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FRIENDS at 30: What Lessons Can Writers Learn From This Classic Sitcom?

30 Years Of Friends For many of us, it’s hard to believe Friends is 30 years old … but for others, it’s all too obvious. Comedy dates and 30 year old humour can sink like the Titanic. But even 30 years on since its first broadcast on September 22nd, 1994, Friends seems to be as popular as ever in the social media age. There are countless accounts dedicated to the sitcom, some run by fans who weren’t even born when it started. (Hell, my youngest loves it and was born donkey’s years after it FINISHED!). When I started writing case… Read More »FRIENDS at 30: What Lessons Can Writers Learn From This Classic Sitcom?

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Goodbye Boring Bios! How To Write An Online Bio That Gets Results

Goodbye to Boring Bios! A good online bio is a MUST for every author or screenwriter. Whether it’s for your website, your socials, the back of your novel, schemes or contests, or other sites like IMDB, you will need one. In fact, B2W always recommends having a bio ready to go! That way you can cut back on the time it takes to pull submissions together. To save time, I always have the following: A ‘long’ version of approximately 150-200 words Another of 50-75 words AND an uber-short one for sites where you only have a few characters That way,… Read More »Goodbye Boring Bios! How To Write An Online Bio That Gets Results

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Fantasy Vs. Science Fiction: What’s The Difference?

Fantasy Vs. Science Fiction One of the most searched-for terms leading to this blog is ‘fantasy vs. science fiction’. Since so many writers seem to want to know the difference, I thought I’d round some up. Fantasy and science fiction are two VERY popular genres in the spec pile, screenplay or novel. I seem to read them all the time. These genres have some similarities, but also some distinct differences as well. Without further ado, here’s my breakdown of  fantasy vs. science fiction … Ready? Let’s go! 1) Setting First up on fantasy vs. science fiction is setting. Whether urban… Read More »Fantasy Vs. Science Fiction: What’s The Difference?

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Create50: 3 Tips For An Awesome Horror Short Story (Plus 3 Tips On Feedback)

What is Create50? Can you write a short horror story in time for the Halloween launch event? If you can, you should get involved in Twisted50 from Create50.  It is a competition-like initiative from the London Screenwriters Festival with two very simple aims … Platform talent from as many emerging writers in one hit. For us that’s 50 writers who will get a huge boost in about 12 weeks now. Encourage writers to both write and give feedback, often in genres they don’t normally write for. Keeping it under 2,000 words for short stories means the bar to entry is… Read More »Create50: 3 Tips For An Awesome Horror Short Story (Plus 3 Tips On Feedback)

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What Writers Can Learn From Jason Bateman: 6 Of His Top Roles

All About Jason Bateman Jason Bateman has long been a famous face in Hollywood, known for his various acting abilities and compelling performances. As a respected character actor, he is well-known for his versatility like his fellow A-Lister Ryan Gosling. I always recommend Bang2writers study their favourite actors’ work. This is because too many screenwriters forget actors are not just ‘meat puppets’. Actors choose stories that appeal to them, plus they work very hard at interpreting their roles. Actors also frequently have a very good eye for ‘the hook’ that will get viewers through the door of the cinema, or… Read More »What Writers Can Learn From Jason Bateman: 6 Of His Top Roles

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3 Simple Things Compelling Characters Need In Your Story

Wanted: Compelling Characters ‘How to write a compelling character’ is one of the most searched-for terms leading to this blog. I frequently write about characterisation, especially with reference to important topics such as diversity and inclusion, or advanced elements like archetypes. But what if you just want a more straightforward, back-to-basics approach? No problem! B2W’s got you covered. Here’s just 3 things you want to consider when it comes to compelling characterisation in your screenplay or novel. Ready? Let’s go … 1) Strengths Everyone has at least one thing they’re good at … and this should include characters in novels… Read More »3 Simple Things Compelling Characters Need In Your Story

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Don’t Get Burned Out! Top 8 Self-Care Ideas For Writers

