Screenwriting : A Compiled List of Screenwriting Resources and Tips: What have you found to be most helpful? by Beth Fox Heisinger

I'll start: Get offline. Yup, that's right. Get offline once and a while. Get out there and meet people who work in the industry or who are working writers or filmmakers or producers, etc, themselves. Surround yourself with people who have more experience and more knowledge than you do. And: LISTEN. Lemme say that again: LISTEN. Absorb what they have to share. Let it sink in. Of course, what you choose to do with that information is up to you. ;)

I was incredibly lucky and met my mentor at a talk six years ago—she's a former V.P. of Development at United Artists. I had just started stumbling around with screenwriting, had no idea what I was doing, and here I crossed paths with a generous person with decades of extensive experience—the A-list people she has worked with boggles the mind. And yet, she completely grounded me. Gone was all fantasy. I'm a pretty practical person, to begin with, but a healthy dose of reality at my very beginning was profound.

I know what you're thinking: there aren't many options near me, I have a limited budget, etc. Well, that's my situation too. But you gotta look. You gotta try. There are lots of free talks or lectures series. I met my mentor at a function put on by a local creative group. It was free. Our local library sponsors lectures from various writers, visiting and local. And it's free. Planning on a vacation? A weekend getaway? Try to time it with a festival or something similar. Save money. Carve out time. Make it happen. 'Cause after meeting someone in person, she/he will be more receptive to you online. May be willing to let you pick their brain and/or point you in a helpful direction. ;)

https://johnaugust.com. ;) A free online resource with practical, professional advice and a library of project examples, it's screenwriter John August's website and blog, and, of course, the Scriptnotes podcast he hosts with fellow erudite screenwriter Craig Mazin.

http://www.twoadverbs.com/logline.pdf. Here's Christopher Lockhardt's paper on how to construct a logline.

I would also like to add Erik Bork to the list here. He's a great human, a great thinker, a great writer, and a great teacher, and you can get some really great tips from him through his website....

https://www.flyingwrestler.com/key-principles/

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https://www.scriptmag.com/features/submissions-insanity-10-submissions-c.... An article by Lucy V. Hay with tips and advice on how to write those screenplay submissions, query emails, cover letters, etc. ;)

To be honest, my best help has come from other writers.

Beth: The first and one of the best formatting resources I found and used was The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley. I was inspired by films I grew up watching like The Wild Bunch and Lawrence of Arabia. Goals are what help keep me on track and trying to continually move the ball forward with better writing, more writing friends and connecting with more industry people along the way.

Scripts -- especially those of award-winning movies, have always been a real inspiration to me. Since I tend to be overly descriptive in my own screenwriting, I love to study writers who can paint amazing word pictures with the briefest economy of words. Perhaps a half-sentence. Or single word.

Film festivals -- are a wonderful source of script ideas as well as a place to meet film creatives who are passionate about their craft. It motivates me to get moving on my own projects.

Travel -- There's nothing like hitting the open road, discovering little towns that time forgot, encountering all sorts of interesting people along the way. So far, I've been to 48 states, 28 countries, and had countless adventures. It gives you plenty to feed your imagination when you sit down to write.

I'm just a a self-taught hack and learned from a real bad how to book and other people I have worked with in the business.

Thanks so much for sharing, everyone! ;)

About formatting and a good reference book to keep handy—I keep my hard copy on my desk—I highly recommend The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier. ;)

About craft, well, I'm still working on that list to post. ;)

Couldn’t agree with you more, Erik. ;) The best inspiration and learning resource to me is reading lots and lots of different screenplays with different approaches from different voices with different styles and in different genres. ALWAYS know the background of the project and the specifics of a script before you read it. Who's involved? Is it original? Was it a spec? Is it an adaptation? Was it for hire? How did it come to be? How long did the production take? Is the writer also the director/filmmaker, etc? Are you reading the spec version and/or the shooting script?—do get your hands on both if you can. Be informed. Always. :)

I was saddened to learn that the large script index at LA Screenwriter came down, but here's Scott Myer's script download collection of 100 screenplays made available by studios and production companies: https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/script-download-links-9313356d361c. ;)

Dan G, I'm self-taught too, as are a lot of us here at Stage 32. All the more reason to share resources and insights that we've picked up along the way. ;)

IMO, It’s the greatest job in the world - make shit up and get paid.

