How to Create Effective Scenes and Chapters in Your Novel

About the Author: Idrees Patel is a 13-year-old blogging about creative writing tips at Writers’ Treasure. Check out his free series, Creative Writing 101, a beginner’s guide to creative writing.

Fiction writing is one of the most popular forms of creative writing. Everyone is trying to write some fiction, — novels, short stories, novelettes, novellas, micro-fiction, and even Twitter fiction. Events like NaNoWriMo are becoming wildly popular. More and more novels are written every month.

But out of all the average work, how do you make your novel stand out?

You know the answer, of course. By making it your own and as perfect as possible. A novel can be made as perfect as possible by learning the art of fiction writing and then editing like mad.

Editing is tough work. Any writer can edit a 500-word blog post, but some freak out at the thought of editing an entire novel. It’s tough. Many writers even think it’s impossible to edit something like that, especially those who enjoy the writing but don’t like revisions.

But editing and proofreading are essential and will come more easily if you know good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If you understand concepts like structure and plot holes, editing will be even smoother.  And if you have knowledge of various fiction writing elements, that’s just awesome.

But there’s one more little trick that will help writers edit novels more easily: create scenes and chapters. If you create effective scenes and chapters in your first draft, you’ll be well on your way to better editing.

First off, what are scenes and chapters?

What are Scenes?

I’ll just let Wikipedia give you the definition here:

“In fiction, a scene is a unit of drama. A sequel is what follows; an aftermath. Together, scene and sequel provide the building blocks of plot for short stories, novels, and other forms of fiction.”

Scenes are indispensable when writing a novel. A novel is lengthy, about 80,000-130,000 words. Scenes are usually only 400-500 words long. You can easily edit a scene rather than editing the whole manuscript at once, which makes editing more manageable. During the editing process, you can check for structure, flow, characters, and plot holes. You can also break up one scene into two or more scenes if you want the editing process even more simplified. Don’t worry about making your scenes too short because you can always make them one again when the work is done. Easy.

Scenes in plays are similar to scenes in novels. If you write a short section in which something significant happens in a single setting, then it is a scene. The scene directly affects what happens later. “What happens later” is the sequel. Here is a good article on how to write perfect scenes.

What are Chapters?

From Wikipedia:

“A chapter is one of the main divisions of a piece of writing of relative length, such as a book. Chapters can be numbered in the case of such writings as law code (like Chapter 7 or Chapter 11) or they can be titled.”

A chapter is usually made up of two or more scenes, although sometimes there is just one scene in a chapter. Chapters that have one scene are usually short, although that won’t be the case if the scene itself is long or elaborate.

Chapters can be short, although if you make them too short and have too many of them, they may become less effective. Extremely long chapters, on the other hand, can be cumbersome. Experiment with caution.

The length of the chapter may depend on the audience for whom the novel is written. Children’s books have short chapters whereas adult books have (mostly) long chapters.

How do you effectively create chapters in a novel? It depends. In adventure and mystery novels, some people like to end chapters on cliff-hangers: this is a popular technique. However, the bottom line is that you should end chapters whenever you feel a major shift in the story, whether it be a change in point of view, a new scene, or a sequel.

Short chapters are easy to write. As mentioned, they often consist of a single scene and therefore rarely become boring or complicated. Long chapters can be dull if not executed properly. As you write your novel, try to strike a balance so that each chapter is interesting to the reader.

Chapters make ideal blocks of text for editing and proofreading for the same reason that scenes are indispensable. You can create separate document files for each chapter (or scene) to help you focus on smaller chunks of text. I’ve done this a few times, and it worked well for me. But then, in creative writing, there is no such thing such as one size fits all. Experiment with various techniques and test your results.

Effective Fiction Writing

Remember that while writing the first draft of a novel, planning effective scenes and chapters will make editing much easier. By including scenes, chapters, and other shorter blocks of text in your fiction writing, you’ll be off to a great start with your novel or other long-term fiction writing project.

Have Your Say

What do you think? Did I miss anything? Do you agree that chapters and scenes are great for editing if you create them effectively? Disagree? Got something to say? Any fiction writing tips to add? Then it’s over to you to leave a comment below.

Creative Nonfiction: Biography

Creative nonfiction writing is arguably the most difficult genre for writers. It may be the easiest to break into because there’s a high demand (memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies are big sellers), but in addition to being engaging, the work must be accurate and well-researched.

Writing a biography is an enormous undertaking and with it comes enormous responsibility. From Wikipedia:

A biography is a description or account of someone’s life and the times, which is usually published in the form of a book or an essay, or in some other form, such as a film.

When you write a memoir or autobiography, you are only responsible for telling your own story. Taking on a biography means speaking for someone else. That’s a pretty big burden to bear. As a biographer, your job is to portray your subject’s life — and to portray it truthfully. Plus, like all creative nonfiction, a biography should be moving, entertaining, and informative.

Authorized vs. Unauthorized Biography

There are two types of biographies: authorized and unauthorized. If you write an authorized biography, your job is going to be a lot easier because you’ll have cooperation from the subject, who can provide you with choice research materials — letters, journals, and a firsthand account. Interviews with the subject and those closest to the subject are probably the most important sources of information in an authorized biography and can be important selling points because you’re essentially gathering facts from the source.