Self-care tips When you’re suffering through rejections, self-doubt, and criticism, it’s important to know how to take care of yourself. These self-care ideas can help guide you to creating a self-care routine. It’s no secret that writers face many struggles and challenges, often worsened by how isolating writing can be. Why self-care matters for writers Many writers struggle with their mental health. Practically all writers could benefit from creating a self-care routine. It’s easy to forget about self-care until we actually need it. It’s only relevant when we’re struggling, right? Wrong! Self-care isn’t just about helping yourself when you’re already… Read More »Don’t Get Burned Out! Top 8 Self-Care Ideas For Writers

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Top 5 Mistakes Writers Make With Their Fantasy Stories

How NOT to Write Fantasy Stories Fantasy stories are brilliant because technically, we can write whatever we want … but the bad news is, we can write whatever we want! For a lot of writers this can lead to feeling overwhelmed, which in turn can mean big mistakes. So if we can do whatever we want, perhaps it’s better to concentrate on what NOT to do?? Here’s my advice on how NOT to write fantasy stories (whether screenplay or novel). Ready? Let’s go … 1) Lack of Originality Yes, we don’t want anything TOO original … we need to be able… Read More »Top 5 Mistakes Writers Make With Their Fantasy Stories

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5 Steps To Better Sex Scenes, The Bridgerton Way

Intimate Scenes, The Bridgerton Way Anyone who’s seen Bridgerton – and who hasn’t? – can surely not have missed the intimate sex scenes the show is famous for. I was lucky enough to be in the audience at an exclusive screening of Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2 with Shonda Rhimes (Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer) and Jess Brownell (Showrunner). The Bridgerton team and Jessie gave us all a step-by-step guide to portraying intimate moments on screen. The step-by-step process Step 1: Talk to the actor! (OR for writers – think about the character and the specific intimacy that’s required for the… Read More »5 Steps To Better Sex Scenes, The Bridgerton Way

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5 Reasons Writers SHOULD Include Sex Scenes In Their Writing

Hey Writers: Include  Sex Scenes In Your Writing! Yeah I said what I said: I have argued for a LONG time that writers should include sex scenes in our writing. In the past twenty years I’ve seen sex scenes in the spec screenplay and unpublished novel pile DECREASE. But it’s not anti-feminist to include sex scenes in your novel or screenplay … plus modern storytelling is NOT porn, as Matt (below) points out. It’s a worrying trend that people KEEP making this accusation of stories on social media. Far from being progressive (as many insist), complaining that ‘all’ expressions of… Read More »5 Reasons Writers SHOULD Include Sex Scenes In Their Writing

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3 Examples of Great Author Brands (And Why You Need A Brand Too)

Why An Author Brand Is Important ‘What’s your brand?’ is a question that may seem like nothing to do with writing, but it’s super-important in the 2020s. Social media and blogging has democratised the writing industry, bringing down barriers. But this also means it’s harder than ever to stand out! Some reasons a brand is important include: It can help you connect with agents and publishers. Having a strong public image and great social media presence are keys when it comes to networking with professionals in the writing world or when pitching your projects to agents. Having a brand lets… Read More »3 Examples of Great Author Brands (And Why You Need A Brand Too)

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Spotlight on Structure: How To Use The Rashomon Storytelling Technique

What Is The Rashomon Storytelling Technique? If you haven’t heard of the Rashomon storytelling technique, you’ve almost certainly watched a movie or TV show or read a book that uses it. Named after the 1950 Japanese film by Akira Kurosawa’s groundbreaking Rashomon, this technique is known for its use of multiple perspectives to tell a single story. By allowing different characters to share their individual versions of events, the truth becomes subjective and open to interpretation. Examples of films and TV shows that use the Rashomon technique are … Pulp Fiction (1994) The Usual Suspects (1995) The Simpsons, Trilogy of… Read More »Spotlight on Structure: How To Use The Rashomon Storytelling Technique

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