You still have time to write that spec script in 2011!

That is you can get that spec done in 2011 if you start right now. And the best way to expedite that process is to nail your story before you type FADE IN.

Writing a screenplay is a three part process:

* Prep-writing: Concept, research, brainstorming, plotting, character development, outline.

* Page-writing: Knocking out the first draft from FADE IN to FADE OUT.

* Re-writing: Revising the script until it’s done.

Prep-writing is perhaps the single most important step you can take to ensure you write a solid, professional quality script. It’s also hugely important in enabling you to finish that first draft. Why? Because if you figure out your story in prep, you minimize the chance you will get lost in the page-writing process.

Screenwriting Master Class offers a unique 6-week online workshop called “From Concept to Outline.” To my knowledge, there is no other resource like it available anywhere. Here are a few testimonials from writers who have participated in the Prep workshop:

“You gave us all just the right amount of ideas, encouragement, and support to discover, develop, and design a real workable blueprint to take into the page writing.” — David Broyles

“The Prep class has given me a set of practical tools to use to take the bare glimmer of a concept to outline in six weeks.” — James Tichenor

In the workshop through a series of six writing assignments, you dig into your story, characters, and plot, and build it until you have a thorough outline. Each assignment receives feedback from myself and other class participants including written notes and teleconferences. Once you have your outline, you can use it to roll into and through your first draft.

Many aspiring screenwriters spend minimal time in prep. That is a mistake, not only because prep is where you should do most of the hard story-crafting work, but also because if you hope to be a professional screenwriter or TV writer, you will have to know how to break a story.

Almost every professional screenwriter I know about works from some version of an outline or treatment. TV writers the same thing.

Isn’t it time you learned a proven prep-writing process you can use on this and all your future writing projects?

For more information, go here. And if you enroll, there’s a special 10% discount for GITS readers. Code: Discount10.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!