Where do we begin?
We get it, there are thousands of articles online telling you how to write a script (even on this very blog). From pulling ideas together, to outlines, first drafts and polishing. But not many talk about the realities of screenwriting. The ups, the downs, the trials, tribulations, and the overwhelming joy writers experience within their processes.
Welcome to part one of our Screenwriting Series, where we’ll be exploring the art of screenwriting from the blank page to the polished draft. As a freelance screenwriter, I’ve developed both my own projects and those of my clients from scratch. It’s not always an easy ride, and that’s OK.
This series will take a deep dive into the actualities of each step of the writing process. Make sure you read all the way to the end to find out more. We hope you’ll join us for the ride!
So, let’s start at the beginning… the dreaded blank page.
The Blank Page
“You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” – Jodi Picoult
Author Jodi Picoult wasn’t wrong when she said the above. If you don’t have anything on the page, then there’s nothing to improve. It may be the worst writing in the world, but at least you have something to work with.
But just how do we get words on the page in the first place? For me, getting started is the hardest part of the writing process. Procrastination is a real problem, as random and intrusive thoughts enter my head: “No one is ever going to want to read this”, “My ideas are awful”, “I’m a terrible writer”, “What’s for lunch?”
No matter how accomplished a writer you are, the fear of the blank page will always be there, but there is good news. You can conquer blank page anxiety and type your way to a fabulous screenplay.
For me, I always accept that the first words I write for a synopsis, or even a first draft of a script, could be complete nonsense. I try to free write for as long as I can, sometimes managing a few pages before turning back and reading what I’ve written so far.
Yes, for the most part, what I’ve produced will probably be deleted or heavily edited, but at least I have the bare bones.
Organization is also key, especially when I’m working with my clients. I set aside short bursts for each project, so I have limited time to come up with ideas and get something on the page. I find that if I sit and stare at the screen for hours on end, nothing gets done. Sometimes just taking a few hours or a few days away from a project and coming back to it later allows ideas to stew in my head, and I’m more successful next time around.
I always take regular breaks when writing to experience life in its purest form. As writers, we tell stories informed by our own experiences in life and what’s happening around us. To do that, we must actually live! By taking breaks to grab a coffee, people watch, or simply walk around the block, you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make to your creativity.
It’s important that you find your own ways to kickstart your creativity as well. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to any creative process, and this includes screenwriting. If you find a method that works for you, run with it!
Want some more ideas on how to inspire your creativity? Check out our post on how to start your next script here.
Finding Your Voice: Embrace Your Unique Perspective
“Your writing voice is the deepest possible reflection of who you are. The job of your voice is not to seduce or flatter or make well-shaped sentences. In your voice, your readers should be able to hear the contents of your mind, your heart, your soul.” – Meg Rosoff
While we may use the same words, it’s how we use them that’s important. Here is where our individual voices as writers can be found. Like all other screenwriters, you will have your own style and nuances to bring to the table. You just need to find and develop it.
Over time, you may find your writing voice suits a particular genre e.g. comedy, drama, horror – watch this space for more on genre later in the series. How you write scene descriptions, convey atmosphere and tone, how you pace your writing, and your dialogue style, can all inform your voice and how it comes across on the page.
When screenwriters are first starting out, the advice is to read as many scripts as possible to really understand their craft and how some of the best movies and TV shows came to be. Yes, this is an extremely useful exercise, and I highly recommend you do it.
However, I too often see writers become drawn to a particular writers’ style and try to replicate it. Often by taking inspiration from writers like Quentin Tarantino or Aaron Sorkin, new screenwriters can end up reproducing a style they’ve studied in their own work, and their voice feels unauthentic. Yes, Tarantino and Sorkin are masters at what they do, but your voice is just as valuable. It’s OK to take inspiration from renowned writers, but develop and hone your own style as much as you can. Once you’ve found it, stick with it!
Writing is one of the most vulnerable creative pursuits where we lay our humanity bare. Often, we discover more about ourselves, and this can scare us, pushing us into imposter syndrome and the need for everything we write to be perfect.
The truth is that humanity isn’t perfect, and neither is any individual. Embracing this as a writer is key in our process and learning about our voices. Many writers find this extremely challenging and give up early on in their journeys. Don’t give up!
I often find writing my own screenplays much more difficult than in my professional life; when working with clients, I am adapting to their voice and story, but my own screenplays are a whole different ball game. I find myself doubting my voice and a pull to external validation from peers, friends and family. As I continue to write, I am slowly learning to understand and validate my voice and work.
