I received this question via email:
Thanks for you blog- I have found many useful screenwriting goodies on there.
However, I spend too much time reading about writing instead of writing. I find writing my screenplay so painful. Its like pulling teeth and I have to force myself to sit at the computer for small chunks at a time. I am easily distracted and would rather do just about anything other than write. It’s like training a disobedient dog. Nonetheless, this is what I want to do and believe I could be good at- is this normal?
I was wondering if you have any advice on how to actually sit down and do it. How to make yourself embrace the pain and block out the distractions. I have read everything that I could possibly read about how to write and now it is just time to write. I think this is the hardest part- harder than coming up with a good ending, snappy dialogue, or lovable characters- because if you put the time in this stuff should come naturally. The ‘just do it’ approach is easier said than done and I was wondering if you might have any other advice?
First off, I suspect most writers, even professionals, confront this issue more often than they would be willing to admit. My normal advice is to follow Oliver Stone’s edict: “Writing equals butt on chair.” Unfortunately with this lil’ thing called the Internet available to us, it’s far too easy to get distracted on the Web while our butt is still on chair.
There are all sorts of tricks and mind games you can try. I read where Neil Simon would give himself a treat – literally a piece of candy or a snack food item – after writing for a set period of time. One of my Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work, which I posted here, is to stop your writing session just before you finish a scene, so that the next day, you start the session knowing you can write the ending — which you already know — and that can jump-start your writing process into the next scene.
But your query sounds much more existential in nature, something I suspect a mind game or trick won’t resolve. So how about this?
Create a central character with whom you fall in love.
Not necessarily romantic love, but that can work, too. The point is if you have at least one character in your story who you want to spend time with – or better yet need to spend time with – perhaps that could entice you back to the writing.
I sit here, thinking of some fascinating movie characters — Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs, C.C. Baxter from The Apartment, Michael Myers from Halloween, Ripley from Alien, John Nash in A Beautiful Mind, interesting characters in interesting story circumstances. Now imagine if you were tasked to write one of those characters. Wouldn’t it be exciting to spend time with them, see where they took the story, what pearls of wisdom they spouted which you could type out as dialogue? Wouldn’t you want to write them?
If you’re someone who is more drawn to plot than character — and I’m not saying you are — perhaps spend more time digging into your characters. In a perfect world, you’ll find more than one who comes alive and grip your imagination. If that happens, doesn’t it feel like they could lure you to your writing desk?
Another suggestion: Go away for a long weekend to some place secluded. No TV, no Internet, no distractions. Just you and your story. Sure, you’ll fritter away the first few hours, but at some point, because you have made the commitment of time and probably money (to pay for lodgings) and there’s nothing to do, you will, I think, inevitably end up writing. And once you get going – at least this has been my experience – you just lose yourself in the process. I’ve gone away and pounded out over 50 pages of a first draft in a 48 hour period.
But I think I prefer my other piece of advice: Create a character (or characters) that fascinates you, makes you want / need to spend time with them. That emotional connection should do the trick.
GITS readers, do you have any other suggestions?
UPDATE: Not to get all gushy and everything, but I can’t say enough about GITS readers. The question that was emailed to me is a serious issue for, I’m sure, many if not most of us. And the number and variety of responses from you fine people (in comments) is just, well… great. Thanks. And keep the suggestions coming. You’re providing some fantastic ideas I’m sure all of us will be able to use at some time or other.
I heard a trick, I think it was from John August … use a baking clock timer … set it for forty minutes.
Write straight for forty, forty-five minutes.
Then when it goes off, set it for fifteen. Use that fifteen minutes to fart around, surf the net, whatever …
then when the alarm rings, set it back for forty … and start writing again.
That way you get a break every hour, it focuses you on when you write, and gives you a framework to play.
It's a cool trick.
Or maybe I read that here, Scott, it could have been yours! LOL!
Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall. Adderall.
The character thing is def working for me right now. I have a guy that is just fun to write! Hopefully he will yield my first feature length screenplay.
I don't use them, so I can't recommend any, but there are a bunch of cheap mini-apps that will block web access for a set period of time.
i'm the same way. easily distracted. facebook, music, news, blogs, anything but writing. sometimes i'll just stare at the browser screen, out of websites to visit. it's sad.
if you use a mac, try this free app called "freedom". it completely disables the internet for a set amount of time. once the distractions are gone, you'll find yourself writing. i usually set it for thirty minutes at a time.
sounds dumb but it works. once you're out of distractions, you have to do something, right? well, at least that's the theory.
download it here: http://macfreedom.com/
i think there's something for pc users too but i can't remember the name right now…
@Grant: nice one. you beat me by a four minute hair.
