Fix Your Script First
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.
Acting Exercises Writers Can Use to Flesh Out Their Characters
If you consider creating and developing characters to be your writing Achilles' heel, you've come to the right place.
Whatever Happened to the Political Thriller?
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 ...
Editing Advice From a Dyslexic, Independent, and Dysfunctional Self-Publishing Author
... 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.
Fish: And Why It’s Not So Easy To Write What You Know
Because, yes, there is merit to writing what you know—but when you’re in the middle of something, you absolutely do not know it. It isn’t over yet.
Film's Best Franchise? Star Wars? Nope, It's Mission: Impossible
It’s not CGI. We buy it because seeing is believing.
How To Use Participant Observation To Write Better Stories
—the moment you become part of a community’s story, it will forever be part of you.
New York. What a Character.
They say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. What they don't tell you is that once you do make it here, you'll never want to make it anywhere else.
Crafting a Compelling Character Desire
What does your character think they’ll feel after they get their revenge, secure the promotion at work, save the world from the evil wizard, or get their happily ever after?
Writing in Shapes and Colors
My first step was learning how the professionals broke the rules. If they can do it, I can do it, right?
Q&A: Formatting Series - Can I Use Artwork in My Script?
Perhaps the scope of the project is so compelling, it might feel like a disservice not to attempt concept art. But … a script is not a mood board.
Never Think You're Bigger Than the Gods
If Martin Scorsese doesn’t act bigger than the gods, no one should.
The Emmy for Best Comedy Goes to ... "Succession"
To paraphrase Logan Roy, we are not serious people.
Do You Read the Whole Thing?
Every single script I recommended my bosses read officially had my stamp of approval on it. And how bad do you think it would make me look if I wasted some of their precious time with a mediocre piece of material?
