# Style & Substance

Indeed, clothes not only make the man (or woman), but they can tell us so much about a character the second they appear on screen.

First of all, let’s get clear on what ‘high-concept’ means.

But the way I see it, all fiction originates as fan fic in one way or another.

Getting a fractured audience’s attention is getting harder and harder.

... well-rendered and delivered dialogue can surprise and turn a story on its head in ways that action scenes only very rarely can ...

It is a shining example of how a film can be distinguished just as much by what its script doesn’t reveal as what it does.

Think like a salesman ... if you have a product you need to sell, which would you rather have? More potential buyers? Or fewer?

... you need to make us want you again.

As William Goldman said about Hollywood, “Nobody knows anything.” Learn all you can but trust your instincts.

Foreign films generally assume the audience is savvier, capable of putting two and two together without having to shove things down their throat.

When somebody finally gives you a chance and decides to read what you’ve got, it’s up to your writing to keep them engaged—not you.

If you consider creating and developing characters to be your writing Achilles' heel, you've come to the right place.

But since 2012, there have been precious few political thrillers popping up on the big screen. Why? It’s not like there aren’t stories ripe for the picking ...

Does any story ever just conclude these days?

... you're sure the editor hates your words, your soul, your children, and even your dogs. Revel in this misery. It's why you became a pen monkey.