Write, write, write

We tell our kids that you can, and should, always ask. Be inquisitive. Learn. Questions don’t cost anything, we tell them. As someone just starting out on the life-long screenwriting journey – the same does not apply. Certain questions will most certainly cost you.

"Lazy" won't get you there.

You’ll probably want to know which questions you should avoid.  That’s simple and obvious enough – don’t ask any questions about anything you can easily find in the many how-to-write-the-brilliant-screenplay books. Seriously – think about your question before you ask – for one simple reason – the question will say something about you. It will hopefully reveal a passion for screenwriting. It will ideally show that you’ve immersed yourself already.

… and it will hopefully not tell the long-time writer you’re talking to - or your forum friends who take it seriously - that you’re just plain ole lazy. It shows a total disregard for the craft and for every writer who’s analyzed shitloads of films and scripts, who’s slaved through countless drafts and production meetings and starved through the hunger years. Think about it: If you ask a pro to explain the three act structure – what does that say about you?

But ask you shall! Ask smart questions and if you must go on about the three act structure, then show you’ve done your homework. Try something like “In your film X you did something funky in the third act. Could you explain why you’ve done it that way?” Ask away, by all means. I love questions – but they better not be about definitions of this or that. The “lazy questions” out a newbie as someone who thinks screenwriting is easy. Pick up a few pointers and off you are on the road to your first Oscar! The truth is that you’ll need to learn the craft and you need to develop discipline and stamina to make it … and a bit of talent won’t hurt, either.

Screenwriting is not easy and there are no – ZERO – quick fixes. Better be in it for the long haul, folks!