Screenwriting : Screen writing by Kevin Harman-Thomas

Kevin - like Laura said; just dump it all out there. Then you begin to develop your story. I suggest you write the ending scene first - it gives you a target. Look for the basic theme. Your story will be jumbled and not make much sense at this point but it's your story development phase - take your time. Get to know your characters, explore their arcs, play around with the character web... Eventually your story will materialize out of the fog (or not.) All the best.

Kevin:

I agree with Laura and Doug. Vomit out your ideas on paper. If you don't know how to format, order The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley. I read that and in a few days, I was writing my first screenplay. Also get some software. There is some free stuff on the internet. Good luck.

I agree with Laura, Doug and Uncle Phil. If I ever come up with an idea I'll write it down.

Just like what others said. Write an outline like the 12 sentences summary, the key beats, your characters personality, back story, and flaw. Write your ideas so you won't get stuck in the middle of the process.

Funny, I'm different. As long as I know the beginning and the end of the story, the premise, logline in other words, I'm ready to go and write. The second act will flow into my brain with these two acts lodged in my mind. So, what I do is bring this first and third act together with conflict, an antagonist, action, all the bricks and mortar, etc... Why I choose it this way? Let's see what I can use for an example:

I walk a lot! I know for a fact, I'll leave the house and I'll return later. The first is act one, leaving, and act three is getting home. Getting started and finishing is key. If you don't know how you're going to finish before you start you'll have a problem along the way. Usually, my walks are a good hour everyday. I don't plan my walk, what streets I'll walk on and where I'll sit and watch the ducks and people around the marina, what I'll do along the way. If I did, I would never do what I had planned anyway, so I leave and take the route that suits my fancy and you never know what will become of it. The fireman's will go by flashing their lights, an ambulance will disrupt traffic, a person will step in dog poo, etc... will add to my adventure as act two. You see what I'm getting at. Don't listen to me but the others because that's the proper way of doing it. I'm just different!

However, sometimes when I want to do something like a twist in the story, after my writing, I'll jot down a small continuation to get me focused the night before. Actually, I like to place myself in a tight spot.( No writer's block for me. I have a vivid imagination) This usually gets my mind going on how to get out. I watch a lot of movies and just love it when the protagonist gets hold up on what to do and gets himself/herself out with remarkable solution you wouldn't have figured out for yourself. To me this is writing. Good luck. Oops, it's not good luck, but a lot of hard work. So many things to look for in writing. All the best. CG

Here is what I usually do. I write down a basic info like what my plot will be, character names I think will be great, settings. Then I write out an outline as to where the scene will take place and what will happen during the scene. I do this before I go in to dialogue. This usually helps me out.

I am horrible with getting my ideas on paper unless forced. Then I go way overboard and have wall sized extravaganzas. I have found that creating a process that works for you is way more important then following any rules.

https://timstout.wordpress.com/story-structure/blake-snyders-beat-sheet/...

Read Save the Cat

Do not read Save the Cat!

You can always try step-outline first. Which are index cards to depict each scene such as "INT./EXT." and goes on within that scene. Putting them together to depict how each scene plays out, from ACT I to ACT III.

Doug... lol.

Hi Kevin, don't know if you even want my advice, cus I would have to write a book version first to get all the interior monologues down!! Then, alas, I strip it all away!! ;)

Chris, I’m the same. I use an excel spreadsheet to write a detailed outline. It’s easier to edit than a full 100 pages script.

Kevin you seem old school" ... keep a pad and pen by you at all times...

They said that there are different ways for every story. Try a lot of things, and choose that will work best on your story. Good luck!