I think it helps tremendously to work in show biz - skin in the game. Your livelihood. There are plenty of jobs outside of rockstar Writer/Director positions. Like Beth says, go meet people who do this for real. It worked for me. I was just around people, right place at right Time and they offered to help/mentor/paying jobs because I showed up to work.

Beth, from my 'complete outsider' standpoint the two most educational, informative, and inspiring experiences I've had along this journey have been my trip to Writer's Bootcamp in Santa Monica and the development notes I got from working execs connected here to Stage32. The moto, at the time, at Writer's Bootcamp was, "The secret to writing is writing." I've never forgotten it or the completely inspiring mojo I felt during my week there. The other, of course, has been the invaluable notes and conference calls from working execs. That insight helped me see my pilot script for what it was and why it was being rejected. I strongly encourage getting feedback from people working in the biz.

Um, apologies for the long-ass response; I got jazzed.

Erik A: that's something I would recommend to everyone to do. I was in Tennessee once, visiting a few places, and met a diner owner, and he said to me, "you sure done talk funny." We bullshitted for an hour or so, and that interaction inspired one of my scripts The Tennessee Two-Step, which I am re-writing at the request of a producer. It's funny how things work out sometimes.

Beth: yeah...I was a bit heart-broken when I read that L.A. Screenwriter was gonna shut that part of its website down, and grabbed as much as I could. That was a great additional benefit to writers, and they had a great TV script section, too. Thanks for the Scott Meyers link, and here is another good one, The Daily Script. Some are shooting scripts, some are PDF's, and some are transcriptions. Films and TV shows, too There are a lot of great ones here, too:

http://www.dailyscript.com/movie.html

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Likewise, if, say, getting a job in the industry to gain experience is not an immediate, feasible possibility, for whatever reason, then I suggest producing or getting together with local creatives and filming a short or several shorts if only for yourselves or just for the fun of it. Or to enter a film festival. See something that you have written or contributed to come to fruition and experience firsthand what it takes to get something made. I’m just starting to dip my toes into production and it has completely shifted my perspective on screenwriting. My two cents, I highly recommend screenwriters get involved with the production of something, if only to further inform your writing. ;)

No apologies are necessary, Ted. Thanks for sharing your experience. :)

Thanks for posting links, Bill. Much appreciated. ;) We have a great thread of resources and tips forming. Keep ‘em coming!

Hey, Dan M, what was that resource(s) you posted months (yikes, maybe a year) ago? About series bibles? From showrunners, I think? Examples? I’m having trouble locating it? I hope you remember or know what I’m talking about. Lol!

Dan, make up shit and get paid - sounds like today's newscasters. On all sides!

Beth Fox Heisinger i don’t remember but I will after my 5th drink.

Hi Beth. My list is geared to the starving artists among us. Let's call it ADVICE FOR WRITERS WITH VERY LITTLE MONEY:

3. join stage32 and take advantage of everything you can: webinars, script services, making contacts, lounge discussions, setting up script swaps, etc etc etc

4. never stop writing. 1 script is not enough. 7 scripts is not enough. Stay on top of current formatting from David Trottier (screenwriting Bible author): https://www.screenplay.com/dr_Format

5. Read about screenplay writing. Personally, I love Save The Cat by Blake Snyder. It's funny and makes you feel like you're part of a club. It's helped me a lot!

6. avoid contests. It's too hard on the fragile ego and your money is better spent on stage32 pitch sessions.