If you write an unauthorized biography, you won’t have the advantage of exclusive access to the subject’s personal information. Without the subject’s blessing, your project might be viewed as an intrusion on the subject’s privacy. You’ll have to conduct peripheral research and interviews. In essence, you’re snooping around in someone else’s business then making your findings public. On the other hand, your objectivity will remain intact. You won’t feel any sense of obligation in keeping secrets or writing the biography strictly in a  positive light in order to ensure access to the subject.

I tend to believe that if people want to keep the details of their lives private, then they should be left alone. I am not a fan of paparazzi and journalists who go after the big bucks exposing the personal lives of celebrities. When Madonna’s brother wrote his account of his sister the pop star, I saw it as somewhat traitorous and invasive.

On the other hand, when dealing with politicians and people in positions of power and leadership, their actions can have a huge impact on the public at large. I tend to favor unauthorized biographies in the realms of politics, government, history, business, and current events. However, I also think it’s important to check the biographer’s credentials to assess whether the biography is objective and to determine whether there’s an ulterior motive, which is all too often the case.

Historical Biographies

There is a third type of biography, which involves writing about historical figures. Since the subject is deceased, it’s impossible to obtain authorization, though in some cases, the subject’s estate may be involved in deciding whether or not to authorize the project and work jointly with a biographer.

With historical biographies, research is crucial. Sometimes, there will be living persons who knew the subject and they can be interviewed. But the farther back you go in time, the more likely it becomes that you will have to rely on surviving documents.

If you’re writing a biography about someone who’s already been written about extensively, there will be plenty of published material to get you started. Writing a biography about Joan of Arc, Thomas Jefferson, or Beethoven will be relatively straightforward because much of the research has been done and there are bibliographies aplenty that will provide the basis for your research. In cases like these, the trick is to take a new angle and bring to light aspects of these historical figures that haven’t been heavily featured in previous biographies.

Exploring the Unknown

Or, you can find a subject who hasn’t been sufficiently researched or written about. There are plenty of interesting people throughout history (and in modern times) whose stories haven’t been shared publicly. These are often the sidekicks of prominent historical figures or individuals whose contributions were significant, but didn’t attract much public attention. Using recent U.S. history as an example, there are hundreds of civil rights and feminist activists alive who made great contributions to their respective movements. In the arts, sciences, and political realms, there are literally thousands of people who have made a difference but who remain relatively unknown.

Books vs. Films

I’m a fan of the biography genre, although I usually take mine in film format. When I curl up with a book, I tend to prefer fiction. When I want the scoop on real people, I prefer to watch a documentary or biopic because I think that the visual elements of the person’s story are important. Who wants to read a book about the Beatles when you can watch a film that includes live-action footage of the fab four as well as an infectious audio track packed with their biggest hits.

But not all biographies work on the screen. I watched one about Emily Dickinson and discovered that I better enjoyed reading about her life story than watching filmmakers desperately try to represent her with film when there is no video footage of her.

As an alternative to writing a biographic book, you could author a screenplay for a documentary or biopic about your subject. Be sure to brush up on screenplay formatting!

Benefits of Creative Nonfiction and Biography

Generally, creative nonfiction provides insight into the real lives and events that have affected and shaped history. A budding musician can learn a lot by watching biopics about Elvis or Michael Jackson. A future president can better plan his or her future by reading about world leaders throughout history. No matter your career path, you can gain immense insights by studying the biographies of those who have achieved success (or found failure) in your field. And then there are the heroes — maybe you have no interest in becoming a professional baseball player, but you love the sport and enjoy reading about great athletes, such as Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson.

I do think some biographies are unethical. Tell-alls are fine when they come from the subject’s own pen but gossipy exposes that aim to slander the innocent can destroy lives and careers. Basically, I don’t care what celebrities are doing behind closed doors. I’m not interested in their personal affairs. I just want to know more about their art and passion. But you know me — there are always exceptions. If a politician campaigns on family values and is leading a double life, hiding a secret second family, then I think we have a right to know about it.

My hope is that writers who tackle biography, whether in film of book form, will approach their work with careful consideration and will practice responsibility, respect, and good creative nonfiction writing practices.

Have you ever thought about writing a biography or some other form of creative nonfiction? Do you enjoy reading or watching biographies to learn more about the world? What are some of your favorite biographies?

A Messy, Liberating Guide to Journal Writing

You should see my journal. It’s a cacophony of words and images, scribbles, doodles, and scraps of ideas tucked between the pages. It’s sort of a mess, and I like it that way.

I know some writers are diligent about keeping their journals pristine. The pages are crisp, the lines straight and legible, and every word is thoughtfully selected. The theme is consistent — a dream journal, an idea journal, a diary. It’s an orderly affair done up in a tidy fashion. And that works for some people.

But it doesn’t work for me.

