by Alexie Basil | Apr 15, 2020 | Lessons
I've always been really drawn to ideas that require a ton of world-building and research. Since this is something I keep falling into and really love, I've developed a system for building out a complete story concept based only on the kernel of an idea—and I wanted to...
by Alexie Basil | Apr 13, 2020 | Lessons
You can (and should) protect your script before posting it online, submitting it to contests, or asking for feedback. Not only does it protect your work, but in fact, most organizations will require it. Why? As Professor Warren puts it, “If someone sends you a...
by John Warren | Dec 1, 2018 | Lessons
Stories are tough to tell. Some people (even friends) start to tell a story, and immediately you want to put a pillow over your head, run out of the room, or throw yourself under a bus. They begin and you think, “How can I get out of here. Won’t someone stop...
by John Warren | Dec 8, 2018 | Lessons
Why is structure a filthy, dirty word? I’ll tell you why. We have this romantic vision of writing and what it means to be a writer. It goes like this: you’re sitting, peacefully and alone with your thoughts– Wait, wait, wait. That’s not right. Let...
by John Warren | Dec 15, 2017 | Lessons
Writing a script, as you may already know, can be a slippery proposition. By slippery, I mean scripts have a habit of running away, leaving your grasp. It’s the patch of ice syndrome. You’re driving a car. All is well. You look down for a second and … hit a patch of...
by John Warren | Dec 22, 2018 | Lessons
The protagonist is the hero of your story. She is the person the audience follows. It is her journey that keeps us engaged and watching. The most important words in that last sentence are her journey. It sounds simple. If only it were. “Her” is a singular pronoun....