7. If you're broke, look for work here https://www.networkisa.org or if you can afford it, put your stuff on InkTip. Avoid Blacklist - it's just a contest (see point 6). Also, you can post your stuff for free on https://www.scriptrevolution.com

7. Learn about the industry. If you can't afford st32 webinars, check out Goodinaroom blog, Erik Bork (flyingwrestler.com), Dov S Simons....did I mention RB's videos? That they're all available to you for free? He's an absolute hog for this stuff. watch them all. Just type RB in the search bar uptop and go to his videos. You can also sign up for a free newsletter from the folks at moviemagic software. There's a ton of industry mag websites. Me, I sort of avoid them cuz it's too overwhelming. OH! and always check out IMDB so interesting! OH! and when you're watching movies, pay attention to the producers at the beginning, and try to consciously think about plot points, good dialogue tips, etc.

8. If you're broke, use the free software at writersduet.com It does everything you need it to, for FREE. And the upgrade to 'pro' is $100. They deserve it more than anyone else and as soon as I get paid for this thing called screenplay writing, that'll be my first purchase.

9. feed your creative self: walk in the forest, meet other creatives, paint, dance, draw with crayons, journal daily, go to plays, get a massage or a tarot reading or a reiki, take a bath with candle light and bubbles - anything outside the box and food for your creative soul. If you're stuck or have writer's block do the self-help course byJulia Cameron - Artist's Way. Yes, I've done it three times.

10 Keep everything in the cloud. I use google drive. Do not ever lose a script due to a crashed computer.

11. When you know you have a 'keeper' get it copyrighted at the us copyright office https://www.copyright.gov This is about the same cost as WGA and is better legally speaking. It's money, but it will give you peace of mind more than anything else. You'll likely never ever need it or use it otherwise. Don't put the copyright number on the front of your screenplay as apparently that marks you as a newbie.

12. Love yourself. Stay away from toxic people who don't understand your need to write despite the fact that it isn't making you any money (yet) - even if that's close family members. Surround yourself with a circle of people who support your creative self.

13. KEEP WRITING! God made you this way. So just follow Her perfect instructions, and do what you were put here to do.

Thanks, Sarah! Great share. ;)

You done with that drink yet, Dan M? ;)

Bill Costantini Is it just me or is the Erik Bork link mostly blank: https://www.flyingwrestler.com/key-principles/

Really hope I didn't miss the magic "Show Me" button somewhere.

Hmmm....I just clicked on it...and see everything, Ted. Try this one for the main page:

https://www.flyingwrestler.com/

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https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/bibles. Hey, I found one of the links I remembered being shared in the forum years ago... examples of various TV series pitches and bibles. :)

https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/home. This same website, TV Writing, also has show collections, tons of TV pilots, as well as scripts from entire seasons. Great resource for educational purposes. :)

For me watching great movies - movies that move you, excite you, surprise you, shock you, draw you into their worlds - and seeing how those films are structured, how time is managed, how characters are established, all that, is how you learn to write good scripts.

I would also like to add some great plays by great playwrights. The majority of these plays have been made into films. I love reading plays, and love seeing plays. As a screenwriter, stage writing makes you hone in on the naked bareness of human drama - inner and outer conflict. These are ten of the many great modern playwrights and a couple of their plays that hone in on the human struggles that we can all relate to - as screenwriters and as humans:

Henrick Ibsen - A Doll's House, An Enemy of the People

Lillian Hellman - The Little Foxes, Julia, The Children's Hour

Eugene O'Neill - Beyond the Horizon, Long Day's Journey Into Night, The Hairy Ape

Lorraine Hansbury - A Raisin in the Sun, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window

Eugene Ionesco - Rhinoceros, Hunger and Thirst

Annie Baker - The Flick, Nocturama

David Mamet - Glengarry Glen Ross, Sexual Perversity in Chicago (film name "About Last Night)

Paula Vogel - How I Learned to Drive, The Long Christmas Ride Home

Samuel Beckett - Happy Days, Rockaby

Suzan Lori Parks - In the Blood, Topdog/Underdog, Fucking A

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There is too much negativity.. Many go like:

-How can I sell a script?