If I’m going to be creative — if I’m going to let my creativity flow — then I need to let things get messy. I need to dig my toes in the mud, bury my fingers in the clay, and splash paint across the walls. I can’t be confined by order or logic. I need to write sideways and upside down. I need to doodle. Jot down song lyrics. Make smudges. I need to be free.

And I’m not the only one.

Keri Smith created Wreck This Journal with the same understanding that when we allow ourselves freedom to make a mess, we also free ourselves to be as creative as possible, unchaining hidden ideas that refuse to come out for fear that they’ll be destroyed by our linear and conventional thinking:

By forcing ourselves to wreck it on purpose, the “journal as an object” loses it’s preciousness, and allows us the feeling of completion.

Wreck This Journal is a great way to get your creativity out of the box. As you work your way through the journal, you actually wreck it. You’ll cut, tear, and generally thrash this book (you’ll even be asked to tie it to a string and drag it around). You start letting go of constraints, allowing yourself to make mistakes, create poorly crafted prose, or senseless art (because you’re going to wreck it), and this gives your creativity the courage it needs to take risks.

Getting Creative with Journal Writing

I haven’t wrecked my own journal (yet), but I don’t play by a set of rules either. I started journaling many years ago and I’ve tried every which way: keeping separate journals and notebooks for different purposes, tracking my life’s events, daily journal writing. I had a dream journal and an art journal. A gratitude journal. None of these stand-alone methods worked for me.

But I didn’t give up. In time, my journal writing became a mish-mash of ideas and themes that lived together on the pages of a single journal. My writing and creativity bloomed. Encouraged by my creative writing instructors, I wrote in circles, used large cursive and teeny tiny print. I sketched in the margins, sometimes on full pages. Anarchy evolved as I became increasingly experimental and let go of my overly tidy journal writing habits.

My journal has become a sacred space for disorder. I know that when I open it, anything goes. I can create with total abandon. And I do.

25 Ways to Journal

I’m not going to ask you to wreck your journal, but if you think it might open your creative floodgates, I say go for it. When we want to be more creative, we have to be willing to try anything. What I am going to do is give you a list of ways that you can use your journal. You’ll find that if you open your journal to more possibilities for material, media, and subject matter, you’ll start to build interesting connections. And that is one sure path to better writing!

Since Writing Forward’s inception, many readers have left comments sharing brilliant ways that they use their journals. Here are some of the ideas they’ve shared mixed in with some of my own:

1. Forget about lines. Turn your journal sideways or upside down. Write in the margins or on the spine. Write in a spiral. Draw a shape and fill it with words. This was one of the first creativity techniques I ever used and it really got the ball rolling.
2. Reader zz, who blogs at Eek.Eke knows a thing or two about wrecking journals: “When I’m feeling particularly uninspired I like to journal melodramatically – it makes me laugh and keeps me going. Otherwise I like to make paper mache bowls out of pages of my worst writing – something about ripping the pages into tiny little pieces is very freeing…”
3. Ever come across mind-blowing imagery in a magazine or online? Print it out, cut it out, and paste in in your journal for inspiration.
4. Reader Gaya commented to share how she uses an art journal. She includes pictures with funny captions and keeps  record of the galleries she attends. You too can write crazy captions for the images you paste (or draw) in your journal.
5. Write with colored pens, crayons, or Sharpies.
6. Paulo Campos commented about how he uses his journal: “A habit I learned while reading about Virginia Woolf: she regularly copied passages she liked from books she was reading into notebooks.” Brad Vertrees also keeps a reading journal where he write his thoughts about the current book he’s reading. And Deb keeps a log of books she’s read in her journal.
7. Write down words. Not sentences — just words — words you like, words that evoke intense emotions or strong imagery or words that simply resonate. Randomly fill the blank spaces in your journal with these words. Write them big, write them small, and write them in all different colors!
8. Make lists. List names and places (make up some place names!). List foods, song titles, and sensations. List nouns or list adjectives. Or simply list random, short thoughts that pop into your head.
9. When Wendi Kelly wakes up with a song stuck in her head, she asks the song, “What do you want?” If you get a song stuck in your head, jot down some of the lyrics and then keep writing to find out what message the song is sending you.
10. Doodle, doodle, doodle, and draw. Or try writing and sketching in your journal with chalk or charcoal. See what happens when you smudge and smear your words. Maybe you’ll make some pictures or abstract art!
11. Use stream of consciousness, also known as freewriting. Rebecca Reid shared her experience: “I kept a journal for about 10 years: it was combination train of thought and ‘diary’ of my day. I think a train of thought journal would be nice now too.”
12. Dreams are a popular source of inspiration, and ideal for journal writing. You can get story ideas, imagery, and bizarre notions from your night visions. Write down your most interesting dreams in your journals. When I mentioned dream journals in another post, Trisha from Marketing Journeys responded, “Journaling my dreams has been on my list for quite a while – you’ve given me a jumpstart and the inspiration to get going!”
13. Use journal writing to engage in dialogues with people who are inaccessible. Write letters or short notes to people you’ve lost touch with, people you’ve broken up with, and people who have passed away. Chat with your characters. Converse with your heroes (dead or alive).
14. Deep Friar told us that his mom (who is very wise) suggested a “Happy Compartment” journal: “When something nice happens, you put it in your ‘Happy Compartment.’ Then, whenever you feel bad, you just open up your Happy Compartment, and relive the happy time and make yourself feel better.”
15. Monika Mundell mentioned in a comment that she keeps gratitude and travel journals. She added, “Come to think about it though, I do have a lovely creative journal from years ago. I used to draw, stick pictures in there and sketch. Loved that thing.”

