Screenwriting : Stuck in planning by Rafael Pinero

Yeah, maybe your new method doesn't work for you. If I decided I was going to write my next script as pure stream of consciousness, I'd probably end up wasting a lot of time too. Not my method, wouldn't work.

Apparently, despite my best intentions, I begin an outline but do not finish it before I start writing. There's something about being "inside" the story that helps me focus on the details I miss when I'm "outside" the story outlining. Like the buffering in a video stream, my outline always stays ahead of whatever I am writing at the moment...but I don't download the whole file before I start watching. I generally put in a month or two with developing the beginning outline, then I just dive in and write.

Rafael, you can write detail and outline at the same time. There's certainly nothing wrong with feeling inspired to crack into scenes, dialogue, and moments but torn between that and getting your story in order. You'll probably find you need to get that stuff you've imagined out of your conscious before there's room to even think about planning. Try just noting it down somewhere, create a new document and throw all those conversations, ideas, beats, moments you come up with into that while you simultaneously work on another document that details your outline. Don't be afraid if it's just a few bullet points, ask yourself questions and let your mind answer them to help fill in the detail. Enjoy it and don't overthink it.

You can also try a time management by writing each day from 8 am to 2 pm or something that fits to your day. Just be strict and follow your plan - no matter what kind of plan you have and no matter whether you have an outline or not. Just do it. I think: What you are doing is thinking too much and judging each step and each upcoming thought. I know what I'm talking about, because I tend to do the same. Hence, simply sit down and write finally. :)

Wow, great advice everyone. Rafael, the key is to find what works best for you. There is no one way. :) I have similar struggles. I overthink everything and it shuts me down. How I get around it is much how CJ described. I have several files going -- character work, an outline/beat sheet, and I begin experimenting with my first draft -- all at the same time. However, my outline takes the lead. Once I have a handle on my planning I focus more clearly on that first draft. Another thing that could be affecting you is perhaps your confidence. Uncertainty. My confidence wavers from time to time and affects my work. Self-doubt is a real time waster. I find if I focus on the work and forget myself the writing just flows. Also, this all boils down to personality types and how we each problem solve. Some people really function well with a straight line approach to process -- a step by step methodology. Others who don't naturally have that proclivity prefer a more organic approach, or a blend of both -- like me. In the end, all processes or methods end up with the same final result or product -- a screenplay. How you get there is really up to you. But, you'll never get there if you don't start. :)

I think not only is every writer different, but every story is different as well. When developing a story for someone else it is imperative that I research, create an outline, and take notes on the producer's vision. But when writing a spec I often have had the story brewing so long in my head that an outline isn't even necessary. It's like a movie I've seen a million times. Every scene, every beat is memorized and an outline just slows me down. Just do what works for you regardless of what other creatives claim is the "right way".

Rafael, Send me a link to tom.rooney@btinternet.com and I'll share my template with you. Sometimes the template works and sometimes it gets in the way of the creativity, just like reading too many books on how to write a screenplay. I use it often but the more I use it the less I need it. No charge either. Just trying to help. Regards, Tom

Just seconding that while most screenwriting self-help books and consultants push outlining -- and while a lot of screenwriters would rather drink vinegar than work without an outline -- it's not for everyone. A small number of successful screenwriters simply won't or can't write from an outline, Ethan & Joel Coen among them. And more to your situation, some screenwriters (Steve Tesich among them) have said that doing an outline robs them of the desire and need to actually write the screenplay because they feel as though they've already told the story. In the end, what works best for you, works.

Wow, thanks everyone for your comments, it is inspiring, I really appreciate all your advice. I feel lucky to be here and read you guys daily.

I have always started with an idea and started typing, however, in a screenwriting class, I learned about beat sheets, so I downloaded one and took off with it. You can complete one in 30 minutes. It actually helped the flow. I still changed and added things as the story progressed and of course, after you come back to it each day, you add, delete and rewrite. With this being said, the next short I wrote, I started at the top without the beat sheet. I have a script that I started before learning about the best sheet and I am at page 60. I want to add a couple conflicts more than what I have already, so I think I will start a best sheet for the remaining. This should make it clear as mud!! Happy writing...yes, write so much each day or at least a few days a week and don't think about it as much as far as method. You will think enough in between each write about scenes and such which will be a better use of your time...then again, I would love to have time to watch movies as you do! Enjoy!

I totally get you, Rafael. Demon TV, right? Every story seems to have it's own process for me, too. There's no 'this is how it's done'. Maybe for this idea, allow yourself some creative play: get out the big big paper, the markers, the crayons. Draw, allow yourself to be messy as the story evolves itself. Also, WALK (preferably in a forest) or, do MANUAL LABOUR (boring tasks that let your mind wander): a) you'll get shit done or at least help be physically healthy and b) you'll daydream about your story and find inspiration. OK, time to take my own advice. Hope this helps! Cheers!

Demon TV, lol, that's totally right