Every few years, I post my philosophy about being a screenwriter. Maybe some of these will resonate with you.
1. Screenwriting isn't for you if you're a delicate, sensitive woodland creature.
2. Don't tell anyone This is your first script. But don't hang your hopes on setting the world on fire because you wrote one screenplay.
3. Learn to suck up constant rejection and never spend more than a few hours wallowing in rejection or failure. Instead, learn how to go forth with each setback with renewed vigor.
4. Writing is the best cure for rejection, especially if it's better writing.
5. Every writer thinks they have a fantastic idea for a story. But, more often than not, they're wrong.
6. Sometimes, a script doesn't connect with readers, no matter how many times you rewrite it. Therefore, don't attach yourself to any one effort too much. It may take writing twenty scripts before finding something that resonates with readers.
7. If you see writing scripts as a path to riches and fame, you may wish to consider other options.
8. There isn't any such thing as writer's block. There are only writers that write and ones that don't. Look at Bukowski. Drunk or sober, he did solid work every day of his life.
9. Writers who build relationships, maintain their humility, and help their colleagues will do better than ones who don't.
10. If you keep losing script contests, write better scripts until you win one.
11. Read books, take classes, seminars, and sound advice about screenwriting and then march to your creative drummer. If I listened to every person who told me I couldn't do something, I'd never accomplish my goals.
12. Don't write something because you think it will have commercial appeal. Instead, write something you believe in.
13. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Instead, endeavor to be original.
14. Don't ever rest on your laurels. Keep writing until it becomes second nature to you. And, you can produce even under adverse or stressful conditions. You may one day have a job that presents you with just that set of requirements.
So welcome to the challenging and occasionally soul-satisfying world of crafting screenplays.
Note: These are not rules or guidelines. They are my observations based on experience and do not represent the views of this fine establishment called the screenwriting forum.
Thanks for sharing the tips and reminders, Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique. Poor woodland creature.
4 people like this
4 people like this
Failure is the greatest teacher of all - learn to embrace it.
Amin!
1 person likes this
Dan M: I should be so lucky!
4 people like this
Dan M: I have cash, but doesn’t make me a better writer.
Phil: We’ll said, I smiled the entire way down the list. What I love is that ever single thing was focused on the writer. Nothing was “hollywood wants…”.
I have a slightly different version of point 1. If you write for any other reason than the love and passion of the writing. Find something you love and do that.
Nice list, well done.
2 people like this
Phillip, I'm so glad you posted this...especially points 12-14. Great list!
3 people like this
These are the same points I tell writers when I critique their scripts and the newbies that I have mentored!!!
One point to add, - 15. Writing scripts with extremely controversial themes or topics (rape, torture, racist/homophobic views) won't win you points in a contest nor with a producer. You can't go mainstream if you're not writing mainstream material.
3 people like this
Even the best cast & crew & suits in charge get it wrong too.. $100M+ loss can easily disappear in corporate creative accounting.
Keep swinging. Maybe one of us will play the big game
https://twitter.com/thewrap/status/1554563596440539137?s=21&t=OR776z7MJ0...
3 people like this
Pretty sensible and most of it would apply to just about any sort of writing.
3 people like this
Why don't you say it's your first script? I'm new to screenwriting, but not writing. It's likely obvious I'm new even though I am studying this craft and working hard at it. I am a really straightforward person and I'm not keen on being dishonest.
3 people like this
Great list Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique Thank you for sharing your observations. My experience so far matches up pretty well! I love to write, and will keep writing the sort of stories I want to see on screen. I've learned so much in the last six months alone that I'm hopeful my next script will be a slightly quicker process!
1 person likes this
Welcome to screenwriting and the community, DB.
2 people like this
Well said, Phillip!
2 people like this
I love this!
5 people like this
What a marvelous discussion. I would call it a directive. A writer told me a while back: When you're not being a recluse, which is what we writers do when we work, you need the heart of a lion, the attitude of a raging bull, and the skin of a rhinoceros. Work on this while you are passionate, empathetic and supportive. In the writing community, there are too many who revel in our colleagues failures. As for myself, I learned a long time ago when to stop talking and listen. And as my dad told me, you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.
3 people like this
DB Harmon - simply don't offer the info that it's your first script, that's not being dishonest. If someone asks, of course be truthful.
Rule of thumb, based on thousands of writers' experiences: write 4-5 screenplays and put them all in a drawer, never to see the light of day again. Your 6th one MIGHT be good enough to show other people. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Phil, #9 IS IT! From this all other things will be learned and experienced!
5 people like this
The list all feels a little negative to me and this stuff can easily beat up those who are struggling. It's also way too focused on trying to write Goldilocks scripts that please readers/judges.
Here's my spin on the same points.
1. It pays to be a sensitive artist and everyone can become more resilient over time.
2. Your first screenplay will be one of your toughest. Keep going.
3. Don't let rejection hold too much power over you. Your heroes suffered before they succeeded.
4. It's more productive to create something positive than dwell in the negative.
5. Most things have been done before but your unique spin on them is still invaluable.
6. Great scripts are typically rejected more than they are accepted in the early days and the same goes for great writers.
7. Write for the art first and not the money while knowing that paying your bills from writing will be an incredible feeling.
8. Do your best to stay motivated and find the tools that unlock your creativity.
9. Friendship is one of the most powerful things you can have going for you.
10. If you keep losing script contests, diversify your tactics and lean into areas that better appreciate your voice.
11. Embrace an attitude that loves learning about the craft and discards the nay-sayers.
12. Write the movies you want to see and it's likely others will want the same.
13. Find, develop, and amplify your artistic voice as it's your unique selling point.
14. Try not to get lazy and keep a balance that maintains a lot of creative energy.
2 people like this
I like 6: In a way it's like a painter fresh out of art college. They can be painting for years, producing good or even great works, but nothing selling.
Then they find their style, their voice.
All it takes is time and confidence, and the fourteen.
2 people like this
Nice list, CJ. I'll take #12.
2 people like this
CJ: Thanks for creating 14 things to know about writing screenplays, light. However, I'm offering my observations without concern about being diplomatic. If that offends someone, they may wish to reread number one consider growing a thicker skin.
2 people like this
I love the balance of the spectrum of your perspectives Philip and CJ.
2 people like this
Roberta: Glad to hear it. Best of luck with your endeavors will always lend eyes and ears.