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.