Writer's Log- Advice for Writers (What to Write About)

Welcome to the 2nd log of what I hope will become a daily writing advice log for freelance writers or those hoping to become professional writers. I have met many people who talk of wanting to write, but feel either academically unprepared or creatively inadequate. More often though, the challenge is deciding what to write about, which arguably can be based on a process or by freewriting; a loose term where you simply write about the first thing that comes to mind in whatever style you feel, paying little heed to grammar, content, or thought continuity.

Writer's block is a far reaching term that describes an inability to write or even think of a creative sentence; even a lack of creative "energy". The causes of writer's block can be an overly active mind, busy schedule, a creative lull, emotional issue, laziness, or forgetfulness. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Sometimes writer's block can be overcome with a process or series of triggers that break up the block. This can be particularly effective if your blocks seem to occur around the same time or after a certain set of circumstances.

Since I am a screenwriter, I am going to start with how I solve the block of a story outline. Most of my ideas are purely spontaneous, meaning I did not plan the story; the thought simply occurred to me (i.e. "What if a young girl fell down a hole and entered a magical world with white rabbits?") When this happens, I feel very blessed because then it is incredibly easy to simply write out the story synopses before I type one word of dialogue. I can clearly hear my characters voices, see them, and can type the script as if I was transcribing it straight from a movie screen. However, as one writes more and more scripts, this occurrence happens less frequently.

If you are attempting your first script, novel, or article without an idea in sight start Brainstorming. Brainstorming is probably the most effective way to get your brain in creative mode and start churning out ideas so you have a Pool of ideas from which to choose. Writing on a sheet of paper, make 3 or 4 columns and categorize your ideas (i.e. Real Events, Places I Want to See, Personalities I Dislike, etc.). Please limit your columns to 8 ideas or less, otherwise you will stay in brainstorm mode too long and never actually develop any of your story ideas. I know people who are always talking about these great ideas of theirs, but are creatively paralyzed and have no idea how to get past go.

Randomly pick one idea out of each column. Write a paragraph (no more than 5 sentences) describing each idea. Whichever one  holds your interest long enough that you pick up enough steam and write more than a paragraph is probably going to be the one you should start developing in detail.

Some writers worry that what they choose to write about will be dull or too controversial or complex for the public. Don't worry about that. If 5-10 people tell you they don't like your idea, it is either before it's time or a really bad idea. Sorry but 5 strangers don't lie.

Notice how I didn't tell you to write about what interests you because most writers have too many interests to count or make broad sweeping judgments about what will appeal to the public. Normally, it is more interesting to write about a subject that is new to you so you can learn something as you write, which often prevents writer's block.

So I hope this helped. Until next time.

Write On!

Writer's Log - Advice For Writers (Log 1)

I was supposed to launch this blog yesterday, February 1, but I procrastinated, like many writers, and didn't start writing it until now. But, before I launch into my full spiel, I want to write a few lines about what these "logs" will cover.

Since my journey as a screenwriter began several years ago, I have learned a lot. I have learned a lot about screenwriting and even more about the movie business, both indie and Hollywood. Some of what I learned I've had to relearn or dismiss altogether. Other lessons have been "trial by fire" where simply by saying or doing the wrong thing or associating myself with self-appointed entertainment "pros", I was hurt or misled. As you can see, I've survived.


Granted, a lot of this was pure naïveté. When you start down an ambitious road such as writing feature films, you will not escape unscathed, nor should you, nor should you want to. This is your story, your script. The foibles, the gaffes, the faux pas, the terrible storylines (i.e. "The Adventures of Alien and Housewife") and the like. Many writers develop a fossilized root of bitterness in their souls and unfortunately cause their work (and business relationships) to suffer as a result, because every one has been burned at least once.


I've been blessed too. I've gotten to meet celebrities and bask in the glow of successful writers (the ones who eat everyday) and filmmakers. Many have been generous to me with their time and invaluable advice. Their advice was not meant to warn me away from, but to prepare and mature me for what should be a long, long career as a writer. Beware of people who try to warn you away from a profession you love, especially if they are working in that same profession.


So back to the log contents. You will get advice from me, I will steer you (gently and sometimes with an electric prod) onto the righteous path of Great Writing. I will occasionally review a film, discuss a director or tell you about projects I want to write or work on. I will also direct you to do things that writers don't normally like to do like socialize, sometimes for business and sometimes just for fun or just plain schmooze.  I've met people years ago who end up doing all kinds of interesting things in the entertainment business and I am oh so glad I was nice. Being nice to a stranger doesn't always result in a script or movie deal, but it is better than getting bad-mouthed. I'll try to teach you a few things you can say to people to leave a long term positive impression.  I'll also chronicle my upcoming excursions to film fests, which every writer should be attending (more on that later).


There's also a few things I won't do. I won't read your script; that is to say, I won't be the first one to read your script. I have been a script reader. I have been overly picky and downright nasty. I have wept and laughed after reading amazing scripts. Script writing and reading is a long process. It requires commitment. You have to get to know your script. Many writers who want their work read are really submitting a draft, which is not a document that should be read publicly or critiqued because it is not ready.  So don't be surprised if I direct you to local sources first for all your script reading needs.


I have a fairly prolific social media presence, so I'll give you the assignment of "finding" me, lol. We'll talk about that in an upcoming blog; the effect of social media on screenwriters. It's actually a very profound subject.

I'll end here otherwise I'll start writing the material for the next 3 or 4 blogs.

I welcome you to the Writer's Log and look forward to sharing the most beneficial of my screenwriting experiences with you all.