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5 Reasons Your Spec TV Pilot Should Contain A Show-Stopping Central Character

The Problem With Spec TV Pilots One of the biggest issues I see in speculative (not commissioned) TV pilots is a lack of a show-stopping central character. But why is this an issue? Well, if we want our spec TV pilot to be read and/or commissioned by industry pros, a show-stopping central character is non-negotiable. It’s common sense our own TV pilots need to be storytelling catnip for that commissioner. One of the ways we can do this is by creating a show-stopping character. A character so interesting and compelling, big-name and talented actors will want to attach. All About Show-Stopping Central… Read More »5 Reasons Your Spec TV Pilot Should Contain A Show-Stopping Central Character

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Why Your Screenwriting Career Is Stalling (And How To Fix It)

Feel like you’re stalling? If you feel like your screenwriting career is stalling, you’re not alone. The past ten years have created huge problems for the industry. Screenwriting circa 2026 is more challenging than it has ever been. Industry pros have left in record levels, with those that remain telling me it’s the worst they’ve ever seen it. But the point of this post is not to make you feel despondent. Instead, it’s designed to help you stop stalling and get your best chance of getting out of the spec script trenches. Ready? Let’s go … 1) Concept still sells!… Read More »Why Your Screenwriting Career Is Stalling (And How To Fix It)

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Why Most Spec Scripts Fail (It’s Not The Idea – It’s The Execution)

It’s All In The Execution? Most scripts don’t fail because the idea is bad – they fail because the execution is not doing the work. But how can we tell if our execution is not cutting it? Here’s 8 common pitfalls I see regularly in spec screenplays. Ready? Let’s go … 1) A situation is not a story A cool idea or set-up isn’t enough. Your concept at the heart of your story needs to be road-tested at foundation level. A story = movement. This means your story requires escalation, cause & effect, and a protagonist driving towards a clear… Read More »Why Most Spec Scripts Fail (It’s Not The Idea – It’s The Execution)

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How 600 Seconds Can Kill Your Script DEAD

600 Seconds To Victory? NEWSFLASH: 600 seconds can mean the difference between a full read of your spec screenplay … or not. Why 600 seconds? Well, the received wisdom is that a page of script is equal to one minute of screen time*. If a minute is 60 seconds, then your first ten pages = 600 seconds. It really is simple as that. (*Of course, this measurement is not an exact science. Pages with lots of dialogue may be faster, whereas those with more visuals may be longer. But that’s a conversation for another time!). But First, The Elephant In… Read More »How 600 Seconds Can Kill Your Script DEAD

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6 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Female Leads Who Made Their Mark On Storytelling

All About Fantasy & Sci-Fi Female Leads It’s fair to say female leads have come a LONG way in the past 15-20 years. This is never more obvious in fantasy and sci-fi. From romantasy to sci-fi – and everything in between – these female leads exemplify sacrifice, bravery, skill and fierce independence. As a huge fan of both fantasy and sci-fi, I thought I’d put 6 of my fave modern protagonists from these genres under the microscope. Ready? Let’s go … 1) Bella Swann, The Twilight Saga A fish out of water when she stays with her father Charlie in… Read More »6 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Female Leads Who Made Their Mark On Storytelling

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6 Of The Best: What The Music of Hans Zimmer Can Teach Writers

The Complete Hans Zimmer Narrative Storytelling Arc Playlist Hans Zimmer is probably the most prolific musician working in film and TV today. So many of his soundtracks are absolutely iconic. You likely have a favourite piece of his, even if you don’t actively listen to OSTs yourself. Humans love music, but what many writers don’t realise is that musicians are storytellers just like us. That is most obvious when a piece of music has lyrics, but it’s also the case for music WITHOUT words. Music and TV have music for mood, tone and genre, but it also tells a story… Read More »6 Of The Best: What The Music of Hans Zimmer Can Teach Writers

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10 Quick Tips To Writing Romance In The 2020s

