by Ann Marie Williams © 2020 In my previous post, I discussed how the terms concept, plot, structure, format, and theme are often used in the writing world, but there isn't always a universal definition for each term. Moreover, even though each term refers to a unique attribute of storytelling, those attributes affect one another … Continue reading WRITING TIPS: WHAT IS CONCEPT?
Category: Writing Tips
WRITING TIPS: CONCEPT, PLOT, STRUCTURE, FORMAT, THEME, part one
by Ann Marie Williams © 2020 If you write, you've likely heard terms like concept, plot, structure, formatting, and theme. Each is important. Each is different from the other. But each also affects the other. The trouble is, there is little consistency in how these terms are defined. Terms like plot and structure, for example, are often … Continue reading WRITING TIPS: CONCEPT, PLOT, STRUCTURE, FORMAT, THEME, part one
7 Tips to Help You Focus on Your Writing in a Hectic World
by Ann Marie Williams, © 2020 It's rarely easy to sit down and put thought to paper. But when the world is screaming for your attention, that challenge is amplified even further. So, I thought I would take today to share some of my tips for “getting back into writing.” And, if you’ve got … Continue reading 7 Tips to Help You Focus on Your Writing in a Hectic World
Dealing with Critiques and Rewrites: The Story, The Page, The Theme
by Ann Marie Williams © 2020 When you receive a critique, it's helpful to determine which comments pertain to one or all of the following: The story (the vision you have for your story — this may or may not be accurately conveyed on the page). The page as it’s written (the story that’s on … Continue reading Dealing with Critiques and Rewrites: The Story, The Page, The Theme
Quick Tip: Writing Mysteries
by Ann Marie Williams © 2020 When the answer to a mystery is finally revealed, I think the audience's reaction should be: "Oh my gosh, WHAT!?" followed by, "Oh wait... of course!" In other words, a story should be laid out so that audiences can try to solve the mystery, don't, but after the reveal … Continue reading Quick Tip: Writing Mysteries
Writing Tip: The Power of the Last Word
by Ann Marie Williams © 2020 Today’s writing tip is something we probably all (subconsciously) understand. But as the writer, being consciously aware of it can enhance the impact and clarity of the story you’re crafting, help tighten your story's pacing, and provide a new tool to direct your audience's understanding of the plot. I’m … Continue reading Writing Tip: The Power of the Last Word
The Importance of Scene Headings
Why the Proper Use of Scene Headings (aka Slug Lines) is Necessary to the Conveyance of Your Story by Ann Marie Williams Script scene headings may seem clunky, obtrusive, and just plain awkward. It can feel like they “get in the way” of your story. That the break the flow. That they pull the reader … Continue reading The Importance of Scene Headings
Dealing with Critiques and Rewrites: The First Read
by Ann Marie Williams In an earlier post, I discussed the importance of being honest with yourself about your writing. But even if you're able to be objective about your own writing, the one thing you can never do is experience your story for the first time. Sure, there's the first time you read through your … Continue reading Dealing with Critiques and Rewrites: The First Read
The Importance of Screenplay Formatting and Why It Helps Convey Your Story
by Ann Marie Williams A script is a written representation of a visual and auditory medium. Because of this, the story on the page should be conveyed to the reader the same way the story on the screen will be conveyed to the audience—the same focus, the same pacing, the same impact. Screenwriting formatting tools are an effective way … Continue reading The Importance of Screenplay Formatting and Why It Helps Convey Your Story
The Importance of Supporting Characters: Creating a Dynamic Cast of Characters that Support the Protagonist
by Ann Marie Williams In Nancy Meyers’ movie The Holiday, Eli Wallach’s character, Arthur Abbott, tells Kate Winslet’s character: “Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend.” If this line weren’t … Continue reading The Importance of Supporting Characters: Creating a Dynamic Cast of Characters that Support the Protagonist
Dealing with Critiques and Rewrites: The Script, The Story, The Theme
by Ann Marie Williams When you receive a critique, it's helpful to determine which comments therein pertain to one or all of the following: Your story (the vision you have for your story — this may or may not be accurately conveyed on the page). Your script as it’s written (the story that’s on the … Continue reading Dealing with Critiques and Rewrites: The Script, The Story, The Theme
Writing Tips: The Differences Between Concept, Plot, Structure, Formatting, and Theme (and how they all interrelate)
by Ann Marie Williams This was originally posted back in April 2019, but NaNoWriMo seemed like the perfect time for a revisit (since the post pertains as much to novel writers as it does to screenwriters). I hope you enjoy and find it beneficial! In the writing world, you often hear terms like theme, concept, … Continue reading Writing Tips: The Differences Between Concept, Plot, Structure, Formatting, and Theme (and how they all interrelate)
Rewriting Tips: Save, Delete, Test
Except from Screenplay Competitions: Tools and Insights to Help You Choose the Best Screenwriting Contests for You and Your Script by Ann Marie Williams © 2019 Finding the best version of my story often means having to delete beloved parts from my script. For the sake of the story, I’ll have to sacrifice a beautiful … Continue reading Rewriting Tips: Save, Delete, Test
Halloween Writing Prompt
by Ann Marie Williams Keep those creative juices flowing this Halloween! What if each group of trick-or-treaters was a writing prompt? What story could you conjure up in which those characters all come together?
Writing Tips: Conveying Story and Pacing
Except from Screenplay Competitions: Tools and Insights to Help You Choose the Best Screenwriting Contests for You and Your Script by Ann Marie Williams © 2019 As a screenwriter, you need to be aware, not just of the pacing of your story, but also of the pacing of your script. The two should be the … Continue reading Writing Tips: Conveying Story and Pacing
Screenplay Competitions 