movie ‘Se7en’.

Daily Dialogue — December 23, 2017

“It’s hard to believe it was just last Christmas that Harmony and I changed the world. And we didn’t mean to and it didn’t last long. You…

What Writers Can Learn from the Stars of “Star Wars”

Insights into the writing craft from the actors of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Writing Goals: 2018 [Part 9] — The Only Way Out Is Through

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2017 and will do in 2018.