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Paperback. 306 pages. 1976 printing…. More >>
The Technique of Screenplay Writing by Eugene Vale

Product Description
The Techniques of Screenplay Writing: A Book About the Dramatic Structure of Motion Pictures… More >>
The Techniques of Screenplay Writing: A Book About the Dramatic Structure of Motion Pictures

Every writer needs some help with their writing. Every writer can improve their writing. One simple technique you can use to improve your writing and better develop your writing process is to spend less time writing and more time thinking about your writing.

Many writers struggle with their early drafts simply because they have not allowed an idea enough time to simmer. Giving yourself time to brainstorm, sift and sort through ideas, and to both have and build upon creative inspirations is one of the keys to becoming a successful and productive writer.

It is best to work on this when you are away from your desk, your computer and any writing equipment (even something as simple as a paper and pencil) however that is the only rule about location. You can sit yourself on a park bench or in your car, you can take a walk or a jog, or you can perform some mindless household task such as vacuuming, folding clothes or washing dishes. There really are not rules as long as you can focus the majority of your brain power on your writing without the distractions of friends, family, or co-workers.

Even with today’s hectic, busy days there are moments when we are alone with our thoughts and if you want to improve your writing then you should set aside at least a portion of those moments to focus on your writing. In fact, you might find that not only does this improve your work but it also allows you to multi-task by completing some other mundane task (or simply getting in your exercise for the day). I promise you that once you have focused your brain on your writing that you will see an increase in your productivity. You will actually spend less time in front of the computer (or notebook) but will deliver more quality writing in that shorter time.

It is important once you are set on a specific project that you focus your thoughts on that goal. If you are writing something short then focus first on the introduction, for example. If you are writing a novel or book then focus on one scene or section of a chapter. Create a movie in your head, and because it is your movie, do not overlook the sounds, smells, and textures that go along with it. Put yourself in the shoes of the characters of your movie so you can identify with them and feel their emotions. Play with words and sentences in your head. Get a feel for the rhythm of the language. Does it match the “movie” you created?

The more you work these elements over in your head then the easier it will be when you sit back down to write. Use your head to make writing easier for you and more effective as well.

The more time you spend thinking and planning your writing before you set out to work on your latest project the better.

‘You’re too early.’ This is probably not a phrase we use much with our kids. Wouldn’t we love it if they started studying for exams, packing for trips and planning Christmas presents early?

However, when it comes to writing, kids often start early – and it is NOT a good idea. It probably means their writing moves too slowly and is full of padding. Here are three examples:

1) Story Starts

For some reason, people seem to want to start stories at the beginning of the day, or the start of holidays or even (for autobiographies) at the moment they were born. Yet, often this is a boring time.

TOP TIP: Start much LATER when things get interesting – not at the start of the day. Then ‘backfill’ who and why you are there as the action unfolds.

Before: I was really excited when I woke up because today was the first day of the school holidays and we were going to Sea World. I raced into the kitchen and gobbled down breakfast and then headed back to my room to pack. I put in three pairs of bikinis and two bottles of sun lotion. At last we all piled into the car and headed for the airport. I couldn’t wait to see the dolphins and go on the Super Splash ride.

After: ‘Buckle yourself in tight,’ said the attendant. ‘This ride goes at 120 kilometres an hour.’

I gulped and nodded. All my life I’d wanted to go to Sea World and ride the Super Splash roller coaster. Now we were here. [Note: Backfill]

My sister locked down the safety bar, raised both arms into the air and grinned at me.

‘Dare you,’ she said. ‘We ride this thing no hands.’

2) Dialogue

Writing dialogue is another place when writers can start ‘too early’. Normal conversations often begin with cliches and standard questions. This is a getting-to-know-you time, when people are looking at you, reading your body language and reacting to your tone of voice. Words and what you are actually saying take second place. How many times have you heard and said this:

‘Hi, how are you?’

‘Fine thanks.’

If someone actually answered the question with a list of their ills, you would think them very strange. In fact, I’ve even gone to a doctor and when she asked ‘How are you?’ I said I was ‘fine.’

TOP TIP: In writing, we ‘cheat’ when we record conversations. We leave out all the getting-to-know-you cliches and cut to the core.

Before: ‘Hi Jackie, how are you?’ said Mike

‘I’m really good. How are you?’ said Jackie.

‘Fine. What are you doing?’

‘Nothing really, but I was thinking of going to the movies,’ said Jackie.

‘Good idea,’ said Mike. ‘I’d like to see a movie. Can I come too?’

After: ‘Hey Mike, I was thinking of going to the movies,’ said Jackie.

‘Great idea,’ said Mike. ‘Can I come too?’

3) Skip the Travel

Ever noticed in the movies we never see the hero travel, the movie just cuts to the scene outside the hotel or the house when he/she arrives? We should try and do the same in our writing. Travelling is boring, you don’t have to document it all.

TOP TIP: Don’t travel – just arrive!

Before: We all piled into the bus and Michael told funny jokes all the way and Chris and Jeremy and I ate all the sweets we’d packed until we felt sick. Then we stopped at a roadside cafe and we all ordered hamburgers but the chips were cold and everyone complained. We drove for nearly three hours and we were all really tired when at last we arrived at the ski fields.

After: The snow lay thick and soft on the slopes. Three hours of travelling and I thought I was tired. Yet the minute I felt the crunch of snow under my boots, I could hardly wait to get moving.

If we detailed every single thing in our lives, from the time we opened our eyelids, yawned, turned over in bed, mumbled, yawned again… it would probably take a whole book just to cover a few days. Good writing focuses only on the highlights (and low times), of lives, not the boring and ordinary. Show your children this and see their writing skills – and their confidence – forge ahead.

(C) Jen McVeity, National Literacy Champion.

Most of us, sometimes feel the urge to express our feelings and emotions in ways other than the spoken words. Writing is the best way to express ones emotions. The best thing about writing is that you don’t need any thing else to write, other than yourself and a piece of paper and pen. But to write a unique and genuine personal diary, article, story, memoir, novel or any other thing, understanding the art of writing is absolutely critical. Some may say “i am writing just for my personal use, i don’t need to be expert or professional”. This thinking has some very obvious flaws in it. Being professional or well versed in writing does not mean that you are going to sell your work (though it can be hugely rewarding both emotionally and financially). It only means that you can express your thoughts more clearly and in a more concise manner than ever before.

For anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the art of writing, attending writing workshop is a very good idea. These workshops are of several kinds or more appropriately we can say comes in different forms, for example, writing retreat, writer’s conference and normal writing workshops. These three are vastly different from each other. Generally, normal writing workshops are for amateur writers, who are just beginning to enter the world of writing. Writer’s conference is attended by both amateur and professional writers, it is great opportunity for upcoming writers to meet with the established ones. Writing retreats are for writers who can spend a little bit extra amount for finding a right place where they can meditate only on their writing. Both amateur and professional writers can use these retreats for enhancing their creativity.

Writing workshops offers various programs for different writing niches like articles, fictions, non fictions, memoirs, novels, poetry, writing movie scripts and writing for children’s. Courses on business writing are also offered by various workshops. Most workshops prefer writers more than 18 years of age because some content may be adult oriented. These workshops are interactive in nature, so that an individual can learn dynamically, rather than in a passive way. Work done by each writer is made accessible to all other writers in the group. This helps them in learning from each others mistakes and they become familiar with writing styles of different individuals. They can really understand what sets them apart from other writers. If utilized properly, writing workshops have the potential to greatly enhance the creativity of upcoming writers.