The write stuff
Updated: Sep 6, 2022
Having read a lot of scripts (comic and film related) by aspiring writers, I’ve noticed that there are three common mistakes people make when first starting out. These three things are tied to the three essentials of writing - Plot, Person, and Place.
1. Know where you’re going. It’s great to have a really cool character, but if you have no story then the character ends up drifting aimlessly. If you plot out the story before you start, then you have a point to focus on. You don’t need to plan out years in the future, but know where their first step is taking them.
2. Know your setting. You don’t need to get into absolute detail (unless you want to), but try to avoid obvious errors. If you’re writing science fiction, think about how technology and science might work - “In space, no-one can hear you scream”. If you’re writing something of a historical bent, try not to put advanced technology in it, unless you’re joining it with science fiction (Cowboys vs Aliens 2, anybody?) If your setting is a third world nation, don’t have the place have a Starbucks around every corner...
3. Know your character. Write down their history, their likes and dislikes, what makes them tick.
It’s hard for people to believe in a character when they’re constantly changing their minds about their morals, or their background or history continually changes. Keep in mind how they talk. Think of simple questions for them to ask, like asking a stranger for the nearest toilet. Are they shy? “Excuse me, could you, ummm, tell me where the little boys room is?” Or are they a colorful character? “Hey mate, I’ve got the hugest deuce building up, where can I go to unload this puppy?” Included in this is slang and accent. Do they speak formally, or do they abbreviate everything - “OMG, that’s totes ah-mazing!”
Would love to hear back from anybody if they find this helpful, if they disagree, or if there’s something else that they feel should be up here.
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