Saturday Hot Links

Screenwriting Master Class tip of the week: Studying the writing craft online is great. I’ve been teaching part-time that way since 2002 and have probably offered more online classes than anyone else, so I have a lot of experience. The convenience of doing the work snuggled in bed in your pajamas while savoring a cup of coffee or however you choose to engage the class is wonderful: You can do virtually everything in your own place and on your own time.

However there is something to be said for face-to-face interactions. And as satisfying as online education can be, at least the way I teach, over the years I kept hearing this recurring refrain: “Will you ever do something in-person?”

So in October 2013, I hosted the first ever Quest Writing Workshop in Santa Monica, California. It was an incredible success for participants, a 4 day immersion in the principles of storytelling, practices of writing, and wrangling of each writer’s original story.

Since then, I’ve run three more Quest Writing Workshops, each remarkable in its own way. Also remarkable is how its evolved into a truly unique educational opportunity:

* There is the 4 day on-site workshop in Santa Monica that goes from 10AM-5PM Thursday-Sunday. In it, we learn screenwriting theory focusing on Character, Plot and Theme, then use a series of writing exercises and feedback sessions for each participant to develop an original story. This is all based on lectures and content I have used, created and taught for years.

* I added a 16 week online program which participants can use to build off the work they do in the four day workshop by prepping their original story (6 weeks) and writing a first draft (10 weeks). That is a free benefit for writers and an optional choice. Most use the 16 week program as a structure to motivate them to write a script, but others simply do the 4 day weekend.

* Then this: Many of the participants continue to stay in touch becoming in effect a writers group. This pleases me no end because for an individual to have other writers as a resource — critique loglines, give feedback on pages, provide emotional support — can be a huge boost to one’s productivity and psychological well-being.

Here are some thoughts on the Workshop from writers who participated in the most recent session:

“In the ten years I have been writing screenplays, the four days of the Quest Writing Workshop are by far the most valuable and intense days of learning I’ve had. In addition to the excellent instruction, the input from the small group of fellow writers was invaluable, especially as we all worked together to break our stories. My only regret was that the workshop was over so quickly; fortunately it continued over the internet and with conference calls as we prepared and completed our first drafts. I can’t recommend the workshop highly enough.” — Tom Peterson

“Scott and the Quest Workshop with Scott (or whatever the official title may be. I’m not into titles, man. I see people for who they are.) was a great experience. I came in with a nugget of an idea for a script and with the help of my fellow workshoppers I polished that nugget into a gleaming chunk of pure gold. All of this occurred under the watchful eye and bearded face of Scott. He led each of us down unexplored paths so our stories would come to life. But what is the benefit of an unexplored path if all of the sudden a giant bear or lizard jumps out and eats your confidence at the Act II turn? No, you need the proper tools and structure for that path. That’s what Scott gave us all. It was informative, fun and a fantastic way to spend that tax refund.” — Patrick Connelly

“Scott’s innovative exercises, tested techniques, and the amazing passion, talent, and energy, from both him, and our dynamic group, made this workshop easily the best investment I’ve made in my screenwriting. Scott pushed me, and my characters into brave new worlds, and because of that shove, I saw a drastic improvement in my writing after four amazing days.” — Kirsten Foe

The next Quest Writing Workshop in Santa Monica is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15. We meet in a cool space called The Writers Junction where we can walk to any number of places to eat lunch together, then afterward a nice wine bar where we continue to talk story and the craft, as well as just have a great time. There are plenty of nearby places to stay via Airbnb. And there is this:

There is a special 10% discount for GITS readers who enroll early. To take advantage of that, when you do your transaction and are checking out, include the promo code Discount10 in the Apply Discount box. But jump on that soon because enrollment is limited.

You may learn more about the Quest Writing Workshop and sign up here.

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