-You can't!

-How do I get an agent?

-You can't!

-How can I win a contest?

-You can't!

-What's your favorite color?

-You can't!

@Victor

It's not negativity, it's competition. It's human nature.

Victor:

Forget all the people who tell you that "you can" or "you're wasting your time." If I listened to all the naysayers I wouldn't have accomplished all the things I've done since I hit forty. Focus on success and don't spend time contemplating failure or rejection. Get up and walk on!

One thing that helped me probably the most was when my agent told me I should attach a well-known director to a couple of my screenplays. It was probably the best advice I ever received.

Echo what Dan said, but not as advice from an agent, since I don't have one. A few producers have told me that, about attaching anyone I can to a story, if possible - like actors or a director. You have to have as many chips on the table as you can these days, with all the fierce competition out there, and it also shows that i'm a bit of a hustling go-getter type, too, and can speak the lingo's that make people want to be on-board ahead of time. The more lingo's, the better, and the more chips, the better - and preferably those multi-flavored ones that aren't on every store's shelf. .

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"Chips" - a slang word for "as much good going on with the script as possible." - like people attached, or people who have expressed interest in being attached.

Sorry for the lack of clarity - I was eating potato chips when I typed that. No wonder why my keyboard has a greasy feel to it now, and there are crumbs all over my shirt. Time to get on the treadmill. Bad Bill!

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Beth, you are amazing. I'd forgotten all about that site (all the TV pilots and bibles). Perfect timing as my giant to-do list contains two bibles I need to work on. Thanks!

You are most welcome, Sarah. ;)

Online classes, tips, and insights videos, how-to and/or craft analysis websites, here's my short list of resources that have benefitted me. Some are free and some are not, but all are helpful and inspiring:

https://www.youtube.com/user/filmcourage

https://www.lessonsfromthescreenplay.com

http://www.losttribeentertainment.com/the-art-of-story.html

https://www.masterclass.com

https://www.stage32.com/webinars

Beth...don't remember the link....but that one you posted a month or so ago about audience involvement was classic, and a great share. Can you re-post that here, please? For some reason, I can't open video stuff right now, and would appreciate that link again. Thanks, Beth!

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Bill, I believe you are referring to The Art of Entertainment video by Anatomy of Chaos; The Art of Story with Adam Skelter. The link to that specific video, along with all his other videos, is included in my comment above listing online classes, tips, and insights videos, how-to and/or craft analysis websites—it's the third one down, Lost Tribe Entertainment, http://www.losttribeentertainment.com/the-art-of-story.html. ;)

You can also do a Lounge search and bring up my other post featuring that same video also posted on YouTube. Here's that thread: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/The-Art-of-Entertainment. ;) Enjoy!

Another helpful resource... A video from screenwriter Michael Arndt: ENDINGS; The Good, The Bad and The Insanely Great. http://www.pandemoniuminc.com/endings-video/. His video on Beginnings can also be found on this website. ;)

Oh, Michael Arndt also offers some writing tools, a 100-Page Story Map and an Act 3 Story Map: http://www.pandemoniuminc.com/tools/. ;)

Thanks, Beth. Those are all really great videos - and that's the one I was asking about. And thanks again for answering that question - I should have known that. Duh Bill! Duh Bill!

This is a great Active Verbs List. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi did a great job in compiling this list, and their website, Writers Helping Writers, is an awesome site. Check out their story about how they first met. I love those two ladies and would go to war for them. I also love their Negative Trait Thesaurus; Positive Trait Thesaurus; and The Emotion Thesaurus. All of their stuff is Must-Have Stuff for Writers.

FAVORITE LIST OF ACTION VERBS

https://writershelpingwriters.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Active-Verb...

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You're welcome, Bill. ;) And, yes, I couldn't agree with you more about Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. I have two of their books: The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression, and The Negative Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Flaws. Great reference guides! ;)

Here are the links to several significant reports/studies. Three are related to the business of cinema/television, and the fourth is related to the way the brain functions and processes creativity.