All-Purpose Journal Writers

As I searched through the comments across this site to find out what readers had shared about their journal writing habits, I discovered that lots of writers already use all-purpose journals creatively and freely:

Cheryl Wright keeps “an all inclusive journal where I record idle and focused thoughts, ramblings about my life issues and life in general and everything else for that matter.”

And Karen Swim has journals “for life, writing, dreams, ideas, notes, and prayers.” She mentioned all of these journals more than once while visiting Writing Forward!

T. Sterling Watson kept a journal that “contained funny quotes I overheard, random ideas for future poems or scripts, doodles, and general thoughts.”

Michele Tune, who writes the cyber highway, commented, “I draw, write poetry, document the day’s events, or whatever I feel like putting on paper. I’ve written in pretty journals, on scratches of paper that I’ve tucked into journals…”

Milena uses her journal to “paste images, cartoons, photos, write stuff, even jot down grocery lists (these can be interesting to come back to sometimes), impressions of any sort or anything that comes to mind and which I fear forgetting.”

That’s what I’m talking about!

Of journal writing, Amy Derby once commented, “Those paper journals of mine are priceless.”

Treasure your journals! Let them them get wrecked up and messed up.

And keep on writing.

Do you have any fun, unusual, messy, or liberating journal writing tips to share? Interested in trying any of the ones listed here? Share your thoughts and ideas by leaving a comment.

Journal Writing Resources:

Wreck This Journal
What Should I Write in My Journal?
Seven Different Types of Journal Writing

Creative Nonfiction: The Autobiography

The form that is creative nonfiction can be confusing. It’s easy to differentiate by length – we know an essay is much shorter than a book. But what is the difference between an autobiography and a memoir? Or what’s the difference between an autobiography and biography?

What, exactly, is an autobiography?

The Autobiography

The terms for autobiography and memoir are often used interchangeably and with good reason. Read more

Interview with a Screenwriting Professional

Jaden, who blogs at Screenwriting for Hollywood was kind enough to share her Hollywood and screenwriting expertise in this interview. In the wake of the WGA strike, Jaden decided to launch her own online business. She now works as a screenwriting consultant, and she is also a fiction and non-fiction writer. She’s got a lot of Hollywood know-how and a real passion for writing. Check it out.

Introduction to Screenwriting

Tell us a little about your background in screenwriting.

I’ve been writing all my life. I have thousands and thousands of pages. I majored in film and moved to Hollywood with the intention of writing a particular script to change the way the world thinks. So far I’ve written about ten screenplays and I’m shopping some now.

What advice would you give beginners who are interested in screenwriting?

No one will take you seriously if you do not properly format your screenplay. You have to start there.

Making Money as a Screenwriter

How hard is it to sell a script in Hollywood?

Can I say impossible? No. Seriously, it seems to be the luck of the draw. Some people make $3 million for an ok script right out of college when they’re 22 years old. While others, like my favorite screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, didn’t make a sale until his late 30s with Being John Malkovich. It took three years from the time it was bought until it was on screen. I’ve heard from other writers that their scripts didn’t come out as movies for 10 years or more; tons of scripts get shelved, never to see the screen at all. The percentage of screenwriters who make a sale is very small and from that is an even smaller number whose scripts are actually made into movies.

What kind of money would a first time screenwriter expect to get if they did sell a script?

The lowest is around $30,000 and I’ve heard of first time writers getting up to $3 million, but that’s less common and usually when they have a big name actor attached to it or there’s a buzz in the industry about it.

Screenwriting Power (and Lack Thereof)

How does a first time writer get an A-list actor attached?

Either you know the actor personally because he’s your friend or what’s more likely is that when your agent sends out the script, he sends it to producers, and a lot of producers are also A-list actors. Agents also send scripts to the actors’ agents.

How much control does the screenwriter have over the final film?

Not any — unless the writer is the director or producer or actor. Generally, up until recently, it was commonly known in Hollywood that the screenwriter was not welcome on the film set. In the 30s, 40s, and 50s, it was the producer who was the big cheese. In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, it was the director who was the celebrated auteur. In the 90s and 2000s, it has been the actors getting phenomenal pay. For the 2010s through the 30s, hopefully the writers will have their time to shine.

On your site, you offer a service called coverage. What is coverage, exactly?

Producers almost always send scripts out for coverage. It’s a basic breakdown of the screenplay: title, author, genre. It also summarizes the script and includes a rating and an analysis, which tells whether the script is any good. This helps the producers quickly assess the screenplay and decide whether or not they want to read it.

