Years ago, I entered the world and throes of screenwriting by attending workshops, lectures and a month-long program in Los Angeles. Beforehand, I wrote two screenplays for my senior thesis in college. Writing spec scripts became my primary focus in life with very modest success including two scripts optioned, one twice by the same producer. I haven’t abandoned my wild aspirations. Intermittently, I return to my finalized scripts and sharpen up the world building, deepen the character arcs, and tighten up the dialogue. And I know a script sale takes more than a persistent attitude and dogged determination with a conviction that “someday it will happen.” I keep hope alive by building relationships in the industry and exploring the creative process as an author and blogger.
Without a doubt, writers need to maintain the creative process. I’ll share a few pointers I wrote down from a lecture by filmmaker consultant, Linda Seger. I had a few occasions to meet Ms. Seger when studying screenwriting with Act One; Writing for Hollywood. She broke down the creative process into four steps: Preparation, incubation, illumination, verification. Her application stems from the book The Art of Thought written by Graham Wallas and published in 1926. More precisely, Wallas defined preparation as saturation and verification as implementation.
Preparation – According to Ms. Seger, as writers, we are “constantly in preparation.” She recommended carrying a notebook or tape recorder at all times with the intent of training your ears and capturing people. She stated that you “never know when you’ll need the material.”
Every writer needs a writing discipline, so ask yourself these questions regarding a schedule: Morning, afternoon, or evening? How many hours? How much sleep do I need? There’s no one writing discipline. She cautioned, “Don’t overwrite.” Devise a routine that works for you, whether two or seven hours a day, once a week or five times a week. Preparation also includes research, interviews, spending time in the library. (NOTE: Obviously, these notes predate AI for research, but I wouldn’t preclude a library visit—a huge inspiration that feeds my creative process!)
Incubation – Writers need incubation time with stepping away from tasks, including writing. Incubation time, in the creative process, can foster growth, new ideas, and a refreshed spirit. Don’t ignore this essential element that can prevent burnout or disinterest in your work in progress.
Illumination – Ms. Seger stressed the importance of “finding your artistic voice and genre.” Are you a comedy writer? Who’s your favorite writer or director? Your favorite movies? As a sidenote, I tend to write comedy because I gravitate to characters that use humor in difficult or challenging situations. One of my scripts, “Strike it Rich,” about a stockbroker and leprechaun, won semifinalist status in the ScreenCraft Family Film contest in 2022. The story incorporates physical comedy with Lenny the leprechaun and his penchant for mischief. But I’ve also written bio pics and thrillers. Yet, there always appears to be at least one humorous character. So, in that respect, even though I’m not hitched to any specific genre for now, I lean towards comedy or dramedy. For new writers, Ms. Seger stressed starting with low- to medium-budget scripts since it’s difficult to get a deal with a movie that’s $100 million or more. (NOTE: As an update, I’m grateful to see low- to mid-budget films returning, most likely due to streaming services and the sheer number of projects to fill demand!)
Verification – Join a writers’ group. Personally, I falter in my writing discipline. Recently, I joined an online writing group that meets every Wednesday for 90 minutes. Our group is from all over the world thanks to YouTube live sessions. For me, the time spent in these writing sessions proves invaluable. Two weeks ago, I revised a script. Whatever I need to work on, I know I’ll get to it at least once per week. I realize it’s not the daily discipline I’m striving for, but it’s time I will devote to writing my work in progress or blogs.
As writers, the creative process is a 24-hour, seven-day-a- week reality. Our thoughts gravitate to the stories forming in our minds, but the process shouldn’t burden us. Our stories are meant to be told, but the creative steps can be key to getting it right! Start or continue your own creative process, and whatever stage you’re going through, make sure to step away every now and then to regroup, refresh, and renew!!
Happy writing!