Category: Writing Tips

Make the Strongest Choice

Always ask yourself– What would make the situation more impossible? What would torture your character more intensely. Then make the strongest choice. Ramp up the conflict. Make it more personal. The higher the stakes for the character the more the audience cares about what happens next.

Third Cocktail Question

Finishing up with the third cocktail question: “Would you like to hear a great idea for a movie?”  For some reason, when people know you are a screenwriter they feel compelled to tell you their story or ask your opinion on their idea. As you are listening, realize you are sitting in the place of… Continue reading Third Cocktail Question

Second Cocktail Question

Continuing the cocktail party questions– “When do you find time to write?”  People who meet me know I have limited time and a lot on my plate, travel, teaching, consulting, etc.  The question also assumes, and sometimes people say it outright, that if they just could find the time they would write.   Of if they… Continue reading Second Cocktail Question

Three Cocktail Questions

I have a theory that every professional gets asked three annoying questions at a cocktail party. These differ by profession. If you are a screenwriter the questions are some variation of: “Where do you get your ideas?” “How do you find time to write?’ and “Would you like to hear a great idea for a movie?” If we move past the irritation these questions turn out to be quite profound.