The Writer’s Journey 

I recently had the privilege of hiking over 70 miles along the Rhine River in Germany. While on this (grueling) trek through mountains and valleys, I realized that long-distance hiking bears many resemblances to the writer's journey. So, here are some practical take-aways to encourage you and provide some insight on your journey...

1. Just as you would to train to prepare yourself for a major trek, you also need to prepare yourself to take the long journey of writing a screenplay by doing writing exercises, reading scripts, and learning from the pros (via Masterclass, YouTube, or their own blogs).
2. Before you set out on the journey, make sure you have all of the right tools, like a computer, writing software (FinalDraft, Celtx, & others), and books.
3. You don't tackle a 70-mile hike in one day - you do it over time. Similarly, you don't write an entire screenplay at one time. You set goals to reach and complete it in a determined amount of time.
4. You use a map to gain clear direction from one destination to the next. When writing, an outline provides direction to help you successfully reach each destination on the journey (Act I-->Act II-->etc). Additionally, hiking with a map gives you hope, allowing you to see the finish line after walking 10 miles. Outlines also offer hope as you take the arduous journey through Act II, enabling you to see Act III (and the end) just up ahead.
5. Sometimes you get lost, but this allows you to explore things you wouldn't have if you just stayed on the trail. Don't worry if your writing seems to wander a bit at times - perhaps you'll discover something you never thought was just around the corner, like a character's secret motive or a sudden plot twist! (But like any trail, be cautious not to wander too far.)
6. Sometimes the writer's journey is pleasant, sometimes it's dreary. Sometimes it's uphill, sometimes it's downhill. The journey has different weather, terrain, pleasures, and difficulties. But the biggest thing is making sure you stay on the journey and keep moving forward.
7. Remember, there is a reward on the other side. Keep your eyes on the prize!
8. Sometimes, you need to take a break.
9. You're not the only one on the journey. There are many others who are unsatisfied with the outline, struggling to craft dialogue, and a bit lost in the plot. Take heart, you're not alone! Ask people for help, and help others as well. Together, we can help each other through these rough spots and on to smoother trails!
10. Celebrate the wins and learn from the losses. (Mistakes don't make us better... learning from our mistakes makes us better.)
11. There are things on this journey that prepare you for the next one. You will learn things while writing this script that will prepare you for the next one you write.
12. Sometimes you fall (you have to shelve a script; the premise doesn't work out like you thought it would; a producer passes on your project), but you need to focus on getting back up and moving forward!
13. When you don't focus on the goals you set, that is when you get behind schedule.
14. There are practical, vocational, and spiritual lessons to learn along the way.
15. Be grateful for the small blessings on the journey, like an easy trail or a branch perfectly designed for you to rest on. Be thankful for when the easy writing days come, when you discover a small facet of a character that pleasantly surprises you, when find the perfect ending to Act III, and whatever else may come!

I hope this helped to both encourage and direct you on your journey. Now pick up those pens (or keyboards) and continue on your journey!