I agree with Scott. I know I having stalling mechanisms. Sometimes they're more active then other times. Right now I'm editing so much, it's writing/researching/shutting down eyes can't focus on a compter screen anymore. Ship crashing to Earth, NASA not responding…
IF you really wanna write you need to take some time away from your computer and work the story out in your head. Get a journal and start working on "the cool stuff." "The cool stuff" is what exites you about the story. You build off "the cool stuff."
Don't have any cool stuff? Then don't bother trying to write. You have bigger issues; you need to feed the muse…
- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA
Hello fellow GITS-Mates!
First off, I have to say I am a HUGE fan of Scott's "Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work" and highly recommend that those of you who have not yet read them, do so ASAP. I guarantee it is well worth cutting into your writing time for…
On the subject of "writing time", I agree that as writers, we should make it our top priority to find that one special "trick" (or treat) to get us on our seats, off the net and into the story…
Whether it's a character exercise, a baking timer or a Starbucks Ginger Molasses cookie warmed up, we all need to know how to motivate/bribe ourselves into "just doing it".
That being said, I do believe procrastination is actually a vital part of our craft as the bulk of our ideas and inspirations directly derive from the little pieces of information, humor and experiences we are exposed to during these extended periods of EBTW ("Everything But The Writing").
I myself have fought with this issue for years, trying to resist procrastination at all costs rather than respecting and embracing it for what it is — a time of research, observation and intake. When we are surfing the net, connecting with others and absorbing the life around us, we are in fact feeding our minds and imagination. A justification, perhaps, however, I personally have had days when I've spent more time and energy FORCING myself to write than actually writing OR procrastinating. I've also had days when my favorite EBTW pastimes (such as visiting this site) have lead to effortlessly successful writing sessions and creative bursts. (Thanks Scott)
Essentially, I think what we need to tell ourselves is that writing is not just the physical act of committing paper to pen (or fingers to keyboard)… it is the PROCESS of observing and experiencing the world around us, obtaining knowledge, connecting with others and creating structures and spaces that allow us to get it all out of our heads and into Final Draft
Hello fellow GITS-Mates!
First off, I have to say I am a HUGE fan of Scott's "Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work" and highly recommend that those of you who have not yet read them, do so ASAP. I guarantee it is well worth cutting into your writing time for…
On the subject of "writing time", I agree that as writers, we should make it our top priority to find that one special "trick" (or treat) to get us on our seats, off the net and into the story…
Whether it's a character exercise, a baking timer or a Starbucks Ginger Molasses cookie warmed up, we all need to know how to motivate/bribe ourselves into "just doing it".
That being said, I do believe procrastination is actually a vital part of our craft as the bulk of our ideas and inspirations directly derive from the little pieces of information, humor and experiences we are exposed to during these extended periods of EBTW ("Everything But The Writing").
I myself have fought with this issue for years, trying to resist procrastination at all costs rather than respecting and embracing it for what it is — a time of research, observation and intake. When we are surfing the net, connecting with others and absorbing the life around us, we are in fact feeding our minds and imagination. A justification, perhaps, however, I personally have had days when I've spent more time and energy FORCING myself to write than actually writing OR procrastinating. I've also had days when my favorite EBTW pastimes (such as visiting this site) have lead to effortlessly successful writing sessions and creative bursts. (Thanks Scott)
Essentially, I think what we need to tell ourselves is that writing is not just the physical act of committing paper to pen (or fingers to keyboard)… it is the PROCESS of observing and experiencing the world around us, obtaining knowledge, connecting with others and creating structures and spaces that allow us to get it all out of our heads and into Final Draft
Oh yeah, there's a lot of us who can relate to this.
Procrastination is at its roots a psycological/emotional problem. Here's a book that might help… delves into the reasons behind why you put off doing those important things:
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Habit-Overcoming-Procrastination-Guilt-Free/dp/1585425524/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257993110&sr=8-1
Another little trick is setting smaller goals for yourself to practice completing things. So instead of tackling a feature length screenplay, write a 10 pg short film instead. Something you can finish in 1 or 2 days.It takes the pressure off & gives you a sense of accopmlishment while you develop the habit of writing regularly.
@The Douche Guide: Thanks for that recommendation. Great one for those of us 'hooked' on the Web.
@Connie: You make a really important point – what we oftentimes call 'procrastination' can be a valuable part of the writing process. Stories and characters do need time to gestate.
In fact, I remember reading an interview with screenwriter-director Phil Alden Robinson (Field of Dreams, Sneakers) – unfortunately I don't have a link – where he said of his process that he delayed writing until it was right up to the deadline. For example, if he has 12 weeks to turn in a draft, he waits until the last week to actually start writing. He just needs that pressure to (A) motivate him to write and (B) kick up his creative juices.
That said, there is procrastination and there is procrastination. And when it becomes about avoiding writing at all, then you've got a problem.
Thankfully, a lot of good suggestions in this thread!
