So many services on the Internet try to answer the age-old question: Is my art working? Here's how to do an assessment without believing your (or anyone else's) bullshit.
Love this and I'm going to include it on a list of resources I'm putting together for aspiring novelists. Thanks for articulating the tough love part of writing.
I've learned that asking what is working is not just about boosting one's ego - when we're in the thick of it, it's so easy to lose track of what works or be unsure, so it's a good way to know what NOT to change when we rewrite.
I hear that. But also I think that being afraid to change what’s working shows a fundamental insecurity. You can always replace something that works with something else that works (or something better) if that’s what the story needs. Writers risk also tying themselves in knots trying to preserve certain parts of the script that don’t serve them
This advice hits the target. Although I've stopped writing screenplays (probably not the right age for the level of effort it takes to make it), much of what you say applies to writing in general and, to be deep for a minute, life in general. If it's not working, put it away for a while to work on something else resonates with me on many levels.
Excellent post, Audrey. Your advice to put the script down, work on something else, and return with fresh eyes is essential to self-editing.
Love this and I'm going to include it on a list of resources I'm putting together for aspiring novelists. Thanks for articulating the tough love part of writing.
This is helpful, thank you!
I've learned that asking what is working is not just about boosting one's ego - when we're in the thick of it, it's so easy to lose track of what works or be unsure, so it's a good way to know what NOT to change when we rewrite.
I hear that. But also I think that being afraid to change what’s working shows a fundamental insecurity. You can always replace something that works with something else that works (or something better) if that’s what the story needs. Writers risk also tying themselves in knots trying to preserve certain parts of the script that don’t serve them
Excellent post. And totally what I needed to read right now. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you!! I hope it’s helpful ❤️
I think it’ll be extremely helpful. But I’ll let you know in four more drafts!
This was great!
Quality information and advice. So much misinformation out there about screenwriting. It’s always refreshing to read something grounded and honest.
'Audrey Knox: Pulling no punches for over 10 years."
Such great and actionable advice. Thank you as always.
Thanks Anita you are so sweet!
This advice hits the target. Although I've stopped writing screenplays (probably not the right age for the level of effort it takes to make it), much of what you say applies to writing in general and, to be deep for a minute, life in general. If it's not working, put it away for a while to work on something else resonates with me on many levels.