Getting better at writing.

[Nonsensical studios]

I want to get better at scriptwriting.

I have no shortage of ideas, and I write for at least half an hour a day. Although I don't feel my scripts are getting any better. Does anyone have any tips or exercises I can do?

[Vaughn Whynot]

rays live show
citrus script group
they cover alot of stuff

[astalapitjes]

try reading other scripts, compere them with your scripts
try getting your hands on the script of one of your favo movies, see what they have thats missing in yours
and ofcours, lett some other good writers from the indie mogul forums read your scripts and help you out, i'm sure there are plenty of people here willing to read your stuff

[Citrus]

Here are somethings that I have heard and used that seem to work.

1. Don't force yourself to write. Not in the sense of forcing yourself to get off your lazy butt and write, but in the sense of trying really hard to get something on the paper. If you force it then your writing will suffer.

2. Writing is practice for writing.

3. Read other scripts and see how they are done. (if you need help with formatting)

4. Listen to music or have something going on around you that will relax you without distracting you.

[_ray_biddle_]

I want to get better at scriptwriting.

I have no shortage of ideas, and I write for at least half an hour a day. Although I don't feel my scripts are getting any better. Does anyone have any tips or exercises I can do?

As the others have said, just keep writing.

If you have the time watch Ray Live, we're going to cover writing a screenplay from idea to submission.

[Nonsensical studios]

Citrus,
I dont force myself to script write, I just freewrite, and then scripts develop

[google550]

You're probably suffering from plot deficiency. If your characters aren't deep enough and their challenges aren't great enough - then you're facing the problems of most of the writers out there.

Deep characters don't have to be "good" or "evil." Take a look at everyone's favorite Dark Knight. Look at the characters - Batman's plagued with the death of his parents and is not at peace with himself. The general public uses him as a scape goat - and he fights nothing short of a symbol of fear (clowns.)

Let's turn around and look at the Joker. This is NOT Jack Nicholson. The Joker is sadistic and cruel - but while he's immediately marked as the "bad guy," makes a few spot - on points and scary interpretations about human psychology (the guns vs. knives rant) and gives a sense that there's more to this clown that meets the eye.

Always leave the audience THINKING - characters shouldn't be "summable." This is true even with comedies - watch The Office and you can never quite tell what everyone's true motive is.

[Nonsensical studios]

Thats a great piece of Advice google. I see what you mean, but I don't quite see how I can adapt it into my shorts. Does anyone else have any advice?

[google550]

Thats a great piece of Advice google. I see what you mean, but I don't quite see how I can adapt it into my shorts.?

Well, look at your characters. Can you add things into your plot that'll make their life more difficult and challenging?

[Ergo Pictures]

Buy a book called Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. Seriously worth every cent, it taught me everything I would ever need to know about screenwriting.

[loosechange]

Read, watch movies, find stories you like.

Then just sit down and write, you never know when a good idea will hit you, and then boom another idea to tie in to your story, pretty soon your churning up a unique story in your head within a few quick moment of making your brain work.

Grab a paper and pad, or a keyboard and start writing down what was in your head, and keep writing everything that comes. Even if your not too excited about it at first write it down, maybe the idea will grow on you, maybe it wont, either way thats what drafting is about. Yo get rid of what you don't like or need and keep the ingredients that make your mouth water.

Maybe you'll finish your story in a few months maybe in a few days, either way a first draft is never flawless and can always be improved. Remember that most time spent writing is actually spent rewriting. So whats bad about writing down all your ideas?