Sylvie Matter

It's a very short one, mainly about what I've learned so far as a beginner, and that goes just a few months back. Maybe this can help some of you who, like me, are taking their first step.

First of all, writing is a lonely business. Really? Even if I'm home alone, I never feel lonely. I plunge into my story, surrounded by my characters, how lonely can that be?

Second, the beauty about writing is its flexibility. The park, a coffee-shop, any kind of transportation, the beach or in the middle of nowhere, there always is something to experience that could add to the story.

Third, I can write on my laptop, phone, tablet, a legal pad, a napkin, who cares. While writing, internet is not even a problem, I only need it to rewrite or edit, refining the story.

Fourth, I read, and read, a lot of material, then I get confused, as many contradictions come out of what I read. So I decided to confide in a few "mentors", I still read other stuff, but trust only in what those "mentors" whisper to my guts.

I use a free software, can't afford one of those fancy and expensive programs. I don't need that kind of technology at this point, I'd rather use my energy into writing a story, possibly a good one.

The first time I heard the word "spec scripts" I thought they were talking about speculoos scripts...how dumb is that! And I'm not talking about the effect that "vomit draft" had on me. It made sense though, you eat too much speculoos, then you vomit, right?

Do what appeals more to your personality: outline, vomit, rewrite after each paragraph, or wait until the end to rewrite, there is no "one size fits all". Sometimes inspiration comes with force, there is no time to outline. Or I get stuck, that's when I feel I should outline my story.

I just moved from another country, a rollercoaster, no kidding, and I'm ready now to take my writing to a new level. Screenwriting books are on their way, can't wait. I'll let you know which ones I like most.

One last thing, read screenplays, watch movies, series, find a beta reader, most of all, write, you've got to have the last word!