Scott Myers

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 10] — Trust the Process

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.

Minimum Words, Maximum Impact

The origin and importance of one of the best screenwriting mantras… ever!

Writing and the Creative Life: Why Your Brain Loves Good Storytelling (Part 3)

“Every storytelling exercise should begin by asking: Who is my audience and what is the message I want to share with them? Each decision…

Daily Dialogue — December 14, 2018

“If you’d just give me a chance, I’ve got poetry in me.”

Reader Question: Should I reference other movies when pitching my own?

“I have heard/read that most Hollywood types believe it to be amateurish, while others feel it gives the reader a better sense of the…

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 9] — The Only Way Out Is Through

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2017 and will do in 2018.

Test your story concept

If your goal is to traffic in mainstream, commercial movies, I cannot overstate the importance of your spec script’s story concept. As I…

The Business of Screenwriting: The Crazed Life of a Studio Executive

There is nothing laid-back about movie execs who live life in the fast lane and this impacts you — the writer.

Daily Dialogue — December 13, 2018

“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”

John, congrats on your wedding (vows). Lots of pressure there and evidently, you nailed it.

If you aren’t in the habit of reading movie scripts, I’d recommend you add that to your regular study practice. A huge benefit to see how…

Ezra, it all comes down to one thing: Your script.

So focus on the WRITING. As a reference, read professional screenplays. Read dozens of them. Your script needs to measure up to those…

Test your story concept

If your goal is to traffic in mainstream, commercial movies, I cannot overstate the importance of your spec script’s story concept. As I…

Set-up and Payoffs

One of the most important narrative elements screenwriters have available to us is set-ups and payoffs. The basic idea is this: We…

Writing Goals: 2018 [Part 8] — First Draft

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.

Spec Script Deal: “The French Quarter Will Not Be Spared”

Lionsgate acquires horror spec script “The French Quarter Will Not Be Spared” written by Anthony Jaswinski. From Deadline:

Script To Screen: “Lincoln”

A memorable scene from the 2012 movie Lincoln, written by Tony Kushner.

Daily Dialogue — December 12, 2018

“When I’m around you, I kind of feel like I’m on drugs. Not that I do drugs. Unless you do drugs, in which case I do them all the time. All…

Script To Screen: “Lincoln”

A memorable scene from the 2012 movie Lincoln, written by Tony Kushner.

Pixar and the Craft of Storytelling

My popular one week online class begins Monday, January 7, 2019.

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 7] — Time Management

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.

Spec Script Deal: “Wolf Country

Endeavor Content acquires adventure drama spec script “Wolf Country” written by Pete Begler. From Deadline:

Screenwriting 101: Michael Werwie

“In my early scripts I put a lot of thought and a lot of energy into crafting and shaping theme, weaving it through the story to the point…

Daily Dialogue — December 11, 2018

“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a…

The 2018 “Twas the Night Before Black List…” Challenge

Annual writing contest with Black List & Screenwriting Master Class prizes.

Writing Goals: 2019 [Part 6] — Schedule

10 part series for writers to consider what we did in 2018 and will do in 2019.