Now that my first attempt at Script Frenzy is over, I want to share what I learnt from the experience. For those who don’t know what script frenzy is; during the month of April people join the challenge of writing a 100 page screen play over the span of the month. Similar to NaNoWriMo, it was an enjoyable experience and I want to share a few things that I learnt from it .
- Screenplays require so much more planning. Unlike a story you need to know in advance what you want to happen, what the characters are going to do and where it will be set. I liked NaNoWriMo for the simple fact that I didn’t have to plan; I could write and see where it will take me and what will happen.
- Screenplays and I don’t mix. I’ve discovered that I like my protagonist to have more of an inner monologue which just doesn’t work too well in a script.
- There are plenty of great and free screenwriting tools out there; for planning and writing scripts (eg. Celtex and Scripped)
- I’m not nearly as discipled in my writing as I would like to be
Script Frenzy was an enjoyable experience but possibly not one I would do again. Screenwriting is very detailed and require more planning. For me; I think my writing style and brain don’t work too well in this style.
I passed on SF. I’ve never been interested in doing screenplays, and it just felt like one more distraction from my novels. I’m not even sure I’m going to do NaNo this year. I’ve got so much to work on now I just don’t think I want to give up that month to detour with something else.
However, that said, my discipline is already faltering on the daily writing goals. NaNo is the best thing I have found for staying on track and focusing on my writing. I can’t keep up that pace all year long, but it’s a good kick in the pants if you need some extra motivation like I do.
They are interesting experences but I don’t think I could write like that every month