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Repetition, Subtext and Peeling the Onion Skin
In the real world speaking with others we often leave things unsaid, often because we can’t say it, won’t say it, don’t know how to say it, or don’t think it’s necessary to say it. The part that is left unsaid in script dialogue is called “subtext.” You can write a dialogue that is completely … Read more
Mystery, Action and…the Mush Stuff
I’m working on a screenplay. Not much time for posting to the blog. For many writers of action and thriller the love scenes are tough to write. Many times the women are cardboard characters–sweet girl-next-door, sexy vamp. And, even if your characters are full-bodied (pun intended) writing about love is…well…hard to do without being pedestrian … Read more
Gerunds & Adverbial Phrases Equal Soft Writing
Wielding the lead pipe, Miss Scarlet bashed in Colonel Mustard’s head. One way to weaken your writing is to use gerunds in excess. Gerunds are formed by adding ing to the root verb. A gerund is a present participle. Participle phrases are made up of a participle plus any closely associated word or words. It … Read more
Prompt Ideas from the Notebook: Feel free to play with them.
Something is wrong with my body. I’m waiting for lab results. Pain is a system override so trying to think is difficult. Some recent prompts from the notebook. It’s official in any language. From the Italian dictionary word of the day: Giovedì, 24 Giugno 2010 La parola di oggi è: tonto / imbranato / nerd … Read more
A Spreadsheet of Your Own: Manage Story Structure
A Spreadsheet of Your Own: Manage Story Structure When writing a story or a screenplay you have to manage scene sequence. The sequence of the story scenes is the best way to build growing tension in your story. You have done your homework. You’ve identified your main characters, written background material for them, asked questions … Read more
When you’re hot, you’re hot: How to Use Zero Words in the First Draft
Some days the words flow, the scene materializes and you are on a roll. The sentences flow. Writing dialog is effortless. Some people call this “being in the zone.” Treasure these moments and use them to the fullest. Especially while you are writing your first draft. The best way to stay with this flow is … Read more
How to Use A Writers’ Group
Joining a writing group is a very good way to learn about the craft, especially for a beginning writer. You will hear pieces from a number of different genres. You will hear the use of various points of view. You will receive comments from beginning writers as well as very experienced writers. The best way … Read more
A Great Idea Does Not a Story Make
I’ve been reading a number of film scripts and several short stories lately for clients. Some good, some better, one great. They ranged in genre from domestic drama, comedy, angel fantasy, drama, horror, and “as told by a cat.” None of these fell within my personal viewing/reading preferences of mystery, thriller, action, and sometimes science … Read more
Boogie Nights, Probably Not: First Date Movies
I was out this afternoon. Standing in line at the deli was someone who acted like Elliot in True Romance. So the deli kid (20ish with a name badge that read Harley) and I sort of smiled at each other when the Elliot character left. I asked the deli service person if he had ever … Read more
Narrative Voice: the way to the reader’s heart
Today I have a long list of task to do. I don’t want to do any of them—create and send an invoice to a client, write development notes for a script, call the pet insurance company and ask why they are still billing me for a cat who is gone when I notified them of … Read more
