Hey, it's Naomi with your weekly screenwriting memo! Today's topic... Terry Rossio's pep talk for screenwriters Whether you're considering joining the Zero Draft Challenge or not, this story told by Terry Rossio (co-writer of things like Shrek and Pirates of the Caribbean) may be just the pep talk you need today: “Director Robert Rodriguez said something profound to me once, talking one night about creativity. I believe he was repeating a story he had heard, though it could have been an...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hey, it's Naomi with your weekly screenwriting memo! Today's topic... The 8-step outline of your screenplay Before we get into today's enticing subject, a quick update on the Zero Draft Challenge: Sign-ups are open! All systems go! I'm a little excited! 😂 I hope you'll join me so we can chat in the Slack group, talk about screenwriting in the live Zoom sessions, and get you moving on your next great screenplay! ICYMI: The Zero Draft Challenge is a month-long event I’m hosting, designed to...
12 days ago • 6 min read
Hey, it's Naomi with your weekly screenwriting memo! Today's topic... How to make a scene One of the resources I’ve been putting together for the upcoming Zero Draft Challenge is a brand new Short Guide to Writing Scenes. To be honest, it started out as a short guide but it grew, so I'm not sure what I'll call it now. 😂 But it's still a straightforward primer on what goes into a scene and how to approach writing the scenes in your screenplay, and I think you’ll find it helpful – that’s always...
19 days ago • 9 min read
Hey, it's Naomi with your weekly screenwriting memo! Today's topic... Fast writing starts with smart planning You might have heard of (and even tried) something like a "speed draft" or "vomit draft" or "messy first draft." The idea behind them being to get through a first draft as quickly as possible, and without overthinking things. To be clear, you don’t have to write a fast first draft; it's just one strategy. But as a writing strategy, this method can be effective if you're struggling...
26 days ago • 5 min read
✅ A quick note before we begin: If you've been stuck on what to write or how to start… I have something for you! 🎬 Imagine having a draft of your screenplay in weeks, not years. Keep an eye out, details arriving soon... 👀 4 drafts that will make finishing your screenplay easier, and your finished screenplay better Now that March is upon us, you may be thinking about how to add a little focus to your screenwriting efforts, or how to get on track for the rest of the year. (The year is not so...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
⏰ Last call! ⏰ It's your last chance to join the Writers' Room workshop! A supportive group of writers to cheer you on? ✅ My personalized help as you work on your current project? ✅ Five weeks of making progress on your screenwriting goals? ✅ Grab your spot now – we start on Sunday!(As soon as the last seat is filled, I'll take this page down. So if you're seeing a broken link, that's probably why. 😊) Join the Writers' Room Hey, it's Naomi with your weekly screenwriting memo! Today's topic......
2 months ago • 5 min read
The Writers' Room workshop starts on January 26th! You'll get personalized guidance and feedback from me every week, along with a small, supportive group of fellow writers. In just 5 weeks, we'll celebrate your next screenwriting win together. Grab your spot before they're gone Hey, it's Naomi with your weekly screenwriting memo! Today's topic... A 3-part framework to build your character's meaningful transformation The most effective character arcs aren’t complicated – they’re clear. Your...
3 months ago • 7 min read
Hey, it's Naomi with your weekly screenwriting memo! Today's topic... #1 A quick note: the Script Club session scheduled for January 12 is still a go as long as my power and internet remain in good working order! If anything happens to interfere, I will update the info page as soon as possible. If you don't see me on Zoom as expected, please check that page for news. #2 If you're looking for the Writers' Room workshop info, it's at the bottom of this email. 😊 Onto today's article... 3...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Hey, it's Naomi with your weekly screenwriting memo! Today's topic... The 5th annual "what's your screenwriting goal?" email This really is one of my favorite emails to send each year, because I love to hear what you're writing, and what milestones you're working toward! If you've been receiving the Write+Co. weekly memo for a while, this will all be familiar (but I hope still fun). And if it's your first time hearing of this New Year tradition, allow me to explain... I'd like to offer a...
3 months ago • 2 min read