Sometimes writers don’t know where to start, so here are 10 links filled with helpful advice and tips for screenwriters.
Offering advice from how to refine your elevator pitch to evoking your inner child to help you write, these articles are bound to make you feel less alone and ignite that fire to get you to the finish line.
1) Script Magazine – Hurry Up and F@#k Up!
There are many reasons you aren’t writing right now. Maybe you can’t focus, whatever the reason why not try an outline? Sure outlines aren’t sexy but they are part of the process and at the end of the day you will have written something.
2) Movie Outline – The Opening Scene
Let’s face it people decide whether they like your screenplay within reading the first 5 pages so here’s 4 Tips On Writing The Opening Scenes Of Your Action Screenplay that will keep their eyes glued to your script.
3) Screencraft – Make Your Own Luck
Working is networking we’ve all heard it, but it’s true. Luck comes from hard work and only a little fairy dust. Here’s Screencraft’s advice on making your own luck.
4) MovieMaker – Your Query Sucks!
Wow that’s harsh but remember your query isn’t your script. If you’ve sent out queries and haven’t gotten any traction maybe it needs a bit of a polish. Here are some things you might be doing that can easily be corrected.
5) Stage32 – Am I Crazy?
You often my think you are crazy for pursuing such a difficult career. Here are some tips to keep your mood up when you question whether this is the right path for you.
6) Morementum – Elevator Pitch
Have you ever run into an industry professional only to linger in awkward silence? Well with a little bit of talking to yourself you’ll be a regular chatty kathy in no time. A chatty kathy who can pitch in 2 mins or less!
7) Writers’ Store – All It Takes Is 10 Mins
Sometimes it’s hard to make time for writing. You have responsibilities, but now there’s no excuse. In this article Pilar Alessandra explains how it can be done in just 10 minute increments.
8) No Film School – Create A Scene
Dialogue is great but it isn’t everything. Have you ever wondered how to create a great montage or a great scene description? Wonder no more with this article.
9) The Blacklist – Let Your Inner Child Play
As people get older they lose their sense of play. This is vital to a creative and especially to a writer. Learn how to develop your creativity and brainstorm like it’s your new super power.
10) Indie Activity – Thank You For Procrastinating
I saved the best for last. It’s what every writer wants to hear. Put off the work and it will all work out. Well here’s a slightly differently approach that will speed up your writing by using your nemesis procrastination.
BIO: Nancy Bloom is a comedy writer and puppeteer. When she’s not writing she can be found belting out show tunes in her car. Sometimes, she writes about empowering girls on girlsthatsnotokay.com. You can also find her at @nancyloves90s.
DID YOU KNOW??
LondonSWF is ALWAYS looking for “round up” posts like this one – so if you think you can find ten or more links that can benefit screenwriters, send them and your commentary (500 words max) like Nancy’s to Lucy V at LondonSWF, TODAY.
Posted by a member of the London Screenwriters’ Festival team.