+ UNESCO'S Institute for Statistics (UIS) Cinema Data Release, is the most authoritative report on global cinema production, and confirms why I always say that, in the history of the world, there is no better time to be making films than right now.

http://uis.unesco.org/en/news/cinema-data-release.

+ Hollywood Diversity Report. This is the most recent Diversity Report from the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA. Things are certainly looking better than ever, and it's looking more optimistic that one day everyone will be able to say "yes...finally.":

https://socialsciences.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/UCLA-Hollywoo...

+ Hollywood's 50 Most Powerful TV Showrunners of 2018. The Hollywood Reporters annual list has a lot more diversity than in previous years, too.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywoods-50-powerful-tv-showru...

+ "How Creativity Works in the Brain" The National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) co-sponsored this event with the Santa Fe Institute.

https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/how-creativity-works-in-the-bra...

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Brilliant idea. Will follow this closely. Thank you

One more, the granddaddy of screenwriter forums when AOL and dial-up modems ruled the Internet, owned by Terry Rossio & Bill Elliott.

http://www.wordplayer.com/welcome.html

Thanks Dan.

Thanks, Bill! ;) And, thanks, Dan G. An oldie but a goodie. Great resource!

What an amazing resource this post has become! Thanks, Beth!

Great thread, Beth. I would second the Rossio, Elliot mention. And for all of you reading this thread, when you go to these resources, don't take every bit of advice as gospel. I have digested more resources than most, it all started when the studio I was at sent a bunch of us to McKee AFTER we worked with Vogler and Blake Snyder -- it planted the seed of my ever-lasting curiosity as to how there could be so many gurus for what seems like a pretty natural art form. And that's the key -- it's an art form. And as such it's subjective.

If any of you have ever studied any form of art, you know that you watch peers and masters for tips -- not to ask them to hold your brush or instrument. You take those tips and file them away until the day you run into a instance that they may help you through. So take note of the things that speak to you and don't worry if other advice doesn't. It's the ability to take what works for you and make it your own that is the best broad advice.

Narrowing it down a little more don't dwell on one project too long. Move on to the next, and next. Stack projects... Be outlining one and doing a rewrite and 1st draft on others. You never know how long it will take for one to take off -- the more you have in the fire, the more likely one will cook.

On a micro level, a couple years ago I had a creative tip of the day thread in the screenwriting lounge. If I recall, there's about a 100 or so. Give it a search.

