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 | May 16, 2024 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a question from a reader about staying motivated and disciplined after receiving discouraging feedback.
Hi Jenna, I recently had a major setback: some pretty discouraging feedback from a reader. What are some tips for staying motivated and disciplined as a writer, particularly when facing rejection or setbacks? I’m writing on spec.
In my response, I share seven steps for handling setbacks and moving forward:
- Recognize the need for recovery time — and take it.
- Consider the source.
- Ask for outside support, depending on the severity of the situation.
- Reconnect with your inner motivation and original vision for the story.
- When you’re ready, review the feedback through your storyteller’s lens.
- Craft a revision plan (or not!) based on your decisions.
- Aim to build a writing practice or habit.
We all face painful or challenging feedback as writers. Not everyone will like our work. The key is deciding if and how to use the feedback we receive for maximum effect after we’ve given ourselves time and space to recover so we can keep writing with clear hearts and minds.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
by Jenna | Sep 17, 2021 | ScriptMag Articles
Welcome to the latest installment of my “Ask the Coach” column on Script Mag!
This month’s question is about finding the right reader for your script and genre:
“Hi, I’d like your advice on how to select a reader who will give you a fair evaluation. I’ve had my script ‘read’ several times by Pros who didn’t really enjoy the Fantasy genre. At least, that’s what seemed obvious to me from their comments. For example, one tried to talk me into writing a murder mystery using the bones of my story instead.
“Should I use a service like IMDB PRO for leads of studios who produce fantasy movies? My story falls into the Field of Dreams, Big, Groundhog Day type stories, each using a fantasy element. I feel that you have to like the genre first to give a fair evaluation. I know I wouldn’t be able to give the same respect to a war movie…”
I feel you on this one. As a sci-fi writer, I want someone who understands my genre expectations to give me feedback on my script, and someone who genuinely loves and appreciates the genre as well. I’m reading your question to mean you’re looking for a professional reader to hire for script notes, not for coverage, and not for a studio executive to query, however, given that you’re mentioning IMDB Pro, let’s look at that too. [more…]
“…while it is valuable to have a reader who understands the genre conventions and expectations, your script should still transcend genre and be transparent and legible enough to any reader to be able to understand its story, structure, character, and intent, and to appreciate your voice, tone, and writing…”
Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels
by Jenna | Mar 21, 2021 | ScriptMag Articles
Welcome to the first installment of my new “Ask the Coach” column on Script Mag!
This month’s question is specifically about the three-act structure in screenwriting:
“What I’m running into is the common criticism that my stories are not strongly three-act. They have a beginning setup, mounting problem, and ending resolution — good stories, I’m told — but tension doesn’t build in common cinematic form. Yet, I watch produced movies even less three-act structured. What am I missing?”
As your coach-of-the-moment, here’s how I’ll approach this question with you. Let’s look at the core components inherent in the question: how films get made (to address your comment about the produced movies), the source of the feedback, the value and strength of the three-act structure overall, and the impact of your own work.
“Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.”
— Neil Gaiman
For my full answer on three-act structure, how to look for a note beneath a note, and digging deeper into improving your next draft
Image by Lukas Bieri from Pixabay
by Jenna | Aug 15, 2020 | Final Draft Articles
This week I’ve written a piece for the Final Draft blog about thriving while receiving feedback, which can often be emotionally perilous. I hope you find it helpful.
“You are not your idea, and if you identify too closely with your ideas, you will take offense when they are challenged.”
― Ed Catmull
Receiving quality feedback on your screenplay is an invaluable step in the process of crafting a story that works. You’re only able to see so much about what’s working and what’s not working when you’re deep inside a story. Getting a fresh look from an outsider’s perspective can reveal the places where your script isn’t measuring up to your vision of what you want it to be.
At the same time, receiving feedback can feel fraught with emotional peril. You’ve poured hours into crafting this story, and notes that take it apart feel like they’ll take you apart too. The antidote is strengthening your feedback-receiving muscles. This is a skill you can grow into, and a critical one that will serve you for the entirety of your writing career.
For ways to make receiving feedback less painful and more valuable,
read the article on the Final Draft blog here:
Don’t Take It Personally — How to Thrive While Receiving Feedback On Your Script
Image credit: Photo by mentatdgt from Pexels
