Every day, I feed my screenwriting passion! Nine times out of ten I write but not always…
Other things I might do include …
Create and update IDEA files! Consider files for titles and loglines. One file that I update on a regular basis is my “what if” file. I have found that maintaining idea files keeps me focused on my current project. If I get an idea and don’t write it down, the idea sits there and festers, distracting me from the “project at hand”.
Read SCREENPLAYS: When you read a screenplay, you learn. Yes, you can read succesful scripts. But you can also read scripts from aspiring screenwriters and provide help in the form of a “review”. These reviews will accomplish two things… You will learn, and the writer will learn. There are several on-line sites that are great for this type of exchange. Three that I visit are MoviePoet.com, Zoetrope, and TriggerStreet.
Read WRITING BOOKS! This seems like an “obvious” to me but there are many writers out there that have read one book and then don’t read any more. I’ve found that, as I read books about screenwriting or story development, my brain generates ideas that are helpful to projects I’m writing…
Outline story ideas! Your future projects! Your outline can be detailed or very general. But write it down, and save it for a “rainy day”.
Develop Characters: Do you have ideas for characters? Create and maintain a “character” file. Then, when you need a really special character, you’ll have a bunch of notes to peruse. You might keep lists of character traits, dress, hobbies and habits. Or you might flesh out specific characters.
Visit Libraries or Book Stores! A great resource for any writer.
Dream! Close your eyes and allow your thoughts to drift. Before you fall asleep, acknowledge the ideas that are starting to develop. Watch the movie you are writing in your head. Focus on a plot problem and find ways to solve the problem.
Don’t tell me you don’t have time to write! There are many ways to feed your screenwriting passion! Just do it!
