If you’re stuck and finding yourself unable to work on your script because the thought of writing a whole screenplay just feels like too big of a mountain to climb…
Work smaller.
I’ll explain in a sec, but first a little backstory:
This week I recorded an interview on a podcast aimed at novelists, but it occurred to me that one of the topics we discussed could be useful (and a good reminder) for screenwriters too. So I thought I’d share it with you today.
What novelists can learn from screenwriters
For context, the title of the podcast episode is “Two Tips Novelists Can Learn From Screenwriters.” We talked about how novelists sometimes get overwhelmed by the scope of their own projects, and how one of the tips they can pick up from screenwriters is to iterate in smaller versions of the story. That way they don’t end up writing draft after draft of the entire novel, but they still have the benefit of working through as many story options as they need to.
What screenwriters can learn from screenwriters
So that’s what I mean by “work smaller”.
If you’re staring at the blank page, feeling the shadow of your screenplay-to-be looming over you, and it has you frozen, unable to make progress…
Don’t work on your screenplay at all.
Work on a “smaller” version of your story. A document like a beat sheet, an outline, a treatment. Or something even smaller, less formal. Really any other format that lets you tinker on a more manageable scale.
Now, this might sound counterintuitive coming from someone who’s always encouraging you to finish your screenplay. But actually, today’s tip is still aimed at getting you there, to the finish line. Just without as much angst.
What to write instead of your screenplay
Switching to a smaller format allows you to release yourself from the (often self-induced) pressure of writing your screenplay. You can be less precious, more flexible. You can try things out without worrying that you’re wasting time or making a “wrong” choice.
When you’re stuck on your screenplay, try exploring your story in one of these alternate (smaller) versions instead:
- Try a brain dump
- Try out story ideas in a logline
- Brainstorm the big picture by filling out this story chart
- Or zoom in even more with the 1-Page Screenplay Blueprint
- Write a short synopsis
- Work out the Major Plot Points
- Make a list of Springboards & Sequences
- Brainstorm the 15 parts of the Save the Cat beat sheet
- Try this outlining hack, for the whole story or for one section
- Or if writing anything feels like too much, try talking it out with a friend (or with me!)
Take it easy, make it fun
While you’re working smaller, try to keep a loose state of mind. The whole point is to make this easier, more fun. More playful, even. Because who gets stuck or blocked when they’re playing? I don’t think that’s a thing.
Writing and creating doesn’t have to be serious work. There’s a time and a place to put your serious hat on. But in the meantime, find ways to lighten up.
If writing is an iterative process and you’ll need to try out a lot of different choices before figuring which combination of options really works for your project…
Then why not work through those iterations quickly by working on a smaller scale?