I think I may have found my problem...

[AuditoryVisuals]

I have a probelm. Writer's block for almost two years. Before, I used to write scripts that were really unrealistic, sometimes lacking continuity and impractical for my budget of $0. But I wrote them anyway, without rewriting. I wasn't happy with my movies later (Although they were quite comical).

I came up with a "solution". While writing I thought to my self, "Nah. Won't work. Not worth writing." I thought I learned. But now I see this as my problem. I can't criticize my script (or outline) before I write it, or else I won't write anything. I have to just write whatever comes to my head. And after it's done I can rewrite. It's a short film so rewritng will be quick.

My strategy is actually working. I'm writing an outline. Whether I like it or not. Because I will like it later, after the rewrite.

What do you think?

 

[thartley]

I think you were on a better track in the beginning. Write that first draft however it comes to you. Then learn to re-write.

BUT, some stories that come to you might just be impractical to shoot on no budget ...big explosions, airplanes or helicopters. I've read in some places that some people write with the shoot in mind and how practical it might be to complete. Then, elsewhere I've read not to do that.

I say write it as it comes, then work out issues in the re-writes.

 

[AuditoryVisuals]

As in, write a script about flying to Paris to meet old relatives, replace the plane ride with a walk, replace Paris with the neighbour's house and replace the relatives with stories about relatives?

Or, write a script about somebody winning a car and then crashing it and replace the crash with a thieving?

 

[thartley]

As in, write a script about flying to Paris to meet old relatives, replace the plane ride with a walk, replace Paris with the neighbour's house and replace the relatives with stories about relatives?

Or, write a script about somebody winning a car and then crashing it and replace the crash with a thieving?

No, change the flight to Paris with a bus ride to Milwaukee and keep the relatives. :beer:

You asked.

 

[Randall_Oelerich]

There is great wisdom for a writer in learning to give oneself permission to write junk initially, and learning that there is no judgment on your skill as a writer until the final draft is printed and read. Writing is a process of slowly forming a written work of art through rewriting.

It can be likened to making pottery or clay sculpture, both which I have done, and books on writing often compare writing to clay. You start with a lump of clay (an idea that will change) with air pockets, work it into an ugly lump on the clay (notes of your idea) wheel, give it some form (hero's journey three act structure) such as the cylinder, raise it up and give if more form (rewrite), shape it (rewrite), trim it (rewrite, edits), fire and glaze it (final draft). Nobody would judge a potter's skills on the pot until it is fired and glazed and placed on display.

Writing is a process of building a story, shaping it, removing clay, adding clay, trimming, shaping, firing it in the furnace, glazing it.

Give yourself permission to do anything along the journey, no judgment on you as a writer until the final draft.

 

[AuditoryVisuals]

There is great wisdom for a writer in learning to give oneself permission to write junk initially, and learning that there is no judgment on your skill as a writer until the final draft is printed and read. Writing is a process of slowly forming a written work of art through rewriting.

It can be likened to making pottery or clay sculpture, both which I have done, and books on writing often compare writing to clay. You start with a lump of clay (an idea that will change) with air pockets, work it into an ugly lump on the clay (notes of your idea) wheel, give it some form (hero's journey three act structure) such as the cylinder, raise it up and give if more form (rewrite), shape it (rewrite), trim it (rewrite, edits), fire and glaze it (final draft). Nobody would judge a potter's skills on the pot until it is fired and glazed and placed on display.

Writing is a process of building a story, shaping it, removing clay, adding clay, trimming, shaping, firing it in the furnace, glazing it.

Give yourself permission to do anything along the journey, no judgment on you as a writer until the final draft.

That's something I needed to hear. If it's bad, it doesn't count untill I fix it and "fire and glaze it". Wow, that gives me a lot of creative freedom, and helps me learn through trial and error.