Beth, you stole the majority of my thunder! ;) But, I have to second most of what you said: John August's web-site is an excellent free resource, as are the many screenwriting BLOGS from professionals, including the wonderful ones here on Stage 32, several of which I've been a proud contributor of. BUT, the thing you said that I liked the MOST is about GETTING OUT THERE! Just as I did, you found a mentor, who has helped you grow as a writer, filmmaker and likely a person, as well. I've been fortunate to have several, the first being Samuel M. Sherman, whose company - Independent-International Pictures Corp - is the longest-running Independent Film Company in the business. Sam then in turn introduced me to another mentor, Albert S. Ruddy, the 2-time Oscar-Winning producer of The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby, among many others. These two men - and several others - have taught me so much over the years. And, I've known Sam a while now - close to 18 years. I've also been fortunate to have Al in my life for almost 10 years. Now for all the people who will say, "I don't have any connections," OR "I don't have a lot of money," OR "I don't live anywhere near Hollywood or New York," just as you did, I have answers: There are worthy Film Festivals in EVERY STATE, where you can happen to meet anyone from a major Filmmaker / Screenwriter to an up-and-coming, talented Newcomer. Heck, you can meet a low-budget Filmmaker, who just happens to be good friends with an Oscar-Winning Screenwriter. Build your relationship with one and you just might get an introduction to another. Network, Network, Network. There is NO SUBSTITUTE! And, there is no good answer for NOT BEING ABLE TO DO THIS! I don't force my beliefs on anyone, but I will say, for me, at least, that believing in something GREATER than myself has also grounded me in this business. Personally, I call that something GOD and I believe GOD helps those that help themselves. You Network and do the work, and HE will put the right people in your path. Cast a WIDE NET. See what happens. Often the complaints about why people can't do it on here - to me, at least - don't hold much merit. If you want to do it, you WILL find a way. Lastly, I also agree with reading as many scripts as you can. Go online and find the scripts for the movies that motivate you and see what the original - or shooting script, as it may be - looked like. You can find most of the scripts you're looking for FREE at www.IMSDb.com (no affiliation with www.IMDb.com), which I believe is the web's largest movie script resource. But, AGAIN, I can't stress enough that going to Film Festivals and Networking Events can be EXTREMELY HELPFUL. Most Festivals have panels with Screenwriters and Directors and Producers, as well as valuable Q&As and after-parties. To me, if you're not willing to do these things, you make it 100 percent harder on yourself. But, if you do them, there's a good chance you can meet a new friend in the industry, as well as someone who can become your mentor. And, again, I don't care if you live in Mississippi, Iowa or New Hampshire - There should be a Film Festival within two-to-three hours driving distance from you ... and in most cases a lot shorter distance. Get online and look up the various Festivals from the smallest to the largest. www.FilmFreeway.com provides a comprehensive list of Film Festivals, even if you have nothing to submit yet. And, in fact the New Hampshire Film Festival in Portsmouth, I believe, puts a main area of focus on Screenwriting. My last bit of advice - and I would say it's timely for a lot of the people on Stage32 is this: Instead of finding reasons why you CAN'T do it, find the REASONS WHY YOU CAN. Hope this helps. Onward and Upward! And, of course, GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! ;)

A little more business-related (again)....but this is a really interesting piece about the clash between art and science....damn those scientists!

https://www.wsj.com/articles/at-netflix-who-wins-when-its-hollywood-vs-t...

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Laurie! Great to have you comment! Oh, I do remember those wonderful daily tips from 2-to-3 years ago... they were/are truly insightful, generous and helpful. ;)

For those members who wish to look up Laurie's tips, you can easily do a search by topic in the Lounge. Just type "Laurie Ashbourne creative tips" and all will be listed. ;)

Laurie, I would love to have you add more here in this thread if you have the time. I'm hoping to create a sort of "library" of links and tips with this post. Any additional contributions you would be willing to share would be greatly appreciated. Your voice of reason is dearly missed here in the forum! Best to you! :)

You're welcome, Mike and Sam! Happy you both think this thread is a great resource in and of itself. No thunder, just sharing experience and information. My thanks to you— and to everyone— for contributing! :)

To add to one of Laurie's many great points (please do read her comment above!) and just from my own humble experience with screenwriting, I wholeheartedly agree with her, "don't take every bit of advice as gospel." Exactly. Screenwriting is not orthodoxy. It's a craft. So my two cents of advice: always keep an open mind. Learn and pull from a variety of people, experiences, creative approaches, different opinions, different resources, and different paradigms, and find your own. Often the way to truly tap into the intangible quality of writing—that magical element that we can't quite put our finger on, but what resonates with readers—is to develop our own voice, our own style. And you can't quite do that by only following prescriptions or by waiting around for some sort of approval. You gotta develop your own barometer for understanding and knowing what is good writing and what is not. Trust your gut. Make a leap of creative faith. Take well-informed creative risks. ;)

I'm with Beth on Laurie Ashbourne. She is one of the best. I have never specifically worked with her on a specific project, but will soon, so in a general kinda way, I can say that she is a Great Friend to Writers....loves art...is a great human.....and in just like 20 words from her....she can make me re-think entire goals and plans and schedules and objectives....and intended and unintended, she can burst a bad balloon and fill it up with the right kinda air..... man.. ....I love Laurie Ashbourne so much....I'd go to war for her.....and I'm just being general here, and not even specific...heh-heh.

