Hey, guys. Out of curiosity, does anyone take breaks in between scripts and if so how long of a break? Personally, I try to give myself a week or two in between to kinda wind down as I receive feedback, but a lot of times I play it by what's going on in life at the moment. I know recently, it's been like I finish one and immediately want to jump to the next one. Feels like I'm an adventurer haha (well, I guess I am in my imagination).
Hope everyone's doing well and happy writing!
1 person likes this
I always have several going at the same time. All in different stages. Some will sit dormant for months. Maturing like cheese.
1 person likes this
Usually 5-6 years...but this last one feels so good written, it might be even longer
1 person likes this
Edward, I'm the same way about playing it by what's going on in my own life.
No rigid amount of break time for me...but after I finish a bunch of scripts (I like to work in multiples), I try to develop plot points and combination outline/scene lists for future screenplays.
Happy writing to you, too, Edward...and all the VERY BEST to you!
1 person likes this
I only write or work on screenplays if there is a reason to so sometimes I take long breaks.
1 person likes this
I'm a bit like Craig. Either I have several projects at the same time, or as soon I finish one, there's another one already waiting for me.
1 person likes this
That's a good point, John. I usually try to write down my ideas when they come to me and just kinda play with them over time. Sometimes the ideas naturally grow into the story, but there are some that I literally have a brainstorm session. Both have given me good results.
Also thanks to everyone for the responses! It's very interesting reading about the methods you guys use. A lot of times I end up like Craig and Evelyn. I'll have something in the development pool and once the current script is nearing its completion point, I split half my work with polishing the previous script and outlining/prepping to write the next one.
I think the thing that gets me the time in between. Sometimes I need time to recharge and then there's some that I can jump into immediately.
3 people like this
Honestly, it depends and, for me, it's subject to motivation. Before I turned pro, I tended to have a set number of scripts I wanted to write within a year and I'd to try to work to a schedule. If I was motivated to develop one while working on the other, no problem. If I needed to take weeks out to recharge, no worries.
When trying to break in, the important thing is to just keep going while completing projects and enjoying the process as much as possible. Burning out is an issue as is getting too lazy. Balance is critical and subject to the individual.
I actually take longer breaks between scripts now I'm working but the process of writing is more intense when it happens. I recently took my longest break between scripts ever (six months) but have still turned three features around (1 spec and 2 for production) in the past year.
So basically, if you're still turning projects around to build up your portfolio while staying happy, you're golden.