Following up on what Josh wrote above about using a timer. I recently came across this variation, using 10 min blocks of time.
http://www.43folders.com/2005/10/11/procrastination-hack-1025
I've been experimenting with various ways to improve my focus. I've started exercising more, taking vitamins, meditating. There are also specific exercises you can do to improve focus, like concentrating on one object for a set period of time.
It all has to do with training & disciplining the mind. Like anything, it takes time and practice. Habits are developed over time, not overnight.
Simon Kinberg (Mr & Mrs Smith):
"Set times, set spaces, make hard rules about staying off the internet or taking calls," he says. "Just be disciplined. I really do think that's one of the biggest challenges of being a writer: discipline."
http://www.storylink.com/article/313
thanks to therapy for my ultra-severe perfectionism, and the intense rigors of my MFA program, i have learned the following: (this is just my experiences, and i am no expert, so take it for what it's worth.)
1., and most importantly for me, writing breeds writing. for me, the first 45 minutes are the hardest. when it gets going, though, 6 hours can feel like 30 minutes.
1a. i am a ultra perfectionist. this is the cause of 99.998% of why i procrastinate — fear. when something isn't EXACTLY right, i beat myself up to no end. this approach has probably cost me a year of my creative writing life.
interestingly enough, as soon as i start writing, i begin generating ideas that i want to write about. if i can just power through that first 45 minutes, things really start to get moving.
as far as taking breaks, i find that more short breaks are MUCH more effective (for me) than fewer longer breaks. i try to cling desperately to whatever momentum i can build, lol…
3. warm up. i like to write by hand in a journal first, kind of like stretching before you runs. i'm not sure if it's psychosomatic or if it really helps or what, but it seems to loosen me up a bit before sitting down at the keyboard.
4. dark chocolate. not only is it good for you, it's a natural source of caffeine!
1. There is no trick. There is no spoon.
2. However, having a character you love so much you WANT to write him/her works for me.
3. I heard 2 great ideas at the WGA Tuesday night talks
a. when your outline is finished, put it all in the Notes of your Final Draft or Movie Magic. Then when you go back, you're already RE-WRITING.
b. I saw this in the Jason Reitman article in CS, but it's great: write the last scene FIRST, then fill in the middle.
If you really don't want to write, maybe you're not a writer? That's not the end of the world. You might be a painter or sculptor. I'm serious! An artist does what he/she does.
-Jeff
What helps for me is going for walks or go jogging – while always carrying a small note pad and pen – it forces you to concentrate on your story without getting distracted. Works wonders and it's refreshing
I have a very large problem with "butt in chair." Not because I don't want to be there necessarily, but because I have several different worlds of tasks constantly pulling my attention away:
Business School, My Job, and then Writing all work against one another.
But I think Scott hits on something very large about the essence of BEING a writer in creating a character you NEED to spend time with.
Hopefully, we are not writing to sell. Hopefully, we are not writing because we think it would be cool to be the one who engendered some great story that everyone loves. Hopefully, we are not writing for all the things that ultimately make "butt in chair" the most excruciating experience imaginable.
What I have found for myself is exactly what Scott said in this article, and I have just never articulated it. Falling in love with a character and the problems they have will make YOU fall in love with a story that either resolves or explores those issues. I have found that I want to write for the sake of the character I care so much about and not even for me, per se.
Ultimately it is for me, because these characters and their stories are extensions of who I am somewhere inside and what I am thinking about.
Thank you, Scott for verbalizing that issue, for I had never really thought about it that way before.
But now, come to think of it, I keep my but in my chair when I CARE about the people on the page.
That's an interesting parallel to what keeps people in theater seats, too.
Make writing a habit. I do it first thing in the morning before I eat breakfast or shower. I make a cup of coffee and fire up the computer. I don't put the Internet on until I put my time in.
Don't be afraid to write shit. It takes a lot of fertilizer to grow anything, even a script.
I have a couple of projects going on at the same time, so if I get stuck on one and I jump over to another one.
It seems a lot of people also fall into the trap of "I have a new PC, I have software, and I've read all there is to know about writing" and think that makes them a writer.
It looks like such easy work. Add to that the presumption that there's huge money in it for just typing a couple thousand words.
Piece of cake, right?
Typing is easy. Writing is HARD. Writing well is REALLY HARD.
There's no way around it, no tricks. WRITING IS WORK. (Unless you're a natural prodigy and can spew brilliance forth with nary a thought.)
There's a reason so many (successful) writers use the quote "I hate to write; but I love to have written."
When I want to procrastinate, I pick up Steven Pressfield's 'War of Art' and read some pages and realize that I'm being an idiot and then just dive in and start writing.
Even if it's not the thing I intended on initially sitting down to write, at least I’m writing something and that will, in turn, get me thinking about the original project.