The service I offer is a preliminary coverage to give a writer an idea what the producer will see when the writer sends in their script. This way, the writer has a chance to make important changes before actually sending it out and ruining an opportunity. The form I use is like the ones in Hollywood that the producers see. There’s a detailed description of coverage and a sample form on my web site.

A Screenplay Favorite

What’s your favorite screenplay of all time?

The Shining, which is based on a novel by Stephen King. Stanley Kubrick & Diane Johnson wrote the screenplay. I was nine the first time I saw it. The last time I saw it, I was lying on the grass in the Hollywood cemetery and the film was projected up on the crematorium. It was one of the coolest experiences of my life.

How to Become a Screenwriter in Ten Easy Steps

Have you ever thought about becoming a screenwriter?

Many writers dream of having their novels translated to the big screen. However, you can always skip the novel completely and aim for a story that will go straight to film.

Here’s a fun, quick list of things ten you need to do to become a screenwriter. Some of these will help you develop a writing process that lends itself particularly well to films. Others are tips specific to the screenwriting and movie industry.

Ten Writing Tips to Help You Become a Screenwriter

1. Watch a LOT of movies. Watch award winning movies and watch B movies, made for television movies, old movies, new movies. Watch them all and pay attention to what works. What makes one film better than another? Was it something in the script or did the director do it?
2. Learn and memorize proper screenplay formatting. This is not optional. Most other items on this list are.
3. Read screenplays. Sounds kind of boring, but screenplays are very quick reads. You can get through a screenplay in about two hours. The more you read them, the more ingrained that formula will be, and the better you’ll understand the relationship between the screenplay and the final production.
4. Write a treatment. Use this to test out your ideas. Once you’ve finished brainstorming or outlining a screenplay idea, draft a treatment and see how your idea pans out in prose. This will tell you if the concept works, and will be a useful reference for you while writing the screenplay itself, and later on, the presentation treatment.
5. Get some software. There’s plenty of screenwriting software out there. You could always use Word or some other regular word processing application, but why would you do that when there are plenty of software options that will save you hours of formatting? Those hours would be better spent on developing your characters and plot!
6. Use that software to write your screenplay! Make sure you read tons of books on screenwriting, and visit every screenwriting site on the Web. Study character and writing dialog, plot, and setting. Make it work, make it good, and get it written.
7. Edit, proof, revise. Repeat. Repeat again. And again. One more time… It doesn’t matter if you’ve written the great American novel, an article for the tabloids, or a term paper. You should always review your work carefully over and over again.
8. Get coverage. Coverage is when you have someone review and critique your screenplay, and this someone should be well versed in screenplays (as opposed to other types of writing). This also often involves the use of a form and it will rate different aspects of your script (character, plot), and include a log line, summary, and analysis.
9. Write the presentation treatment. You’ll use this to sell your screenplay, so make sure it’s tight. While you’re at it, come up with your 30-second elevator pitch and then practice that on everyone you know until it’s perfect. You’ll be ready to introduce yourself as a screenwriter when you run into Steven Spielberg on an escalator.
10. Start pitching. Once your screenplay is polished and shiny, start shopping it around. Note that you can actually shop around an idea for a screenplay using a treatment but it needs to be just as polished. Consider entering some screenwriting contests and reach out to agents. If you have any connections in Hollywood at all, call in a favor.

Next, all you have to do is get real lucky. And sell your screenplay. Congratulations! After all that, you’re now officially a screenwriter. Good job! And you did it all in ten easy steps. Impressive!

Eleven Buzzworthy Online Screenwriting Resources

If you’d like to explore the world of screenwriting without buying books and resources that cost you your precious pennies, take a look at some of these free online resources.

I sought out a good mix of online resources for screenwriters that can be used for film research, learning the craft of screenwriting, and getting familiar with what it’s like to be a professional screenwriter.

Check out these screenwriting resources.

Screenwriting Online

1. Internet Movie Database (IMDB): Your one stop shop for all things film. This is the go-to site for looking up movie titles, actors, directors, and of course, writers. There’s tons of trivia too, plus message boards, and this site comes in handy umpteen million ways for conducting research about the movie industry.
2. Simply Scripts: This is not the easiest site in the world to navigate, but you can find free copies of TV and movie scripts, so it’s a great resource for learning the format, and seeing what a real screenplay actually looks like.
3. Screenwriting for Hollywood: A relatively new blog that provides tips and insight to screenwriting and life in Hollywood when you’re trying to break in as a screenwriter. Also offers various screenwriting services such as coverage and consultations.
4. Wikipedia: You can look up anything on Wikipedia, including movie titles and screenwriters. I find that some articles on movies will address the writing process and include interesting trivia and great links. A lot of the film articles also provide insight about the difference between the original screenplay and the final product (i.e. cut scenes before and after filming).
5. United Hollywood: This blog was launched in order for the WGA writers to address the recent strike in a public forum, and it’s slated to continue addressing screenwriting and screenwriters even though the strike is over. A great place to learn about issues that affect screenwriters and get a sense of the screenwriting community.
6. Wordplayer: Promises screenwriting secrets from working screenwriters and includes a couple of forums for movies and screenwriting. The navigation isn’t that great (screenwriters don’t seem to be web design savvy), but if you check out the site map, you can find some useful screenwriting information and advice.
7. Creative Screenwriting: A magazine targeted toward screenwriters with mostly clips from the print magazine’s articles, but a good place to go to figure out if you’d like to subscribe to a useful screenwriting mag.
8. The Unknown Screenwriter: If you’re into screenwriting and you like blogs, you’ll want to subscribe. Tons of links and resources, insider tips, plus opinions from a writer whose identity remains unknown, but who seems to have considerable experience in the industry.
9. Screenwriting.info: This is more of an online book, which explains the entire process of screenwriting. Sub-titled “How to Write a Screenplay,” this gets more into the nitty gritty of screenwriting and will help familiarize you with some of the jargon that filmmakers use.
10. Writers Guild of America East and West: Once you become a screenwriter, you’ll be expected to join the guild, so you might want to start learning about it. This union helps writers stay organized and as we’ve recently seen, assists screenwriters in ensuring that they earn fair compensation for their work.
11. Syd Field: He’s the guru of screenwriting and he has his own website, which includes free articles, online courses, and various products for screenwriters.