Remember, building your writer voice will take time. The more you write, the better.
Navigating the Creative Process: It’s Okay to Struggle
My writing process, such as it is, consists of a lot of noodling, procrastinating, dawdling, and avoiding. – Amy Bloom
We all dream of our scripts being recognized by screenwriting contests, submitting them to producers, and eventually seeing them on the big or small screen. It can be difficult to focus on the actual writing process, and easy to become caught up in the outcome.
With all the best will in the world and immersing ourselves in the creative process, it’s only natural to become fixated on the end goal. With many obstacles along the way, the inevitable writers block, and life generally happening, the finished product may seem like a lifetime away.
It’s perfectly natural to struggle through the writing process. If you don’t struggle, you cannot improve. By overcoming obstacles, finding new ways to fill that plot hole, polishing on the nose dialogue, rewriting that awkward scene, and even proofreading, will make you a stronger and more creative writer in the long run.
If it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it. If you didn’t hit that creative brick wall, encounter that character that just won’t play ball, or write that pesky first draft, would the outcome really be as satisfying?
Need a helping hand along the way? Our series will support you throughout each step of the writing journey, giving you practical tips you can use to be the best writer you can be and stay true to your voice.
Can’t wait? Check out our post on overcoming writer’s block.
Rough Draft to Refined Script: The POWER of Revision!
“The first draft reveals the art; revision reveals the artist.” – Michael Lee
Once you’ve written FADE OUT on your first draft, it’s time to revise! Our series will not only help you develop your voice and process, but also support with revisions.
There is no such thing as getting it 100% right first time in screenwriting. Revisions are always necessary, from a general proofread, to complete scene rewrites, adding and deleting characters, revising story arcs, and tying up loose ends.
Revisions help improve the content of your screenplays and allow you to see your work critically and from a new perspective. Once you have the first draft, by stepping back and taking a look at the bigger picture, we can notice issues with our work that we wouldn’t have even considered when writing in the first instance.
The sense of accomplishment I get from solving a problem or improving even the smallest part of my script gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Celebrating the small wins along the way allows us to appreciate the writing process for what it is, and put less onus on the end goal.
So that’s a short snippet of a long list of revisions that you may need to focus on. But how do you actually identify what needs changing?
Throughout our series, we’ll be highlighting the key areas you should consider when editing your screenplay, as well as practical actions you can take to enhance your scripts.
Introducing the Scriptwriting Series: What’s coming next?
Without further ado, we announce our Scriptwriting Series, and we have a lot to cover!
The first set of articles will cover genre, as we jump into the worlds of drama, comedy, thriller, and horror (just in time for spooky season!). Learn the craft of each genre and how you can adapt your writing. We’ll even throw in some great examples of screenplays you should check out, and insights from working writers.
Relatable and practical advice has always worked for me, and I’m excited to pass on what I’ve learned, as well as what I’m continuing to learn from others and from experience in my own writing journey. Writing can be an isolating craft, so it’s vital that as writers, we support each other, share knowledge, and be each other’s cheerleaders. Sharing is caring, after all.
Embrace Your Journey
The journey of screenwriting is filled with challenges, growth, and discovery. From overcoming the fear of the blank page to refining your voice and tackling revisions, the process requires persistence and a willingness to embrace imperfection.
Throughout this series, we’ll guide you step by step, offering practical insights and support to help you navigate each stage of your writing journey.
Whether you’re honing your creativity or polishing your final draft, remember that writing is a craft that evolves over time. Stay true to your unique voice, celebrate the small victories, and don’t be afraid to struggle—it’s all part of the process.
This is just the beginning of our rollercoaster ride into screenwriting. Join us as we dive into the art of screenwriting and mastering genre, from horror to comedy, and everything in between.
Make sure you stay tuned to our blog so you don’t miss a beat. Drop us a follow on our social channels to catch the whole series, plus updates, extra videos and interviews. You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook!
More helpful resources for aspiring writers and filmmakers:
Go Into the Story by Scott Myers
Script Magazine
Stage 32
Masterclass
Continue the series:
- Part 2: From Dreams to Screams: How to Write a Horror Script
- Part 3: From Dreams to Screams: How to Write a Horror Script Part 2
- Part 4: Beyond the Stars: How to Write a Science Fiction Script
- Part 5: Laugh Out Loud: How to Write a Comedy Script
- Part 6: From Tears to Triumphs: How to Write a Drama Script
- Part 7: From Meet-Cutes to Happy Endings: How to Write a Rom-Com Script
