Effective Screenwriting Habits for Newcomers

 After receiving his degree in film in 2018 from the New Film School in New York City, Sawyer Petrick began searching for entry-level positions in the industry. Sawyer Petrick desires to gain experience as a screenwriter.

Developing skills as a screenwriter entails more than just finding mentors to shadow or collaborating with other aspiring writers to discuss ideas. Even before an aspiring screenwriter gathers the courage to share an idea, they may face great self-doubt and indecision. Some cannot finalize which idea to transform into a script, whereas others may fear criticism from others so much that they don’t even finish the first draft. Even if someone’s idea initially motivates them to write the first draft, they may grow weary of it or lose motivation to complete it.

The most important habit to becoming a screenwriter is finding productive writing time every day and addressing any internal and external issues that prevent you from taking advantage of it. After determining a suitable time, set a realistic daily page quota, even if you must struggle through writer’s block to meet it. Save most editing until after finishing the first draft because editing a work in progress will stall its completion. Even if you are dissatisfied with the first draft, as long as you complete one, you will have a useful body of work to show others when you want feedback.

Writing Chapter 1 of an Anticipated Sequel

 Sawyer Petrick is a passionate screenwriter who authored two screenplays that received high honors from The New School in New York. Sawyer Petrick also served as a writer at Whole Picture Films from 2018 to 2019, where he worked on multiple feature film writing scripts.

Sequels are similar to second installments to already-rated stories, and writers need an extra set of precision and punctiliousness when writing these stories. Great sequels are very challenging to write since the writers need to meet the expectations of devoted fans who have seen the prequel and anticipate more.

While fans have different theories as regards what the next line of events should be, historically, great sequels introduce unpredictable events. As a writer, you should address the questions from your story's fans in a less predictable style.

Successful sequel writers lead the second installment with an independent plotline. The first chapter should feel as though you are starting from scratch rather than using the prequel as a preliminary. For example, if your prequel is about a series of events that occurred during the winter in a school, you may lead the sequel's first chapter with events that occurred during the summer vacation. A moderate time-lapse is required at least.

The chapter one of a sequel should summarize the changes within the gap. For example, you should tell your story's fans how many changes have occurred in a character's life during the time-lapse. Your prequel fans may want to know what the characters are up to. You can dedicate the first chapter to these questions.