All About Writing Romance So, you want to write romance in 2026, huh? Good. But before you roll your eyes at another “boy meets girl” idea, let me stop you. Romance isn’t dead, it’s thriving … and if you want to write it without looking like a clueless dinosaur, here’s what you need to know. Ready? Let’s go … 1) Romance goes with EVERYTHING! Yep … Everything. Thrillers? Romance. Dark fantasy? Romance. Even your grim post-apocalyptic world needs a smidge of “OMG, they might die but also maybe get together?” Humans crave relationships, so don’t ignore them. 2) Diversity isn’t… Read More »10 Quick Tips To Writing Romance In The 2020s

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Top 10 Dastardly & Deadly Female Villains In Movies & TV

All About Female Villains Remember when female villains were just jealous queens asking mirrors about their looks? Yeah, we’ve come a long way, baby. Over the past two decades, storytelling has given us female villains who are so deliciously complex, so brilliantly twisted, that we can’t help but be fascinated. These aren’t your grandmother’s wicked stepmothers; these are CEOs of chaos, architects of revenge, and women who make us think, “Okay, I shouldn’t root for her, but …” Let’s dive into 10 female villains who prove that being bad has never been so good … 1) Serena Joy (The Handmaid’s… Read More »Top 10 Dastardly & Deadly Female Villains In Movies & TV

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On Character Motivation: How Your Main Character’s ‘Why’ Powers Your Story

All About Character Motivation Motivation is key in any good story: I call it the ‘why’ of characterisation. Your characters should not simply exist to serve the plot. Instead, they should drive the plot through their own choices, behaviour, worldview, backstory and actions. A subtle difference, but crucial. In other words then, a great character wants or needs something for a reason … and they must struggle to get it. Their ‘why’ may be personal, ranging from the good or neutral, through to the outright evil and villainous. Whatever makes your character act, fight or sacrifice, that ‘why’ is everything.… Read More »On Character Motivation: How Your Main Character’s ‘Why’ Powers Your Story

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Top 10 Quick, Actionable Resolutions For Writers In 2026

Your Writing Resolutions For This Year Writing resolutions can get a bad rap, especially when writers FAIL at enacting them … but they can be super-useful at helping writers focus and get stuff done. I think the main problem with writing resolutions are … i) Writers go too big and get overwhelmed ii) Go too small and get bored iii) Or they go too vague and aren’t sure HOW to get them done That’s why I’ve deliberately kept these resolutions focused, actionable and meaty enough to move the needle (but not so large they’ll freak you out). Ready?? Then let’s go!… Read More »Top 10 Quick, Actionable Resolutions For Writers In 2026

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Top 7 Novel Writing Mistakes Writers Keep Making

7 Big Novel Writing Mistakes  One of the top Google searches leading to this blog is ‘novel writing mistakes’. Writers want to avoid the big novel writing clangers because writing a manuscript is a big undertaking. If we can avoid them, all the better! As someone who works one-to-one with authors all the time these days, I thought I’d highlight some of the most common novel writing mistakes here. You’ll also find out how to fix them. Ready? Then let’s go … Mistake #1: Weak or Confusing Premise It’s said in the screenwriting world that if your core idea is… Read More »Top 7 Novel Writing Mistakes Writers Keep Making

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5 Tips For Pushing Past The Fear Of Never Getting Published

“What If No One Ever Publishes My Novel?” Worried that your novel might never get published? You’re in good company. Almost every writer I know has stared down that fear – and yes, sometimes it actually happens. It’s normal for a manuscript to be rejected dozens of times (at least!). Rejection tends to sting the most when we’re just starting out. Failing to get noticed right away can feel devastating, or like the universe is giving you a signal. You might even think: if writing is really my path, wouldn’t I get published immediately? Here’s the reality: a “no” doesn’t… Read More »5 Tips For Pushing Past The Fear Of Never Getting Published

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