Add Yours

Got any links you want to add to this list? If you know of a useful screenwriting resource on the Web, leave a comment and share it with us!

Screenwriting Resources

No matter what you write, it helps to have a decent stockpile of writing resources. These might guide you in the craft of writing or help you understand the broader implications of storytelling. They’ll provide inspiration and offer guidance to get you through the entire writing process. Most screenwriters start out with Syd Field’s well known book, Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, and that’s why it’s our featured book this month. But there are plenty of other screenwriting resources that will come in handy. Here are just a few of them.

Screenwriting

I love the Dummies series. Each book in the Dummies collection proves to be a great starter resource, so anyone who wants to explore screenwriting but doesn’t have the faintest idea how to get started should definitely give this book a shot. It covers character development, story generation, dialog, and adaptation. Plus, it explains all the details about formatting, which is the first critical thing to learn if you’re thinking about screenwriting. One thing is certain – you’ll be no screenwriting dummy after reading this book. It’s the perfect resource for anyone who is just getting started in screenwriting, so be sure to pick it up if you’re a screenwriting newbie.

Screenwriting and Selling Screenplays

Written primarily for beginners, Writing Screenplays That Sell: The Complete, Step-By-Step Guide for Writing and Selling by Michael Hauge is billed by Hollywood Scriptwriter as “The most practical and best single book on the subject.” This book takes a close look at various screenwriting methods and includes a useful analysis of the script from the hit movie The Karate Kid. One customer review goes so far as to say “If my house were burning, and I could only rescue ONE screenwriting book of the 60 that I own and (yes) have read, it would be [this one].”

Storytelling

The first filmmaker to publicly credit Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces was George Lucas (you know, the guy who made Star Wars). This book explores the universal themes found in myths across cultures and throughout history. Lucas said, “in reading The Hero with a Thousand Faces I began to realize that my first draft of Star Wars was following classic motifs…so I modified my next draft [of Star Wars] according to what I’d been learning about classical motifs and made it a little bit more consistent….” The great thing about this book is it will help you understand storytelling, and is just as useful to a novelist as a screenwriter. While it can be used as a formula, it can also be used as a way to better understand themes and motifs that resonate with readers and moviegoers. Next week, we’ll look at even more resources–some of the best films and screenplays throughout history, and later a post that focuses on resources available exclusively online, so check back for those posts. Do you have any screenwriting resources that you’d like to add to this list? Leave your suggestions in the comments!

An Introduction to Screenwriting

What is Screenwriting?

A screenplay is a piece of creative writing that provides a written scenario for a film. A film tells a story, and the screenplay provides basic instructions telling the filmmakers and actors how to depict the story in moving pictures. Screenwriting is the act of composing the screenplay.

But it’s a minimalist piece of writing. Screenplays are incredibly brief compared to novels. Also, unlike novels, there are a few things you need to know about screenplays before you start writing one. Today, we’re going to talk about necessary screenwriting fundamentals.

Formatting

The first rule of screenwriting is format. If you’re not going to format your screenplay properly, then don’t bother to write one at all, unless you happen to have your own cast, crew, and camera, in which case you can do pretty much anything you want. The bottom line: nobody in Hollywood is going to read your script if you haven’t formatted it the right way, and if nobody reads it, you can’t possibly sell it.

There are plenty of resources to help you learn this format. I recommend starting out with Syd Field’s Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting, which is an easy read that also covers other aspects of screenwriting.

Though the form is strict and you must adhere to it, it’s incredibly easy to learn. Plus, there are software programs like Final Draft, which are designed specifically for screenwriters, and make formatting a breeze. However, a program you already have, such as Microsoft Word, will do just fine.

Screenwriting Formulas

Have you ever heard of The Hero’s Journey? It’s a story structure pattern that is found in stories, myths, and legends all around the world and throughout history. It was captured by Joseph Campbell in his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. George Lucas, who you should know as the creative powerhouse behind Star Wars, turned it into a formula and created one of the greatest pieces of cinematic genius of all time.