I’ve found myself procrastinating over one script, only to sit down and make major headway on another that’s been sitting waiting for attention.
I also keep a visible list of all the projects I’m working on and take a little time before beginning to look them over and (I know this sounds silly) see which one is calling for attention that day.
Also, I rent a stripper who takes off an article of clothing for every five pages I write.
Okay, that last part may not be 100% accurate.
I always just think about how much I don't want to keep going to my day job.
For me procrastination comes from fear. For me it was painful. Took me a long time to realize that I was attempting self-expression in the wrong formats. When I discovered screenwriting I fell in love. I read a lot about screenwriting but there came a time I was tired of that and just wanted to do it. And so I did. I can't stop writing now. I look at every free moment as potential writing time.
Wasting time is different. It's being lazy or unmotivated. I read email or watch stupid youtube videos but I know eventually I will be able to get back to the writing. It feels more like a choice. "Work or hulu?" Procrastination was major avoidance tied to self-esteem issues that I couldn't seem to stop. "Who do I think I am trying to be a writer? This story sucks."
I used up a lot of time forcing myself to do work I thought I wanted to do because I didn't know how to let the creative muse loose in a way that satisfied me. Fortunately I can now use those experiences to enrich my stories–so not a total waste.(And at least now I know I don't like writing short stories.)
@Emily Blake: That reminds me of something William Goldman wrote, I believe in Adventures in the Screen Trade. He referenced a professional basketball player who had rather obsessive habits re practice. His rationale was summed up by Goldman like this: "If I'm not practicing, somebody else is." And Goldman drew a parallel to writing: Hey, when you're not writing, someone else is.
General note: There really are some fantastic suggestions in this thread. Many thanks for your ideas – with a special H/T to theechomusic for the stripper idea. Laugh out loud funny.
There are no tricks, in my humble opinion, you either write or you don't. If you are writing, you are excited, if you are not, then I suspect you haven't worked out your story — and this means that you must spend more time figuring your story elements.
I spend two hours per night Monday to Friday writing outlines and treatments, that's where the work is, the actual script writing is the EASY bit, and when it's easy I breeze through it, but that's only because I have done the hard work.
Allow me to get a bit gushy then: thank you, Scott for this most excellent gathering place for tips, rants, inspiration, brass tacks and more. I marvel at the level — and quality — of the output here.
Back to topic: we are wired for pain avoidance. And screenwriting is painful as hell. But after a particularly difficult spell, three things became very clear:
1) screenwriting IS work
2) I seriously care about the craft
3) At some miniscule level, I might even know what the hell I'm doing.
It was gratifying to come to that realization. Still doesn't make the writing any easier, but there it is.
Oh, and nothing like the relief of FINISHING, whether it's a scene or the whole shebang, that makes the pain worthwhile. Like the old saw about repeatedly hitting your head with a hammer…
ps: One little trick I do is write a scene or two with my favorite character that I know doesn't fit in the script. Put that person in a completely different environment, like outer space, and have fun with it.
I think it boils down to need. Some of us need to write. We either write for a living or we write because we have to get words on the page to feel whole.
If you have no need to write then why bother?
If you have great story ideas and need to get them out, there are other venues like short stories and comic books. Script writing may not be your thing.
When I am totally stuck and procrastinating my favorite trick is to write a different part of the story.
Write the ending or a great sequence I have outlined, then go back later and fill in the voids. I feel inspired to write the best scenes, then that feeds my desire to write great stuff that leads up to them.
If that doesnt work, just take a few minutes to rough a scene out. Even if it is very rough, you are further ahead than when there was nothing on the page
Be willing to suck for a few years.
This is my first post ever on GITS. Love this site! I am also a noob of noobs having really only gotten the writing bug just in the last year or so (after thinking about it for a few years). At 42, I am wondering if I could ever really do this thing, but I’m having a whole lot of fun, so that makes it worth it.
I am discovering that to get over my own personal inertia, I need to just warm up a little bit. So I’ll just start writing whatever. The day’s events, an answer to some random question, a thought…anything to just get “butt in chair” and start. Once I get started and my brain aligns a little bit, things seem to start kicking in.
This week, I got a little desperate so I actually started copying out of the Bible. It’s full of stories, lots of dialog, so I figured, hey..cool…a ready made script! Just turn this into a script. I couldn’t believe it! (Plus it is helping me learn the mechanics of writing a script, such as formatting, yada, yada.) After about 10 minutes of that an idea popped in my head related to a character and I was off to the races. Weird? Maybe. Did it work? Worked for me!
@Win – Never too late to start!
Regarding MacFreedom, I just tried it and found you get six free trials. Did my first for an hour and got four prose pages of a treatment done. This is EXACTLY what I needed. I’m so happy!
Congrats, Charlotte!