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.

Another obstacle that wordsmiths on any level may face is being redundant. Although some feel that playing things safe may land them a deal faster, sometimes the opposite is true. Maintaining originality can take time but for many successful screenwriters who are always in demand, stepping out of the norm can result in positive feedback.

Writers who find that their story lacks the proper transition realize that using a template found in most workbooks can help the story a great deal. It can be difficult, especially for the novice, to think about the reader when describing an event or other detail. However, when there is a long train of thought that would be good for several chapters, a workbook can help break those into readable chunks.

There are also times when it may be necessary to take a vacation from a manuscript. This may sound silly to a novice but many find a lengthy break from writing can be refreshing. Some experienced writers find it to be the perfect comeback after getting turned down, as they can see where they went wrong upon their return.

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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