Black List writers on the craft: Story Prep (6 Part Series)

Over the years, I have interviewed over 40 Black List screenwriters. This month, I am running a series featuring one topic per week related to the craft of writing.

Last week: What aspects of story prep do you devote the most time and focus to?

Black List writers on the craft: Story Prep (Part 1) — Research

Black List writers on the craft: Story Prep (Part 2) — Characters as the focal point of prep

Black List writers on the craft: Story Prep (Part 3) — Not using an outline as part of prep process

Black List writers on the craft: Story Prep (Part 4) — “Preliminary” outlines

Black List writers on the craft: Story Prep (Part 5) — Working with an extensive outline

Black List writers on the craft: Story Prep (Part 6) — Comprehensive approach to story prep

If you track the posts from Parts 3–6, you will see an arc at work — from writers who do little to no outlining, then step up their prep work to the point of a really comprehensive approach. Once again, this supports the thesis: There is no right way to write. You have to find the process that works for you… and do that!

In my opinion, the Black List is the most important brand related to screenwriters and screenwriting in Hollywood. Therefore it makes sense we should study the creative processes of writers who make the list. More insight and inspiration coming in the weeks ahead.