Saturday, September 15, 2018

Create Better Stories With A Workbook For Screenwriters

By Rebecca Williams


Although it is common to have a good idea in mind for a fantastic story, getting stumped about subplots and character development can be daunting. For some wordsmiths, it is not enough to jot down bits and pieces, then bring it all together. Creative guides, like a workbook for screenwriters, can help anyone churn out original stories that are engaging and hard to put down.

This is not cheating, nor are these designed to make a manuscript seem generic or dull. A good wordsmith has strong ideas and normally have a solid mental picture of things like character traits, settings, and other details that make a good story outstanding. The truth is that, as humans, it is sometimes impossible to churn out good scenes overnight.

The first thing is to get an understanding of the characters. Their habits, attire, and their approach to everyday matters should be defined clearly in the first few chapters. Workbooks are great for developing main and supporting characters, especially if there is a climactic scene that affects the final outcome.

Some people may see workbooks as being inauthentic but these can save time and help to break writer blocks. If a person has an original story idea, having a strong resource that inspires creativity can actually save time. For those who have other obligations, this is better than attending live courses and cost a lot less.

Whether the writer chooses to use a hard copy book or software, using this does not make them less authentic. Although some new writers may have influences that have a great impact on their voice, it is their responsibility to create a unique selling point that agents and studios will find interesting. Sometimes this takes a few years of steady writing to develop and make marketable.

Keeping things original can be a tough job, which is why some writers will take a vacation from the process after so many months. While they may not go away from home, life happens and sometimes, it will force the writer to take a time out from their latest work. Upon return, many say that they feel refreshed and find the revisions they make end up working out for the best.

Although most dread the editing process, other wordsmiths find it necessary. In the case of character definition, sometimes it is the small details that can make the difference between getting a nice contract and being told to try again. This is an industry where rejection is the norm but if a writer is unafraid to go over their work with a fine tooth comb, it can be educational.

Workbooks are also great for those who write a lot of notes or collect information to enhance their story. This could be a screenshot of a menu that serves upscale clientele, a regional dialogue, or even pet information. Sometimes a writer may find inspiration in a conversation they had with someone intriguing they just met.




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