I get a lot of emails telling me how to be a better screenwriter. And for anyone who has ever tried to write a script, and has done some research on screenwriting, you have no doubt come across some of the more famous teachers out there: Robert McKee, Blake Snyder, Christopher Vogler. These men have written books on the craft of screenwriting and deal with everything from dialogue, to structure, to plot, etc… I’ve read a couple of their books. You should too if you are interested in writing a screenplay. Although I got my degree in Creative Writing (screenwriting and playwriting), I’m always reading up on what makes a great script (from those many emails that fill my inbox). There are workshops you can take, weekend retreats, and mentoring programs galore out there. The list goes on.

I think it’s important to know the rules and understand the craft of screenwriting as best as you can. However, you can become overwhelmed by all the dos and don’ts of writing the best script possible. It can paralyze you. Don’t get me wrong, you need some folks out there who are honest with you and will critique your writing. I like sending my work out and getting an honest read on my latest script. When I wrote my first feature screenplay many years ago, I had no idea what I was doing (and it showed—I come from a theatre background and my first few scripts read like plays). Know the rules then just write and re-write. Don’t over-think too much. That’s what stalls creativity. Write from your heart, and let the pen (in my case) or the keyboard do the rest. Once the characters that you care about get under your skin, you will find that the rules you thought you were breaking are in fact being followed.

Over time and practise, I gradually saw a progression in my understanding of what makes a great script. Some people are naturally gifted. That is not me, never has been. I have to work at my writing. My words and anything natural I create comes about through blood, sweat and tears.

Speaking of sweat, 8 days out before my new play Heaven & Earth opens. Right now I’m finding it hard to concentrate on anything else but this play. Many of my days are spent puttering about on my computer and recovering from the intense rehearsals. We are in the process of building sets and tech weekend awaits. Here’s what I’m looking like these days, with the Heaven & Earth poster. A little beaten, certainly tired, but still standing…