THE ULTIMATE TIPS ON Writing Your Own Stories

by OAS Team

Have you ever experienced, or perhaps are currently experiencing, one of those “life situations” where you think to yourself (sarcastically or not)… “Oh, this would make a great
movie”

Writing your own stories is a great creative outlet for actors and artists, regardless of who, or who doesn’t, read them. Whether you write in a journal, a blog, a manuscript or even on scrap pieces of receipt paper that you stole while working that service job you hate, the act of writing itself can be very creatively stimulating and sometimes even therapeutic.

So, what if you want to turn your stories into a film or tv script…

As actors, the idea of writing a script can feel a little daunting, especially if it’s not something you have tried before or are familiar with. However, learning how to write in script form for film or TV can not only help you see your own stories come to life, but can also help you as an actor to better understand and interpret the scripts and stories you read, and writers who created them.

But, where do you start?

There are a few crucial steps you can take to help develop a fascinating and engaging script, regardless of your writing experience or level of inexperience.

Start with a strong concept.

Spend some time coming up with an original and captivating idea for your script before you begin writing. This story has the potential to be character-driven, exciting action-adventure, or dramatic. Whatever you decide, make sure it will captivate people from beginning to end and that you are passionate

“Characterize your
characters.

Once you have a concept, it’s essential to consider the people who will make up the characters in your novel. They, who? What drives them and what do they want? What difficulties will they run into, and how will they handle them. Spend some time getting to know your characters and their personalities
before you start writing.

Construct an Outline.

It’s a good idea to make an outline of the key scenes and events in your plot before you begin writing your script. This will help you keep your story on track and ensure that it flows smoothly from one scene to the next. The beginning, middle, and end of the story, as well as crucial plot developments and character arcs, should all be
included in your outline.

Write a script.

Once you’ve established your characters and your framework, it’s time to get writing. Write the first few pages of the story first, introducing your key characters and setting the scene for the rest of the narrative. Include
conversation and action details in your writing to help your story come to life on screen.

Edit & Revise.

Once your first draft is complete, set it aside for a few days so that you can revisit it later on. Revise your script as needed after thoroughly reading it. In order to help you find areas that want improvement, you might also choose to ask feedback from friends, family members, or other writers.

For those who are just starting out and are not quite familiar with screenplay construction or formatting, there are some wonderful books that may help you break down the process. Keep in mind that a little research can also be a huge help.

• “Save the Cat” by Blake Snyder. – A must read! This book is an easy, entertaining, and educational read that provides a lot of tools and step by step processes to help you understand structure, build your
story, and write your script.

• “The Screenwriter’s Bible” – By David Trottier – One of the most popular screenwriting books that helps guide you through the whole process from script conception to
final sale and marketing.

It’s also important to remember that whatever story you write, it’s your story. It’s doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Some of the most established screen writers have said the same thing over and over: Sometimes the hardest part is just putting that first pen to paper.

So don’t worry if you think you’re doing it wrong or right, just put that first pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and see where it leads.

Enjoy the process. Write your story.

THE ULTIMATE TIPS ON Writing Your Own Stories

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