WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES.

It’s true. Writers are human, contrary to popular beliefs and legends … in our own minds.

And this time it was an incident with one of my clients that prompted the topic in this newsletter.

While editing the client’s scripts I noticed something that I’ve come across in other scripts by some of my writing students. It’s a mistake that emerging writers make, as well as some professionals.

In several scenes, one character would make a remark, and another character would reply. But the reply didn’t really fit with the previous remark.

The reply did lead to the next moment in the story. But it did not truly sound like a natural conversation.

Often this is because the author is writing to the needs of the Plot, and not the Scene or the Characters.

As the author, you know what’s supposed to happen next in the story and so you work toward that point. But to do it properly you need to be in the MOMENT of the scene. You need to …

• Be tuned into what the characters are talking about.
• What they are feeling at the time.
• What they are doing at that time and why.

Being in the moment allows you to write a more authentic scene. The conversations will sound natural because you know the point of the scene; the motive for the character’s words and deeds.

Instead of thinking of them as simply pieces you’re moving from one square to another, you’re seeing them as living beings.

When you write at this level, you’re more likely to find and add more subtleties. And this will give your scenes more depth, and your audience more reason for engagement.

For a bit more insight on this point, listen to episode #183 of Tell The Damn Story:  How To Structure Stories and Opening Scenes.

I hope this entry is useful to you, and that you enjoy the episode.

Best,
Alex Simmons