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 | Mar 25, 2023 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to two questions about choosing projects and getting feedback.
“I have four different topics that intrigue me. All could be short non-fiction books. How do I commit to one? It seems like each day a different one appeals more. I start on one, then wonder if another would be easier or more fun.”
Here are the main ideas I discuss in my response:
- Reflecting on what kind of writer you are, and the kinds of challenges you face.
- The “grass is greener” feeling
- Using your inner knowing to pick the project you want to work on first.
- Using “decision criteria” to identify a list of criteria to litmus test your writing choice.
And this is the second question I answered:
“What do you do after you have finished writing your script — how to edit, get feedback, etc.?”
Here are the steps I suggest in my response:
- Set your script aside for at least a few days.
- Read through your draft and make notes.
- Make a short reverse-outline of the script.
- Make notes about what’s working and what’s not.
- Tackle the big stuff first.
- Correct smaller items as needed (but not in scenes you might cut!).
- Set it aside again, then read and repeat.
- Once you have a draft you feel good about, then look for feedback.
When it comes to choosing projects to work on, to finishing and getting feedback on your scripts, trust your inner knowing about what resonates and what doesn’t.
Photo from Canva
by Jenna | Jan 21, 2023 | ScriptMag Articles
In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a question about giving up a writing group, or not, including looking at the larger issues buried in the question: 1) Losing enthusiasm for writing, and 2) having a writing group functioning as their “only outlet.”
In the article, I shared some reasons our inquirer might have lost enthusiasm for writing, so they could see what might resonate, including:
- Nearing the end of a script, and resistance and procrastination rising to keep them “safe” from putting work out there.
- Feeling burned out by running a writing group for others.
- Being affected by other life responsibilities or challenges.
- Processing feedback (positive or negative).
- Taking a wrong turn with the script and having their intuition balking.
- Tiring of the story or losing connection to it.
The article includes some thoughts about solutions for each of these.
I also addressed the aspect of having their group being their “only outlet.”
My ultimate answer to the reader’s question about giving up their group is that sometimes groups arise for a reason, or are with us for only a season. It’s okay to let go of experiences that are no longer serving us, redesign them to better meet our needs, or recommit with renewed intention or energy. A thoughtful inventory of what’s working and what’s not will most likely point us in the right direction.
Writing groups can be wonderful places to feel connected to other writers who get you, cheer for you, and encourage you to keep moving ahead with writing. Writing groups can also become performative, perfunctory, burdensome, or even become a substitute for 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
