It seems that when anyone is faced with a project, the hardest part is simply getting started. Many screenwriters also find this to be true. They have a great idea in their heads, but when it comes time to actually put the words down on paper, they can’t quite seem to get it out.
Aspiring novelist Steven Till posted a good article on his blog about how to be a more efficient writer. Basically it comes down to one thing - time. Everyday you have to set aside a fixed amount of time just for writing. Head on over to his site for the full article. His point is applicable whether you are a novelist, poet, or screenwriter. Writers write. Skilled athletes practice on a regular basis. So should writers. Here are a couple of other points to consider when trying to tackle that screenplay.
1. Try WRITING rather than TYPING. You may type faster than you write (like me), but there is something intimate about physically writing your thoughts down on paper. Plus, it’s an excellent memorization tool. I find that I often remember things better when I write versus typing. It helps me keep track of character studies, plot, story outlines, etc.
2. Just WRITE, without stopping to correct yourself. In the film Finding Forrester, Sean Connery’s character is a brilliant author who takes on the challenge of mentoring a young student. In teaching him how to come up with the first draft, Connery’s character insists that he just write. Don’t even think about it. Just put it down. As you struggle to overcome writer’s block, simply write your thoughts as they come. Even if you are writing “I don’t know what to write,” just keep your pen moving. You will be surprised at the creative break-throughs you will achieve.
Writing is an exhaustive process, and yet one that is very self-satisfying. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you have created a new world on paper for others to enjoy. Okay, so why are you still reading. It’s time to start writing.
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