Formulas are popular among screenwriters in Hollywood, and that’s because they are a proven method for successful storytelling through the film medium. A screenwriter does not have to consciously use a prescribed formula, and chances are that as a result of viewing films throughout one’s lifetime, a formula will manifest naturally throughout the writing process.

In any case, you should be aware of formulas and somewhat knowledgeable about them if you’re serious about screenwriting. Also, formulas are the reason why most movies feel comfortable, and have a natural and familiar rhythm. If you’ve ever seen a non-formulaic film, it might have felt off, or wrong somehow.

Selling a Screenplay in Hollywood

If you’re hellbent on writing and selling a screenplay, then at some point you might consider packing up and moving to Hollywood. Is this absolutely necessary? No. Does it increase your chances of selling a script? Tenfold. Hundredfold. Maybe more. Hollywood is an industry driven by networking. If you’re there live and in person to pitch and sell your script, your chances to sell it will increase dramatically.

But be prepared to lose creative control. Screenplays, unlike books, are sold, completely. While a writer may earn royalties from a screenplay, they no longer own the intellectual property and therefore have no say over how it’s portrayed on the screen. That’s up to the director and the producer, and their creative visions will supersede the writer’s. With novels, the rights to publish are sold and the contract is only good for a limited amount of time. Big difference with regards to ownership.

Screenwriting: A Few Final Points

• The average screenplay structure resembles a play in that it usually has three acts, referred to as Act I, Act II, and Act II. These function as a setup, a confrontation, and finally, a resolution.
• One page of screenwriting equals one minute of film footage: aim for 90-120 pages.
• It’s harder to sell a screenplay than it is to get a book published.
• Some writers make a living as screenwriters but never see their work on the big screen. That’s because studios, producers, directors, and other film professionals buy lots of scripts that they never get around to making.

So, now that we’ve touched on the basics, are you ready for more? Have you ever thought about writing a screenplay, or have you actually written one? Sold one? Hope to? Share your thoughts on screenwriting by leaving a comment.

Novels vs. Films: Writing Character Descriptions

Coming up with great characters is not always an easy task. In fact it’s usually rather difficult. When you’re writing character descriptions for the big screen (or the little one), would you use the exact same approach as you would in writing a novel or short story?

I wouldn’t. And I’ll tell you why.

Novels vs. Films

When you’re writing a novel or a short story, your reader will never see your image of the character unless you give a detailed description. Have you ever been reading a book and envisioned one of the characters as a scrawny redhead with freckles, only to find out later during one of the writer’s descriptive moments that the character is actually a large-boned blond? I hate when that happens. Some authors choose to describe their character’s looks, but many do not, or only give very general details like hair and eye color. Your imagination gets to plug in the rest.

You don’t want to do that when you’re writing a screenplay. The reason for this is because someone, and it’s not your audience, is going to determine exactly what your character looks like, how they act, what their issues, strengths, weaknesses are, and then they’re going to go out and find an actor to play the character they’ve envisioned.

Who would do such a thing with your character? It will usually be the director or producer, possibly working with a casting agent.

Writing Character Descriptions in Detail

Since you lose all creative control the moment you sell your screenplay, it’s a good idea to get as much description in there as possible.

You can practice writing character descriptions by drafting written sketches and descriptions of your characters. Here’s what you’ll want to cover:

• Name, age, occupation
• Hair and eye color, weight, height, any outstanding or unusual marks, tattoos, etc.
• Personality, tastes, interests
• Family, background, education, major life experiences
• Something to indicate the character’s larger issue as it will relate to a plot

Then, go out and cast your characters. Think about all the established actors out there and audition them for these roles. Try to envision the actors pulling off your characters’ looks, attitudes, mannerisms, and overall personality.

Character Writing

Whether your characters are destined for print or the big screen, imagining your character through a real live person (the actor) will make the character more present and tangible in your mind. Also, writing character sketches is good practice, even if your characters never make it to the final draft, or the movie theater.

Have fun with it! Feel free to post your character descriptions in the comments. And have a great weekend!

Fiction Writing 101: The Elements of Fiction

There’s a lot of room for creativity in fiction writing. You can travel in time, invent new worlds, and create strange beings. Put a fresh twist on an ancient story, make the modern world seem antiquated, or you can simply give readers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who are facing extraordinary challenges.

But there are a few guidelines that you must follow.

Good fiction writing recognizes the five elements of fiction. These elements are the core materials that you use to create a captivating story:

• Character – who
• Plot – what
• Setting – where and when
• Theme – why
• Style – how

In successful fiction writing, each of these elements are interwoven seamlessly.

Elements of Fiction

Character

Most people feel that characterization is the most important element of fiction because readers connect directly with characters. It is this emotional connection that keeps a reader interested enough to turn page after page.

Plot

For there to be a story, there must be action. Things have to happen. How they happen, when they happen, who they happen to, and in what order they happen is plot, and while readers emotionally connect with characters, it’s the plot that stirs their curiosity.

Setting

Setting may very well be the least significant element, though some stories place heavy emphasis on setting, occasionally to the point where the setting is actually more a character than a backdrop.

