I’m working away at my new feature script and I’m nearing the end quickly. I’ve reached the point where I definitely know the I want the story to go.  I just needed a good great way to get there.

My outline has provided me with a fantastic road map but I’ve never been a fan of writing every single detail in advance.  I like to discover the little details of a story as I write.

So I asked myself…

What happens next?

It’s one of the most exciting questions a screenwriter can ask.  The question causes you to lean back in your seat and answer:

What does happen next?

The question can be intimidating but I find it exciting.  I can make up whatever I want and if I don’t like it?  I can make something else up.

The trick is to follow up What Happens Next with:

How can I make my script more interesting?

More entertaining?

So I left my office and retreated to my living room couch with my notes in hand.  I knew the broad strokes to the remaining 30 pages or so.  I just needed to iron out the little details.

It was time to answer the question.

The process is inspiring. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about these characters and the decisions come naturally now.  I know their motivations and no choice I made conflicts with who they are.

Within an hour I had no longer had to answer What Happens Next…

It’s time to challenge myself to make my screenplay as interesting and entertaining as possible.

Back to work.

I’ve been developing a screenplay based on a story that Producer Eric came up with a while ago.

We’ve been firing emails back and forth for weeks now ironing out story details and such.

One thing was missing.  Something I like NEED to have in place before I begin writing.

The screenplay needs a title!

I’ve always found that I’m more inclined to sit down and write when I have a catchy title in place.  It’s almost like I’m blocked until I have something to call the script.

Sometimes, it’s a temporary title but more often than not, I like to have the title figured out.

Note: I also think it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to change a title if it doesn’t fit once the script is complete.  More on that in a moment.

I finally came up with a title the other day that I’m excited about.  Ultimately, it’s up to Eric if it sticks but I’m confident enough to continue through my screenwriting routine and start writing.

However, having a title in place early on can backfire as well…

What if the title doesn’t work?

It’s a bitter/sweet moment when you realize that a title doesn’t work for a particular story. Bitter because it’s normally hard letting go of ideas you once thought worked and sweet because 9 times out of 10, the new title is vastly superior to the original.  It all comes down to creativity.

Sometimes, it’s easy to become attached to a title and it’s difficult to let it go.  It’s a lot like eliminating characters or scenes during the rewrite process.  I think the title of a screenplay deserves the same level of merciless scrutiny.

I never want to be a stubborn writer who refuses to make the BIG changes when they’re obviously needed.  There’s nothing worse than realizing something that should have been obvious when it’s too late.  I consider it a welcome challenge to come up with something better and I’m confident that a better title will come to me in time.

Still, I feel it’s necessary to have a title before I start to write.  Even if it’s not the best fit in the end.

In my opinion, it’s too important to get left behind.

Where do you stand?

• Can you write a screenplay without a title?
• Do you wait until you’ve written a draft before naming it?
• Do you use working titles?

Regardless of which style you choose, we can all agree that there is nothing like creating the perfect title.

You can name your script anything you want.  Creative freedom.

Everyone needs a holiday from time to time.

We all need a break from the day to day grind and relax.  A well deserved vacation is one of the best ways to increase productivity.

It’s different for screenwriters.

We take our work with us no matter where we are.

There doesn’t have to be a computer or iPhone nearby.  All we need is our imagination and progress on our latest project can be made.

We’re always working.

It’s somewhat ironic that most screenwriters who have full time jobs take vacations and bring their notes with them.

The reason is because writing a screenplay isn’t really work.  It’s fun.  We have to write.

After all, what would happen if an incredible scene erupted in your brain and you had no way to write it down?  If you love to write screenplays this type of occurrence should cause panic attacks until you find a napkin and a pen.

It’s for that reason we keep our work close at all times.

Deep breath.  You won’t forget that line of dialogue now.

I know when I’m planning a few days away from my career in television I make sure to have my latest screenplay handy.  I keep an outline or two for my next projects are close by as well.

I mentioned everyone needs a break from the day to day grind but I don’t find screenwriting to be a weight on my daily routine.

It’s an escape.

“Find a job you love, never work a day in your life.”

I’m heading on a small vacation soon.  This post came to me when I began thinking about the impending 6 hour bus ride I’ll be taking.  My first thought was to organize my new feature screenplay and gather my notes.  What can I say?  I love to write!

Everyone loves a vacation and the aspiring screenwriter is no exception.  We all take breaks.

But screenwriting is just too much fun to leave behind.

Today happens to be my 27th birthday.

Fun Fact: My Screenwriter’s New Years is fast approaching as well.

I like to reflect on what I have accomplished on days like today.  More importantly, I like to set goals for the following year.

After spending two years developping websites, directing two short films, building this blog and writing short screenplays I’ve made a decision.

27 will be the year of the screenwriter!

I love writing screenplays.  It’s been my passion for literally decades now but I’m the first to admit I haven’t written many features lately. (Or shorts for that matter)

So I’ve challenged myself to be better and today I’m putting it in writing.

The other day I was discussing the difference between a screenwriter and someone who writes screenplays.  There is a big difference.  Screenwriter’s write and their material gets produced.

Through 17 West, I’ve had a bunch of my work produced but I’m addicted now.  I want more. 

I have to write more! Plain and simple.

It’s time to light a fire and get to work.

There.  I said it.

Read: Shut up, sit down and write screenplays.

The Athletic Nerd On Screenwriting

In addition to this new found focus on my new screenplays, I’m also going to be pumping up the screenwriting section of this blog.  This journey isn’t going to be easy and I’ll be writing more and more about the wonderful craft of screenwriting. (As always, I have to open up photoshop and make a new logo.)

Are you an aspiring screenwriter?  What inspires you?

Check out the latest posts here.

Screenwriting has a way of dominating entire afternoons.  You sit down in the morning and before you know it you’re in the zone and time ceases to exist.

I believe to truly be passionate about something it has to be fun.

What’s the point if it’s not any fun?

This works both ways because you can never be really focused on your latest screenplay if you aren’t happy.

It’s a cycle that I make sure to pay close attention to.  I struggle to focus if my head is else where.

So how do you write a screenplay when the weather is nice?

Don’t!

Why not head out and take a break for the afternoon?  I’m not suggesting that you spend every nice day outside ignoring your need to write but once in a while doesn’t hurt.

I call them RECHARGE DAYS.

Sometimes the easiest way to take the pressure off is to step away for a bit and enjoy a gorgeous day.

The way I see it, you’ll regret not going out and living like a regular human being.

A while back, I was stuck on my most recent short screenplay.  It was an incredibly frustrating week.

Read: What to do if your screenplay isn’t working.

So instead of forcing myself and the story, I stepped away and enjoyed a weekend outdoors.  I came back recharged and ready to get back to work.

I had decided that setting that particular script aside would be the right move as it gives me more time to develop the story.

Then I began work on a new tale which is going extremely well so far.

Taking the time to live away from screenwriting always gives me an appreciation for the craft.  I couldn’t wait to get back to it.

It’s addicting.  It’s fun.