Screenwriting : Screenwriting Rules by Alan Kerr

Hey, Alan Kerr. I usually outline a script, so I don't have to worry about when things should happen. Outlining might help you.

And try just writing the script and going back to fix things later. When "I'm thinking too much about proper script structure, and when somethings should happen" happens, ignore it and keep writing.

I know, I know. Writers are our own worst enemy. I just need to sit my ass down and write, fixing is for the re-write.

Hey Alan Kerr You're experiencing something nearly every serious writer goes through - the tension between instinctive storytelling and technical knowledge. The fact that your natural writing already follows fundamental story principles shows you have strong narrative instincts.

What you're describing is completely normal and temporary. Right now, your conscious mind is trying to apply every structural rule simultaneously, which creates paralysis. Think of it like learning to drive - initially you're hyper-aware of every mirror check and turn signal, but eventually these become automatic responses that enhance rather than hinder your driving.

The same integration will happen with screenplay structure. Your brain needs time to absorb these new technical concepts until they become unconscious tools rather than conscious obstacles. Most writers find this adjustment period lasts anywhere from a few scripts to about six months of regular writing. Like driving there's all sorts of terrain to cover and the more you get exposed to it, the more comfortable you get!

Here's what typically helps: Set aside dedicated "messy first draft" time where you deliberately ignore structure and just follow your story instincts. Get the narrative down first, then apply structural knowledge during revision. This separates the creative and analytical processes instead of forcing them to compete.

Your instinctive storytelling ability hasn't disappeared - it's just temporarily overshadowed by new information your brain is processing. The classes gave you valuable tools, but tools shouldn't replace intuition. They should support it.

Keep writing through this awkward phase. Each script will feel more natural as the technical knowledge settles into your subconscious. Most successful screenwriters report that their best work comes when structure becomes invisible - supporting their stories without constraining them.

You're learning. This discomfort means you're growing as a writer.

My dear Alan you may disagree with me but I don’t care. It helped me a while a whole lot. I employ ChatGPT and Meta AI to help me with the logline outline and help me come up with scenes in a movies or series I’m watching so I won’t stay stuck. Yoy can always modify your loglines and outlines in case you don’t like at all. Right now Im struggling with my dialogue being on the nose and the concept of “show don’t tell the audience”. I really hope this helps.

Pat, agreed. I just need to power through and let re-write clean it up.

Diane I’ve never tried ChatGPT but maybe help with log lines, tag line and synopsis would be nice.

I came across this recently with a consultant. I didn't necessarily agree with his notes but found his pedantic technical notes deeply unhelpful yet I also deep down felt discouraged by my own writing. He was a produced writer with some success in Hollywood, so there was the expectations that he obviously knew better than me. However here's the thing, every seminar, workshop and consultant is a montage of ideas. They are not meant to be taken as one, but as a collection of opportunities to enhance your skills, and ultimately your career. There is value in each one of their seminars, so search for that, then use it to propel yourself forward, but don't take it as gospel. Good luck with your endeavours and your career.

Thanks, that was helpful.

I can really relate to what you’re saying. Classes and seminars are great for learning tools, but sometimes they put so many “rules” in our heads that the creative flow gets blocked. I’ve been there too — instead of writing, I was second-guessing every beat.

What’s helped me is separating drafting from crafting. In the first draft, I give myself permission to write messy and follow the story wherever it wants to go. Then, once I have something on the page, I bring in what I’ve learned about structure to shape and polish it.

Sometimes I even start a draft by hand or write short “scene sketches” just to trick my brain into focusing on the story, not the rules.

The knowledge you’ve gained from classes won’t go away — it’ll naturally show up when you revise. For now, maybe try to enjoy the freedom of that first impulse again.

I'm going to graduate with my MFA in screenwriting this November. One of the biggest things I have learned is to take what you like and leave the rest behind. That said... my writing has been greatly enhanced when I have opened myself up to the suggestion and guidance of others.

Rules exist to be broken, but broken with purpose.

well I believe a few writers understand what's going on with you, its your natural self fighting to resist the what you have learnt and sometimes trying to adjust to it.

To help out,

firstly, you must consciously inform your mind that what you learnt are good stuffs and are meant to improve your writing skills. secondly, you must sit down and figure out a way to incorporate your natural gifted skills and what you have learnt ( that's if you're certain you understood what was taught during your time in the classes). application of this will help.

I don't recommend discarding the knowledge you paid for, there is always something to get from it that will improve your writing skills, you just have to figure it out. have a nice day

I completely understand. Structure is the skeleton, but the life of a story comes from the way it’s born on its own. I write my drafts in free form first, and only later measure them against the rules. Otherwise the story loses its breath

Work one on one with someone you respect. Word by word. Discuss each choice.

The apprentice system worked.

This is such a common experience! It sounds like your natural instinct for story is already aligned with the most important rule: a character wants something. The classes gave you tools, but now they are blocking the flow.

The best manuscripts I work on have a solid structure underneath them, not painted on top. Try giving yourself permission to write a "messy draft." You can always apply the structural rules in the rewrite. Your first job is to get the heart of the story on the page. You have got this.

Thanks to all, support is always welcomed.

You're welcome, Alan Kerr.

You need to read the book KILL THE DOG by Paul Guyot. Structure is important, but it doesn't come first.