Danny Manus is one of the best too. He's a Great Friend of Writers...and his long-time service and testimonials from pro writers and aspiring script sellers illustrates what he's about. And he's available through here as well.

.And you can click on any of those people's names that offer script services here...and you can see how accomplished they all really are. They are brilliant and passionate people, love art, and love what they do. They are well worth what they charge. And what they provide...the value goes well beyond one specific story, because you have that information for the rest of your life, and not just for that one story. That information becomes invaluable at that point, and that's a win-win that can be cherished forever.

Please don't listen to the idiots who say stuff like "I"d never pay for a consultant, and you shouldn't, either." They try to vilify an entire industry with sweeping generalizations that are distorted and biased and are just plain wrong. They're clueless, they're angry and they're ignorant to reality....and they'll never help you learn anything, except how you can deter yourself from becoming the best writer that you can become, and as quickly as you can become that best writer that you deserve to be. (And that's not only my opinion, but based on data...my apologies if I made any non-data types cringe and think I'm offending them. I'm not intending to do that...you're doing it to yourselves.)

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Filmsite.org is probably my favorite year-round website of all time. I go on it every Sunday, and man...I could just fall into that website like Kevin Flynn fell into ENCOM's mainframe - but without the battles. But Filmsite now has like 20 different sites rolled into it, and it's without a doubt the Master Site for Film

https://www.filmsite.org/

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Thanks, Beth and Bill. You are two of my favorites in this lounge for sure, so that means a lot. It's hard to believe it's been that long that I did that series here. I will be back, hopefully soon. It has just been a whirlwind of projects that has had my time stretched way too thin.

I will add some more resources at a future date but here are some that I go back to often:

Studiobinder.com -- has a ton of resources, if you're a TV writer their series on developing a series is a great place to start, but they also have a ton of material on absolutely everything it takes on set and a most of their stuff is free.

2 books that don't get enough press and are amazing at breaking story are:

Pilar Alessandra's - coffee break screenwriter is fantastic, I've definitely use portions of it in my own approach on nearly every project.

https://www.onthepage.tv/on-the-page-resources/

Dara Marks has a book on story that is much more actionable and relatable than McKee's massive tomb.

http://www.daramarks.com/inside.php

You're SO AWESOME LAURIE! Thanks for the links!

Thanks, Laurie! Much appreciated. ;)))) I love Pilar's book too. My copy is always on my desk. I'm taking a look at the Dara Marks book right now—great share, thanks! I stumbled across Studiobinder.com and found it incredibly helpful as I'm dipping my toes into production, but I haven't signed on as of yet. Not sure how it all works. I'll have to report back. :)

Oh, in Pilar's book, The Coffee Break Screenwriter: Writing Your Script Ten Minutes at a Time, she offers great tips on how to utilize time and how to organize your planning and concept work in smaller chunks, as well as practical tools to use to write your script. Every little step moves you forward. She also has a great tool for tracking your setups and payoffs. It's a great book for those of us with crazy busy schedules. ;)

Stage32. Period. It's all here. From the links. From the staff. From the members. You stay here you will SUCCEED. SPECIAL shout out to you BETH for all the work you do each year at the NWC. And of course BENSONHURST. CANARSIE OUT!

I am stupified. My jaw hangs open in awe. My browser holds a load of fresh intel ... I feel like "Johnny5" ... I was looking for input, and wow!, did I find it. I'd like to thank all of you, for being so open to sharing information and helping each other and we newbies, but a big thank you to Erik Jacobsen for sending me to this thread. I have my work cut out for me today ... I've purchased FinalDraft10, Save The Cat, and Writing Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hauge and waiting on a few more to arrive from Amazon. And, sweet helpful Michaela Kale for all of her help too. Stage32 has become my mentor, and WOW! have I hit the jackpot! Thank you all so very much ... Write On!

I'll also add The November Write Club here on Stage32. Even though I've never entered it, and just based on what I've read about it recently, it looks like it's a great resource for writers to become better writers.