The Final Truth: There is a meaningful story inside you that is unique to you, valuable to others, and important to share. Therefore, you must write it in the clearest, most impactful way possible.
I have worked with many fledgling writers as well as active industry professionals for some time.
I’ve seen all kinds of story problems, false beliefs, and feelings of inadequacy inside the minds of screenwriters and in their work.
And I believe that knowledge of craft, understanding the purpose of story, and clear, focused application of practical techniques can make the difference between writing a tangled mess or writing a classic of the silver screen.
Yet as I continue teaching, I become more and more struck by the idea that while I can teach practical writing concepts, many writers never think about what it is they actually want to say.
In my Writer’s Mind Podcast, I address the cultivation of ideas and forming personal viewpoints to help writers find what it is they have to say.
Your personal worldview will naturally find its way into your script.
But you still must identify it, cultivate it, and perfect it so that it comes forward clearly in the story.
I want you to ponder this powerful quote for a moment.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.”
—Marianne Williamson
Remember these truths:
Stories that are simple and clear have always been the best and most impactful. To do this takes time and attention.
Great stories give us examples of human beings making difficult choices and following what they believe to be true.
Stories are most impactful when you identify the important, meaningful truths you have found in your life and bring them into your story.
Great stories do not come out of solely reading screenwriting material and never exploring meaningful themes.
And being clear about what you have to say is every bit as important as what you want to say.
Now What?
You’ve now learned the Seven Dangerous Lies Screenwriters Believe and the Truths That Can Make Your Writing GREAT.
But the reality is most people who read these blogs, even the few like you who made it all the way to the end, still won’t ever finish their screenplay.
Only a small handful of screenwriters will ever finish a single first draft.
And an even tinier group will ever do rewrites.
And fewer still will ever seek out feedback.
Is that you too?
I don't know where you are in your writing journey, but if you truly see storytelling as important and you see yourself as a storyteller, then this is the place for you.
If you need a passionate, serious writing community, Join the Writers' Room.
If you're working on a screenplay with a clear path to production or sale,
Apply for One-on-One Coaching.
And one more thing...