Theme

What will readers think when they finish reading your story? How will they feel? This will be determined by the theme – the message of the story and the ideas or lessons that it presents.

Style

In fiction writing, there are many things going on that affect the story but have nothing to do with it. These are the choices a writer makes about how to tell their story. Components of style include point of view, narration, grammar, spelling, punctuation, language, rhythm, structure, tone, imagery, and more. Style is also referred to as voice.

Fiction Writing

Why is it important for a fiction writer to understand the elements of fiction? Isn’t it best to just sit down and write, and let your creativity do its thing?

Well, yes and no.

There are several reasons why familiarity with the elements of fiction will benefit your fiction writing endeavors:

• Knowing these terms enables you to talk intelligently about fiction writing.
• You will be able to identify problem areas more easily.
• If you plot stories in advance, understanding these elements is essential.
• Understanding these elements gives you a new perspective as a fiction reader.
• If the elements of fiction are your story building materials, then you should know what you’re working with.

Sure, you can sit down and write a story from raw creativity, and there’s a small chance that it will be good. But the more you study and understand the craft, the more equipped you will be to write truly good fiction.

Do you have any fiction writing tips, experiences, or questions to share? Leave a comment!

5 Ways to Break Through a Fiction Writing Block

It happens to all writers. You’re cruising through a story and all of a sudden you hit a wall. Your characters freeze up, your plot stops cold, and you’re stuck with nowhere to go.

You’ve hit a fiction writing roadblock.

All of your ideas have evaporated and you sit there staring at your screen with a blank look on your face. Where were you going? How did you write yourself into a corner? More importantly, how do you write yourself out?

Fortunately, there are techniques you can use to break through the creative blocks that arise in the middle of a project. Some of these techniques also come in handy for developing ideas for new projects.

The main thing you need to remember is that hitting a roadblock does not have to mean the end of your story, your fiction writing, or your creativity. You just need to reboot and see your project from a fresh angle.

The five techniques explained here are sledgehammers. They’ll blast through walls, blow away obstacles, and create doorways that you can step through to reconnect with your fiction writing.

Break-Through Techniques

1. Pull Your Characters Out of the Story

Is your character stuck in a situation with no way out? Has your character gone on strike, refusing to take further action? Does your character need an obstacle of his own? Try removing your character from the story you’re writing and placing him in a completely different situation. You don’t have to write a novel, but sketch some ideas about how your character would behave in various scenarios. Then, bring him back to the story you were working on and see if your creative wall hasn’t cracked.

2. Try Fiction Writing Exercises

Fiction writing exercises provide a constant stream of ideas. You can find websites, magazines, and books that provide activities that will kick your writing into high gear. Look for exercises that are specific to the problems you’re having. If your plot isn’t going anywhere, find plot exercises. If you are having trouble with dialogue, look for dialogue exercises. My favorite all-in-one resource for fiction writing exercises is What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers. It has a little of everything and can knock down all kinds of creative walls.

3. Take a Break and Do Something Else

You’ve probably already experienced some of your best writing ideas while you were doing anything but writing. They arrive while you’re driving, taking a shower, or trying to fall asleep. So, when you get stuck, step away from your project and dive into another activity. Exercise, cook, play with your pets. Take in a movie or just kick back and listen to some music. The idea is to get your mind off writing and onto something else. Before you know it, a solution will pop into your head, and it will happen when you’re not even thinking about the problem.

4. Review Your Project and Add a Twist

If your story is stuck, then consider adding a twist. Give your characters an unforeseen challenge. Bring in a completely new and unexpected character. Spend some time writing backstory and see if anything evolves that will breathe new life into the current story line. Jump back in your plot and look for opportunities where you can add subplots and undercurrents that relate to your story’s theme. Maybe you took a wrong turn somewhere. Retrace your steps and then reroute your story.

5. Shelf It

Maybe you’re not ready for this particular story. Or maybe this story’s not ready for you. If you simply can’t get around your blockage, then shelf your project for the time being. Don’t go shoving it into a bottom drawer. Just set it aside so you can come back to it in the near future. Maybe you just need to spend some time doing other things, like research. Revisit your project every few days or so until your inspiration has returned.

Don’t Give Up on Your Fiction Writing

Fiction writing is tricky, and the best trick for a writer to learn is sheer determination. Sure, some stories are destined for the recycling bin. Successful writers produce a lot of garbage before they eke out a gem. But don’t give up on a project when you hit your first block. If you do that, you’ll never get anywhere.

Pay attention to what’s going on when you’re at your most creative and learn how to get into that state on command. A writer has to get to know how her mind works and what brings out the best ideas. This is how each writer develops a regular set of techniques or a routine that works and produces good results.

Also, stock up on creativity resources. Visit the Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online, where you’ll find tons of creativity tips and resources. Look for books on creativity and take in the arts. Also, try other creative outlets, such as painting, dancing, photography, or singing. Remember that like attracts like, so the more creative you are, the more creative you’ll be.

How do you break through fiction writing blocks? Share your thoughts and ideas by leaving a comment.

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