“Writing […] can be a difficult, lonely job; it’s like crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a bathtub. There’s plenty of opportunity for self-doubt.” This is a quote by the master Stephen King from his book on the craft. Of course, he meant fiction here, especially its long form, but I believe we can apply this metaphor to screenwriting all the same. It is also very lonely, complicated, and even devastating at times. Yet there are some daily practices and habits of screenwriters that can make your work (and life) easier and more joyful. Let’s dive into some of them! The idea for this article came after watching Johnnie’s “Focus Check” episode from his kitchen, where he talks about filmmakers’ self-care and shares some delicious and healthy recipes. I also believe that we ought to support our bodies, minds, and souls on a daily basis in order to make something great (even if the image of a self-destructive writer with substance abuse and severe psychological problems is sadly still very present). Below, I have gathered some habits, tips, daily practices, and exercises from various writers, books, and podcasts that have supported me immensely in writing. Some of them touch on physiological health, and others help in overcoming procrastination and sparking creativity. Yet all are definitely worth trying out. Finding a time and place A couple of years ago, I watched a masterclass by David Lynch. To my surprise, the maestro talked about a lot of issues that any screenwriter could relate...
Published By: CineD - Yesterday