by Jenna | Jan 16, 2025 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a writer about whether to give up on a script after not getting the response they anticipated from contests and fellowships:
“I’m ready to throw in the towel. I sent out what I thought was a strong polished script, highly regarded by my writing community and others I trust – but the number of contests and fellowships I’ve submitted to passed on the script. Should I give up on it?”
In the main article, my reply included looking at some possibilities that might be at play here.
Here’s a list of the highlights of the article:
1. Contests and fellowships aren’t the final referendum on your script.
2. Not all contests are created equal.
3. Your script may not be as polished as you think it is.
4. You may want to write something else and come back to this script.
5. You’re the one in charge of you and your writing.
6. You get to decide.
This one reader, producer, agent, or manager may not love your script. But the next one might. That means it’s your responsibility to shepherd your script into the right hands, which will involve research, networking, querying, and more. A fellowship or contest is just one way to do that work.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
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by Jenna | Dec 19, 2024 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a writer about picking up the pieces after getting burned out:
“I was on a writing streak but then I took on a project that completely burned me out. I took 4 months off from writing. Now I feel like I lost valuable time and failed getting more work out, and just don’t know where to pick up the pieces. What are some tips on how I can get out of this rut and headspace?”
In the main article, my reply included some strategies for how to rebuild, with some favorite specifics, particularly about reframing the way we think about time off and “failure.”
Here’s a list of the highlights of the article:
1. First, let’s acknowledge: you did the right thing.
2. Next, let’s reframe the time off.
3. Then, let’s see about getting you out of the “rut.”
4. Watch for hiccups and revise as needed.
5. Be aware of your overall state.
6. Notice when you choose “comforts” over writing.
7. Ramp up to more writing, gradually.
8. Take care of your creative self.
‘There’s no failure, only information.’ You learned something about what works and what doesn’t work for you. Don’t worry about catching up. Focus on rebuilding.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
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by Jenna | Nov 21, 2024 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a writer about character naming, who says:
“If I have many characters of a certain group, Ninjas for example, too many to name individually in the story, though they have some dialogue, what do I call them? I’m using (Ninja) for all of them, even though there are many. Their faces are covered so can’t see each 1 anyway.”
I dug around for some extra links and resources for the article, including some nifty tips about naming characters from other writers, including John August, which should be useful for writers of all sorts, not just screenwriters.
In the main article, my answer included some tips about ways and reasons to differentiate even minor characters to make the script more interesting and clearer for readers and for potential actors.
One other opportunity to keep in mind here is that by naming them creatively, rather than keeping your characters in the background and/or generic, they may begin to differentiate themselves in your writing and storytelling too, stepping forward into the story a little more than they otherwise might.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
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by Jenna | Oct 18, 2024 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a writer about script marketing, who says:
“Hello, I come by this way to be informed about where to send my 44 movie scripts? I sent it to CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and wrote to Steven Spielberg… and they don’t answer. I called CAA by cellphone and they turned my call off. Can you please help me make the next steps?”
There are a number of aspects to this question, so I’ve addressed them one-by-one. Here’s a quick high level view of the article’s main points:
- Be aware the signals you’re sending.
- Understand who you’re approaching.
- Recognize marketing one script at a time will position it best.
- Pick your best script to market first.
You’ll want a professional, simple, and direct query letter that positions your script as attractive to industry professionals and demonstrates that you can clearly convey both the story and what makes it marketable.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
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by Jenna | Sep 20, 2024 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a writer about confidence, who says:
“I’ve had a rough year and a half, which is affecting my writing confidence hugely now.”
In the article, I share some thoughts about approaches and strategies you might consider to rebuild confidence and trust that it will last.
- Give yourself time, space, and support to recover.
- Be as “full of yourself” as you can.
- Write when you can, as much as you can.
- Find writing lifelines.
- Get feedback from trusted sources.
- Trust the muse.
- Soothe your inner critic.
It takes courage and intention to move (back) into creative risk-taking, but we can do it. Take it one step at a time — as easily and as slowly as you need to — trusting you will gradually reconnect with the truth of who you are and what you were put here to do: write.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
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