It’s too easy to rely on everyday verbs while you’re putting a script together. The more picturesque a word, the more visual it becomes. It makes the script that much more exciting and interesting to read.
I usually have two minimized windows running while I’m writing. Pandora for creativity-inducing background music and Thesaurus.com for when I just can’t think of a solid alternate verb. It might take a little effort to find the one that fits, but oh the satisfaction when you do.
Not sure if a verb works? Follow the example in the quote and read the sentence aloud. Try it with different verbs. Which one sounds spot-on? Does it not only convey action but mood as well? If somebody storms into a room, you can probably guess how they feel. Compare it to somebody who slinks, sashays or (always a favorite) moseys in.
The writer’s job is to paint a picture of the story in the reader’s mind. And you want to hold their attention by using words that will do just that. A compelling story with fleshed-out characters helps too, but dull writing makes for boring reading.
I can’t remember the exact wording or who said it, but there’s this great quote that says something like “There are a million words in the English language. Use them.”
Slap a metaphoric pair of these on when necessary. Or literal if you can
For those in the screenwriting know, this past Saturday was Scriptshadow‘s experimental TwitPitch. Basically, you tweeted your logline, and if it was deemed good enough, it made it through the first round.
It pains to me report mine was not among the select few. And I gotta admit: I was devastated. How could it not have worked? Not even a single mention of it in the comments section? This is a sign. I’ve got no talent. I’m wasting my time. Done before I even started. Might as well stop trying.
But rather than constantly berating myself and doubting my own ability, I recalled the words of a guy I met way back around the turn of the century. I had three scripts under my belt and wanted to get some professional feedback. His very first words to me about my work: You’re a very talented writer. Now you need to get better.
I’ve held onto that advice ever since. Every writer loves positive feedback. But in this business, there are a lot more negatives than positives, which can really beat you down. It’s extremely easy to get discouraged when all you’re hearing back is ‘no’ and things don’t go your way. Especially when you get your hopes up.
But this is a hard business. Some people struggle for years and years before achieving any kind of success.
The key, as my dad always says, is perseverance. Keep going. There will be lots of bad days, but don’t let that stop you from chasing the dream.
A lot of writers say they can’t imagine doing anything else. Count me among them. Like everybody else, I have good days and bad days. And it’s still hard to get past the bad days, but I manage.
And learn from my mistakes.
I try to see what I could do next time to change the outcome more in my favor. Just as an example, I’ve already rewritten my logline so it’s (hopefully) better than the previous version.
I write because I love writing. If I can make a living out of it, all the better. The important thing is I still enjoy the process. And no amount of ‘no’ is going to change that.
My work schedule has been all over the map lately, so not only has my writing time been limited, but also my script-reading time as well. Nevertheless, I try to read when I can.
(*If you can, I highly recommend getting an iPad. It’s perfect for reading scripts. Apparently this is also now the industry standard.)
A few weeks ago, Martin Helgeland’s SLAYER was among the selection of that week’s Scriptshadow offering. “This is the dragon slayer in modern day script that just sold for a boatload of money.” How could I resist?
My immediate reaction: I can see why it sold. It’s a solid, action-packed story loaded with lots of cinematic images that muscles its way forward and jams the action down your throat with a vengeance.
I wasn’t crazy about the writing. It seemed a little too showoff-y. “The sword KEENS.” Huh?
But what really got my attention was how similar the story was to one I came up with about 2 years ago. Obviously, some of the details are different, but they share some basic story points.
This isn’t a big deal because the story itself isn’t completely original. You’ve probably seen or read ones just like it numerous times. Helgeland has his version; I’ll have mine,which isn’t even written yet. It’s still in the outline stage, and I can use this as a guide for how to make mine more different.
This happens all the time, and has been going on for quite a while, as evidenced here. Most likely, everything you or anybody else has ever written is in there somewhere.
So stop worrying about someone stealing your ‘original’ idea and focus instead on how your work can stand out from all the other ones just like it.
This week’s installment of The Script Adventurer! featured an interview with the multi-talented Heather Hale. She’s worked as a writer, a director, a producer and as a consultant, so she definitely knows her stuff. (Mark your calendars – the show re-plays Sunday at 7PM on radioslot.com)
I always like to know what key piece of advice a professional or working writer would offer to the rest of us. A thought or phrase to jot down on an index card and attach to the wallspace in front of your working area.
Heather named two.
1. Clarity is king.
You may know your story inside and out, but if the person reading it can’t follow it or is confused as to what’s going on, then you’ve got a problem.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the most brilliant concept ever. The plot and story have to be clear so anybody can pick up the script and know exactly what’s going on.
It’s up to the writer to make their story as easy to follow and comprehend as possible, or else the reader/audience will get lost in the story, and not in the good way.
2. The reader is never wrong.
You think your script is perfect. The reader knows better. It’s their job to go over it with a fine-tooth comb and look for flaws. And unless you’ve attacked that script from every conceivable angle, fixing any potential problem you can think of, they will find them.
The reader really does want to like your script, but if you give them any reason to say no, there’s no reason to be bitter about it. They know what they’re talking about. Look at this as an opportunity to make your script better or stronger than it was before.
-Movie of the Moment: Three over three days! It’s been a long time since I’ve done that, and two were actually in theatres. Wow!
THE HUNGER GAMES (2012). I read the book last month, so it was pretty fresh in my mind. I liked it, although it could have been a little shorter. I can appreciate a strong female protagonist, and it’s easy to see why Katniss has caught on. She’s tough and doesn’t give up. Congrats to Jennifer Lawrence for doing a solid job in the lead.
I also really enjoyed Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman, the blue-coiffed TV personality with perfect teeth. A great accomplishment in casting.
My only complaint – Katniss doesn’t always drive the action forward. She’s more reactive than active in some scenes.
-THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETY (2010). Another animated gem from Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, based on the classic books THE BORROWERS. A recurring theme in a lot of their films is the main character’s coming of age. And this one is no exception. If it weren’t for 3 of the characters being 3 inches tall, this could easily pass as a stage production. Good for all ages.
-RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2011). Smart and well-written. Easy to see why this was a surprise hit last summer. Especially fun if you’re familiar with the original films. K made an interesting point in that you’re rooting for the apes to win, which would mean the eventual downfall of humanity. Count me in the camp of those who think Andy Serkis should have gotten some kind of recognition for his mocap work as Caesar.
Maximum Z 