I came across this clip of an interview on Film Courage, and it brought this question to my mind, "Do you make the time to write and invest in your craft, or do you sit and wait until inspiration hits?" But...what if inspiration never hits, or takes 5 years before it does?...What then?
I've heard many debates on this. Some say the most important thing is getting it out no matter if it's horrible, as you can fine tune it after. While others say there's no point in writing without the inspiration because it's a waste getting something out that isn't good.
What is your take on this? Do you have a schedule you stick to whether you're inspired or not, or you sit waiting until a "vibe" hits you?
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Both. I've had to write even when I'm inspired.
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I do not think it is either one or the other of those notions, but rather it is a bit of both. Somewhere in the middle. Writing is a complex endeavor, as are all creative efforts. When one feels inspired by an idea that certainly gives a project creative fuel, absolutely, but, again, it is the work ethic, the rolling up your sleeves, that gets the script written and finished. Romanticism about creative inspiration aside, waiting around does nothing to hone your writing skills. Good, bad, and even horrible writing helps you to better hone your own barometer for what is effective writing and what is not. All writing is worth doing. ;)
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I have a weekday writing schedule that I stick to, and catch up on what I didn't complete during the weekends.
This sums up a writers life in a nice nutshell Beth Fox Heisinger Unfortunately I've seen so many writers that sit waiting for that "inspiration" to hit, and time is just slipping by. Personally I relate to Phillip E. Hardy, "The Pro From Dover" as well. I'm in it for the long haul, so if inspiration hits then HELL YEA! But, if it really isn't there, best believe I get my butt still writing or reading scripts. I'm in a passionate space on a whole with screenwriting, so I want to have longevity in it, so that keeps me going forward even if i'm not fired up to write.
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Christi Corbett I compliment you for this. I'm horrible with schedule lol I just know I need to write, so I keep writing and getting the words out, but in terms of a set time to write on particular days and stuff, that takes some serious discipline.
Kay Luke Not many can say what you just did. Grim didn't do his research on who he was dealing with. Sure showed him! Glad to still have you here with us man. Your endless source of inspiration is understood.
Dan Guardino Dan MaxXx I guess if your intention is to make it in this lane, that's what it takes. Work ethic. I think a lot of writers fall short because of this-writing one script and then banking it all on that, or not continuing to try improve their writing and being aggressive enough you know. I'm just trying to develop that work ethic and not be one who falls short.