Write no matter what! You recently developed an idea for your great American novel. You just started that screenplay, or conceived that new TV show idea. Whatever it is--it's great--start writing. It could be one sentence. As long as you write something you'll find yourself writing more. If you get stuck, write something. When I say "stuck", I don't mean writers block. I mean stuck like you fell into a hole and you see multiple ways of escape but you don't know which route is best. When this happens, I write a few lines of dialogue or write a poem in the perspective of my character. You'll find your way out of this dark space if you just keep writing. Sometimes we get lost in our ideas and don't know where to go. Eventually, we end up procrastinating. Below are 4 tips that will help keep you writing until "the end".
1. Write an outline. It's like Google Maps or Waze. It's telling you where you need to go. You can deviate if you know a better route, but your outline/map stops you from getting totally lost in the woods or turned around. It encourages you to keep going. You can also check off scenes or chapters as you complete them, which is incredibly rewarding.
2. If you lose your way, write a scene. Any scene: Your character dies; your character finds love; your character saves someone's life; your character cries for the first time. You don't even have to use the scene in your script. Writing the scene will help you understand your character and his/her motivations. Not to mention, character should be one of the driving forces in your story.
3. If you just absolutely can not write, then read. You'll be surprised how inspiring it is to read someone's work that you admire. It will serve to jump start your own creativity.
4. Write no matter how you feel. Feelings come and go. Your emotions are unstable. It's important to not let how you feel dictate your writing schedule. You know you have this great story and it must be written for the good of all mankind! Sit at your desk and find 5 words to string together--voila--you're writing!
1. Write an outline. It's like Google Maps or Waze. It's telling you where you need to go. You can deviate if you know a better route, but your outline/map stops you from getting totally lost in the woods or turned around. It encourages you to keep going. You can also check off scenes or chapters as you complete them, which is incredibly rewarding.
2. If you lose your way, write a scene. Any scene: Your character dies; your character finds love; your character saves someone's life; your character cries for the first time. You don't even have to use the scene in your script. Writing the scene will help you understand your character and his/her motivations. Not to mention, character should be one of the driving forces in your story.
3. If you just absolutely can not write, then read. You'll be surprised how inspiring it is to read someone's work that you admire. It will serve to jump start your own creativity.
4. Write no matter how you feel. Feelings come and go. Your emotions are unstable. It's important to not let how you feel dictate your writing schedule. You know you have this great story and it must be written for the good of all mankind! Sit at your desk and find 5 words to string together--voila--you're writing!