Screenwriting : 17 year old aspiring writer with a question by Zolomon Powell

I think the energy of being young can be a super power. Connecting with creative peers is the way I went at 17. Now, 40 years later and just returning to the industry after an long stint, I have found I still have more than a few friends/acquaintances that I made way back when. For me, it's almost always been who I know to network, brainstorm, create projects, get seen, produce with etc. I think I would if I were your age present day, make a short film with some buddies. And continue the craft of writing. A lot.

Move to a city with a large tv, film, theater arts community and hustle for show biz jobs and work with ppl whose livelihood is making stuff. GL!

Nice to meet you, Zolomon Powell. I suggest studying screenwriting and building up a portfolio of great scripts.

Here are two blogs for up-and-coming screenwriters:

www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...

www.stage32.com/blog/script-analysis-101-understanding-the-key-elements-...

I also suggest checking out the other Screenwriting Blogs (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/screenwriting-25) and the Screenwriting Education (www.stage32.com/education?search=screenwriting#screenwriting).

And I suggest adding a profile picture and a detailed bio to your profile. People will feel more comfortable networking and collaborating with you if they know what you look like. And if you have a picture, your profile will show up when someone searches for you. A detailed bio will help you build relationships/network on here. You could add things to your bio like why you became an author/screenwriter/concept artist, your accomplishments, your goals, and what books/movies/shows you like.

SPOT-ON!! Susan Kelejian

You have come to perfect place Zolomon Powell and welcome aboard!

Your ear for teenagers' dialogue is probably the best in the business.

Write a script and make it with your friends! Then if they have an idea, help them write and make it too!

Lots of great advice here, Zolomon Powell. I would consider starting out with short scripts and then move up to either features or TV pilots. Be patient with yourself and don't rush to get one done - take in all the steps to do it right. All the best!

i agree with everyones advice !! very good kid take it all in (:

as for me i would say yes your ear for teen stuff is probably really in tune

so i would focus on what your good at and have an advantage of and punt everything else ....... ooo yea and focus on your work and squint at success

Zolomon Powell Zolomon Powell

I almost thought I was the only teenager on this platform

Don't contact any agents, managers until your book is ready to go. A lit agent can represent you, but production is a different animal. Production companies will buy a book before it's published if they feel it's highly commercial and marketable (i.e., Harry Potter). If they get involved after it's published they'll look at sales data. For publishing a YA book hit up Scholastic as they get their books into a lot of schools. If you wish to adapt it yourself then learn, and master, storytelling, specifically as it relates to screenplays. A tad different than books. Keep going strong, Zolomon! First things first, make sure your book is ready, it's been read by others for notes, feedback, and formatted. No exceptions.

Create a wonderful step by step plan to achieve the highest level of success you can imagine.

Find a few people who have achieved that level of success you desire and inverse check their Bio's against your wonderful step by step plan.

Modify your step by step plan to reality.

Make a tangible 1 year, 3 year and 5 year goal.

Find an effective focus tool, add 110% of your full commitment, and go for it.

Good luck.