It's the age-old question: How do we become better writers? Well, it simply comes down to reading and writing. However, what I don't think is discussed enough is what to read/write and how it improves our ability. So, let's discuss...
READING
Obviously, reading any ole' thing under the sun isn't going to improve your writing. If you want to be a screenwriter, your best bet is to read screenplays (that's ground-breaking info, I know). But what scripts should you read? You don't want to just read good scripts, you want to read great ones. (The Blacklist anyone?) Unfortunately, there are a number of screenplays that we would love to get our hands on that are under lock and key, but there is still a huge number of scripts you can access for free online. Simply visit an online library at one of these trusted sites (The Script Lab, StudioBinder, Bulletproof Screenwriting) and download away!
(Want to know what qualifies as a great script worth studying? Here is a list for Films and another list for TV!)
Great scripts are what you should read, but how does it help? First, it provides a great education on proper screenplay structure. Whether it's a Three Act feature film or a Five Act pilot, structure is the foundation of any script, and without effectively implementing it into your own screenplay, the odds of having someone read your work greatly diminishes. (Check out this article from StudioBinder on how to spot structure elements in a Film script, and this article from The Script Lab on structure for various TV show formats.)
Next, reading great scripts also helps you to find your voice. By voice I mean the writing style and vocabulary you use. You may not notice it when you first start writing, but as you progress, your voice becomes more defined. Maybe you start using fragmented sentences, similes, or even sound effects in your scripts. The best way to find a writer who might help strengthen your own voice is by seeing who wrote the scripts to your favorite films and shows. For me, it was Phil Lord. I loved Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, so I downloaded the script and discovered that we had similar voices--his was just way more developed than mine. Then I learned that he also wrote The Lego Movie, so I read that script as well, and before long, I was implementing aspects of Lord's voice to strengthen my own.
Another great reason to read phenomenal scripts is to learn how to implement theme. Theme is essentially a moral/truth within the plot that the story sets out to prove (or disprove). For example, Chernobyl is about the nuclear explosion and subsequent tragedy, but what it's really about is the detriment of lies. This theme is beautifully presented in the very first line of the series: "What is the cost of lies?"
So, those are just a few reason to read great screenplays in order to help you write your own. However, some of the best advice I can offer is to read not-so-great screenplays from other growing writers, and a lot of them!
Whaaaat?
Yep! When you read imperfect scripts you start to notice flaws: undeveloped characters, a wandering plot, poor dialogue--all the dirty laundry. You learn how not to write a screenplay.
And, as is typical, you will realize that the sub-par script you just read looks a lot like your own. You have characters that arc too suddenly... a First Act that spans 70 pages... lines of spewing monologues... etc. (How did I not see this before?!)
And then there is the looming question: How do I fix these mistakes?
But be of good cheer! You are well on your way to leveling up as a writer!
This is where it all comes into play: not only will you ultimately recognize the flaws in your script, but you will also be equipped to fix them! How? Because you've been fixing scripts all along! You just have to take the same answers you applied to other scripts and apply them to your own. For instance, you'll read a script with a character that arcs way too suddenly and easily. It will feel unnatural to you, and you'll think, "They should have had a more gradual arc, and these are the major points throughout Act II that it could have happened." Then you will read your own script and realize your protagonist does the same exact thing! But you won't fear, because you already have the answer. You will look at your own Act II and pinpoint the moments where the protagonist could subtly change until their arc climaxes heading into Act III.
The best place to get this sort of practice is in screenwriting groups. Some places where you can find these groups are...
- Discord - "Script Hive" and "Young Screenwriters" are two good groups to join on this platform.
- Meetup - This site helps you find numerous writing groups both in-person and online.
- Going Into the Story - This is an article by screenwriter Scott Myers, who created a list of groups you can join based on location. (Some links direct you to Meetup and other sites, though some of the groups on the list are discontinued.)
- Facebook - Easily do a search for "Screenwriting Group" and you can join a plethora of cohorts. Two recommended groups would be Screenwriting and Screenwriter's Consortium (both are private groups but you can request to join).
So, go out and find those professional scripts, along with those from other developing writers, and start reading! And be sure to check back soon for Part 2, where we discuss the next step in helping you become a better screenwriter!
