Sun, 2021-Jan-31 17:34 (GMT)
I have been writing for four years now and still I haven't broken through.I think I might be missing something or my writing is poor or maybe I should just leave screenwriting as a whole.Well I'm not working right now I have put all my effort into screenwriting,I have no money to enter screenplay contests or get help.So I'm asking for help to review my script to see whether I'm good,promising or just a waste.
Hey Junior,
I think you just need to keep on soldiering buddy. Writing isn't as easy as it looks and takes most writers years to master, and even then that's no guarantee of success.
I just had a quick skim through a couple of your scripts and I'd suggest first making sure your writing is on point. Poor grammar, spelling, incorrect formatting etc can often be off putting for any potential film makers and can put an end to even good stories being read, so first I'd suggest tackling that.
Read loads too. Not always easy I know as we can be so keen to write we rush to our computers and start clacking away on the keyboard, but sometimes it's better to just hold off and consume what's already out there. Especially scripts by professionals. Personally I'm not keen on reading scripts by amateurs as I feel it actually makes my writing worse!
Anyways I hope that helps, and remember what you wrote in your bio about writing for enjoyment. That should always come first. Write for the love of it, and if anything comes of it than that's just an added bonus.
Cheers
Max
P.S. The idea for a racist waking up as a black guy is a genius!
Thank you very much very much MAX Ruddock.Your opinion and lecture means a lot to me.Again thanks a lot.
Frustrating, isn't it? I deal with a low budget myself. It's overwhelming sometimes when I go online and get blasted with misinformation, trolls, bullies, naysayers, dream killers, not to mention the overpriced fancy ads falsely promising to make your dreams come true for an astronomical fee. What's a poor writer suppose to do?!
Time is irrelevant. I've been screenwriting for 3 years. I'm not anywhere close to breaking in yet and I know it. Mainly because I haven't tried. I've had conversations with local industry members, some more conversations with indie filmmakers. I'm still learning. I learn new things everyday. With a low budget, that means a trade off. No money = things will take longer. I'm okay with that. I'm not going anywhere. 3 years, 30 years, I don't care. I'm in this for the long haul.
Having said that, your question comes across to me as self-sabotaging, and it's concerning. Essentially, you gave every reason to never read a word. Asking people to take the time and energy to read your scripts and tell you that your writing isn't good enough, is a lot to ask. Most people on ScreenRevolution don't want to bash writers. So, to me, you're asking for people to do something they don't want to do.
I highly recommend reading the Turn and Burn Guide under Education in the top menu, especially the section on Career Building. It's free and full of practical info.
Then take a deep breath, Take a step back. Be you.
Thanks a lot Lily your opinion means a lot to me.I'mma keep on writing won't stop not now nor later.From nw on I'mma work even harder.
Good to hear Junior!
Mind if I ask where you're from?
Reason I ask is if you're not from the UK/USA I'd suggest looking into writing for other audiences. I think it's fair to say the American/British market is already so saturated with aspirating writers.
For example somewhere like Nollywood pumps out a crazy amount of stuff now. And I only know that because a year or two ago a producer contacted me about one of my scripts but I just assumed he was a blagger so I didn't bother to follow up on it. It was only later I realised how big the industry is there haha
Same goes for Bollywood/Tollywood etc.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is if you have something that can help give you an edge, then use it.
Good luck
Max
I'm from Zimbabwe.Thanks for the suggestion.I will try it out
Have you checked out the Turn & Burn Screenwriting Guide? It's free.
I would say keep writing, keep reading and getting better, and honestly don't let your own desires get in the way... I have the same problem, where I dwell on the idea of selling a script and directing a movie and being someone who changes the industry.. maybe all of that will happen, but it's that desire that's actually a problem. If we, as people, just do what we are meant to do, i.e. stay in the zone and not give a shit what anyone thinks, then maybe the universe will allow for the opportunities we desire, but desire is TRASH lol and only get's in the way
keep writing because you have no choice, not because you want anything (:
I think it's wise to know ourselves and our limitations. Desire is indeed dangerous if it isn't a good balance of passion and pragmatism. While it's certainly possible any one of us could become writer-directors who change the industry, we have to accept that comes at the end of a long and ardious journey that itself is subject to tremendous serendipity.