Tags
author, character, creating characters, fiction, Film, Novels, screenwriting, Television, TV writing, Writing, writing for teens, writing tips, YA fiction
You want to be a writer? Okay then, you need to write. It’s literally that simple.
People always ask me, “how do I become a writer?” I mean people I met on planes, at coffee shops, at the grocery store, while at malls/shopping centers, at events, dinner parties. “Oh, you’re a writer? Cool. I have an idea, how do I do that?”
WRITE, that’s how.
There is no other way to be a writer than to write.
The way you get good at it, write every day. You have to, there is no shortcut on this one. It takes time to learn your craft.
You also need to read-constantly. If you want to be a novelist, you have to read novels. It is best to read in your chosen genre. I met someone recently who said that she was writing YA and I asked her what she had read lately and she said, “Oh I hate books for teens.” I was so confused, why write YA then?
***don’t write to trends
If you want to be the next Cameron Crowe—watch a ton of films, study the characters, dialogue, story and to up this to the next level, get your hands on some shooting scripts. It’s important.
TV writers who don’t watch TV? What?? Yes, they exist. They often brag about how they don’t even own a TV and or waste their time, and then they are writing the next great sitcom or drama. That makes no sense to me.
You need to immerse yourself in whatever it is that you want to do. It’s important.
You can also get many TV scripts online. For TV writing it’s a bit more complicated because of formatting for cable, network, primetime, late night, half hour, single camera, multi-camera—-but first—get your characters and story down, then you will need to learn all the above to start submitting. Also in TV writing you must have spec scripts of existing shows—this is beyond important.
Okay, so what are you going to do today??? WRITE!!
If you don’t know how to start, how about at the beginning–get a blank sheet and just get some words down.
YOU CAN DO IT. I know you can!!!
Story Concierge Signature Course launching this summer. Sign up for my VIP newsletter for a chance for a free spot as I will have scholarships available!
Steph Olivieri Bourbon ~ Writing Coach 