At all times, I am reading several books.    Usually I’m reading a couple of novels while reading at least one non-fiction.  The non-fiction book is usually about writing.

I just finished reading “On Writing” by Stephen King.  Now, this is not the first book I’ve read that’s not focused on screenwriting but it definitely reinforced a belief that is solidifying in my tiny brain.

Most writers write in a particular  style.  Some writer’s develop a style that is unique to them.  Other writer’s mimic other writer’s style.  This is true for screenwriters and novelists.  I feel like  my “style” is solidifying.  It is unique for me.

Then there is format.   A screenplay is written in a basic format.  It doesn’t look like a novel.  It isn’t a poem.  There are blocks of dialogue, action paragraphs, etc.  I really believe that any writer can learn the correct format for screenplays.

Many novelists will never see their books on shelves  at Borders or Barnes & Nobel   Likewise, most screenwriters will never see their features shown on the silver-screen.  (Although, right now the advent of  DVD’s and digital programming is changing  the market for film.)  So, if I’m writing because of the prospect of fame and fortune, I might want to rethink why I write.

Bottom line, though, is THE  STORY.   A novel and a screenplay might look different but, the story has got to grab the reader or viewer.  A writer increases their chances of success by looking for something unique.  If I am writing a detective story, what makes MY story unique.  Likewise for romance, or science fiction, etc.

I think it’s a good idea to study the prior successes of other novelists or screenwriters.    And, to a certain extent, I can borrow from those works.  But, if I want to be published or have my story turned into a movie, then I better write something that is original and unique.

Stephen King didn’t become so successful by copying other writers.