Here are nine traits that you should develop and hone in order to succeed in screenwriting.
Screenwriting is a competitive and exhausting field. The fact of the matter is that most writers never get to see their work produced. Even fewer writers find a way to make a living writing.
But there are plenty of successful screenwriters. They all start out as just another nameless amateur face in the crowd. But they rise above, thanks in large part to the techniques and habits outlined below.
But there are plenty of successful screenwriters. They all start out as just another nameless amateur face in the crowd. But they rise above, thanks in large part to the techniques and habits outlined below.
1. Learn Everything They Can
Successful screenwriters know that there are always new things to learn. They look to everything around them to teach them about screenwriting, from books, to movies, to small aspects of daily life. They become involved in all aspects of filmmaking to learn about the process on the whole.
What you can do: Check the TV/Film/Video section of Craigslist and volunteer on a local production. Better yet – produce a piece of your own writing.
What you can do: Check the TV/Film/Video section of Craigslist and volunteer on a local production. Better yet – produce a piece of your own writing.
2. Constantly Re-Evaluate Themselves as Writers
You can’t ever reach a point where you’re satisfied with who you are as a writer. Complacency is the enemy of progress, especially in a field like screenwriting, where the craft has a tendency to evolve and grow over time.
This is the number one thing you can do to maximize your chances at success in screenwriting.
What you can do: Instead of re-evaluating each of your scripts after they are written, use every new project as an opportunity to evaluate your process overall. You can grow as a writer, so do it now.
This is the number one thing you can do to maximize your chances at success in screenwriting.
What you can do: Instead of re-evaluating each of your scripts after they are written, use every new project as an opportunity to evaluate your process overall. You can grow as a writer, so do it now.
3. Read
The best way to improve as a writer is to read. Take notes after every script you read, and stay focused on improving your comprehension with each page you turn. Read amateur scripts or hot specs to stay on top of what’s new in screenwriting. But more importantly, read as many good, produced scripts as possible. That’s where you’ll really learn.
What you can do: If you’re in LA, spend as much time as humanly possible in the Writer’s Guild Library. Chelsea and I spent about 40 hours there last week, and it didn’t feel like nearly enough time. If you aren’t local, read screenplays online, or plan a visit to LA just to check out the library. It’s worth it.
What you can do: If you’re in LA, spend as much time as humanly possible in the Writer’s Guild Library. Chelsea and I spent about 40 hours there last week, and it didn’t feel like nearly enough time. If you aren’t local, read screenplays online, or plan a visit to LA just to check out the library. It’s worth it.
4. Value Your Work
Don’t spend your time writing projects that you’re not passionate about, even if there’s some element attached that you think can help you. You have to capitalize on opportunities, absolutely, but you’ll never do that if you spend too much time pursuing the wrong ones.
What you can do: Listen to your gut. Don’t over extend yourself. Don’t undervalue your work. Don’t promise your work away for free. It’s that simple.
What you can do: Listen to your gut. Don’t over extend yourself. Don’t undervalue your work. Don’t promise your work away for free. It’s that simple.
5. Find People Who Are Better Than You
There’s nothing more satisfying than working with people who are better than you. You’ll get better because of them, and you’ll start to see writing in a new way.
What you can do: Join a local theater group or writing group. Find better, more experienced writers and learn from them.
What you can do: Join a local theater group or writing group. Find better, more experienced writers and learn from them.
6. Stay Positive
Really good writers have an incredible ability to stay positive despite the obstacles standing between them and success. Dwelling in hopelessness, jealousy or envy will bring you down, distract you and slow your writing. Staying positive will lead to good things.
What you can do: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or insecure, just write. It’s the perfect and most productive procrastination.
What you can do: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or insecure, just write. It’s the perfect and most productive procrastination.
7. Set Achievable Goals
Successful screenwriters are goal oriented. They set small, achievable goals and meet them. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, because failure is discouraging. Be modest and realistic in your goal setting, and you’ll often find yourself surpassing your goals by quite a bit.
What you can do: Whenever you finish writing for the day, write a to-do list for your next writing session. Set goals. Stay focused. Meet them.
What you can do: Whenever you finish writing for the day, write a to-do list for your next writing session. Set goals. Stay focused. Meet them.
8. Celebrate Small Successes
Writing on spec can be exhausting and debilitating. It can feel like every word you write is going out into a vacuum, especially when you’re not being paid. That’s why you have to celebrate small successes. When you finish a script, give yourself a nice pat on the back. That’s a big accomplishment, and if you don’t recognize it, who will?
As long as you’re making progress from one script to the next, your time is not being wasted. But remember: When you stop trying to learn, you’re in dangerous territory.
What you can do: Next time you finish a script, do something special. Acknowledge your success to fuel yourself for the rewrite process.
As long as you’re making progress from one script to the next, your time is not being wasted. But remember: When you stop trying to learn, you’re in dangerous territory.
What you can do: Next time you finish a script, do something special. Acknowledge your success to fuel yourself for the rewrite process.
9. Take Criticism Well
Great screenwriters don’t always agree with the notes they get, but they know how to separate the good from the bad. Don’t just assume that every note you get is brilliant. By the same token, don’t dismiss every note either. Have a discerning eye and don’t take criticism personally, even when it seems personal.
What you can do: Join a writer’s group, either online or in your city. The more you get used to criticizing other people’s work, the better you’ll be at understanding the notes you receive. Never take them personally. It’s a boring waste of time.
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What you can do: Join a writer’s group, either online or in your city. The more you get used to criticizing other people’s work, the better you’ll be at understanding the notes you receive. Never take them personally. It’s a boring waste of time.
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