The joys and pains of a screenplayer writer

[GhostPoet]

So, i'm currently working on a screenplay. This isn't a new thing, i've done this plenty of times before...lots of half-written works that will never see the light of day (and after re-reading them I realize that's a good thing!) And now i'm finally working on a project i'm happy with, one that is flowing out so easily. Most days that is. There are days, sometimes even a week where I just don't feel like writing. I hate those days.

I wish I could be like some of the writers who can sit there for days and days just writing away without stopping except to sleep, eat and rest. But I don't think there are many like that. I have a day job and the only time I can write while my mind is fresh is at work during lunch, so I do it. But man, some days it's hard. On those days I really have to inspire myself to write...listening to music that fits the mood of a current scene, running up and down the stairs, drinking coffee or a sugary beverage, even going to the restroom. =)

So, what about you? What odd (or normal) things do you do to keep yourself inspired through the long haul of writing?

 

[Yurka]

Drugs.

 

[Victarion]

Try to pick music that seems to fit the character you're writing at the time. Works for me.

Also, if you have a character dealing with their inner demons or a traumatic event, don't send them to the bottom of the booze bottle. Give them a drug addiction and a need to confront their trauma via the drug-induced hallucinations.

 

[Mario_Galaxy]

Neil Gaiman had some excellent advice for writers, specifically when they hit a wall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpNb5NwxX_g

 

[DarthDaveBanner]

I have written a play before and found I was most productive late at night. Most of my writer-friends are the same. So become a night owl!

 

[CelticPredator]

I agree with drugs. If I get pretty stoned, I could keep writing a script.

 

[GhostPoet]

Actually, i'm beginning to think drugs are the reason we have so many crappy films out there right now. =P

 

[Lunar_Wolf]

I used to have a problem with writing. I'd write a scene and leave my screenplay for a couple of days. What motivated me to finish is, not being the guy who says ''One day I'll finish this'' and doesn't take it any further. I had to develop an attitude when it came to working. It took me a year and a bit to finish my screenplay. I've storyboarded it, and now I'm breaking it down for locations, props, cast, etc. I hope to film by August. Storyboarding consumed so much of my time and it the most tedious thing I've ever done. This made me realize that writing is so much fun compared to that. I think my next screenplay will be much easier to do.

 

[CelticPredator]

Actually, i'm beginning to think drugs are the reason we have so many crappy films out there right now. =P

I think it's the other way around....

 

[Eggyman]

I just write. A couple of pages then I'm feeling it again. I'll go back and rewrite the stuff that's come out flat and lifeless. Sometimes, if I don't feel like writing, I don't. I'll do something I do feel like doing, and then when I do feel like writing... I do.

Sometimes it's best to realise that it's not as romantic and artisty as some would imagine. It's hard work, and a lot of the time it feels like it. That's okay. The hard work pays off in the end.

I don't do drugs much anymore (I have the odd smoke but not for any literary reason). I used to get some smoke and think, 'Yeah, I'm gonna get stoned and write the sh** out of that scene.' That rarely happened. What did happen is I'd get stoned, post some rubbish on here, talk to some friends and have a giggle, maybe think about writing, think of a cool sci-fi film to watch, and then think about writing some more. Soon it'd be bed time and I'd still be sat there thinking about doing stuff with some glazed, moronic expression on my face. Nothing would be done.

Now I just write. Whenever the urge is strong. Sometimes when it isn't. Get stuck in and if you love your story, that will inspire you.

 

[Alien Anal]

I don't do drugs much anymore (I have the odd smoke but not for any literary reason). I used to get some smoke and think, 'Yeah, I'm gonna get stoned and write the sh** out of that scene.' That rarely happened. What did happen is I'd get stoned, post some rubbish on here, talk to some friends and have a giggle, maybe think about writing, think of a cool sci-fi film to watch, and then think about writing some more. Soon it'd be bed time and I'd still be sat there thinking about doing stuff with some glazed, moronic expression on my face. Nothing would be done.

Just about to pick the cool sci fi film im going to watch :P

But really.. this post frightened me a little. Too close to home