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#1 Concept Mistake So Many Writers Make (Plus What To Do About It)

No Research = Concept Problems So often a writer will pitch me their concept and I say, ‘Oh, so like XYZ?’ They’ll look at me, totally blank. These won’t be obscure titles either. They will be big-time movies, TV shows, novels … it doesn’t matter. The writer has not done his, her – or their! – research and road-tested their idea. It always shocks me how so many writers don’t read books, or watch TV or film … then think they can write something with zero problems?? Total madness! If we don’t know what the concept is at grassroots level… Read More »#1 Concept Mistake So Many Writers Make (Plus What To Do About It)

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11 Awesome Tips To Beat Writer’s Block

B2W’s Quick Tips To Beat Writer’s Block  Need to beat writer’s block? I feel ya … It can seem like the hydra, ready to rear one of its seven heads when you least expect it! Supersadface. But what if I told you that you CAN beat writer’s block and it’s easier than you think?? Try these quick tips for size … 1) Try Free Writing Lots of writers get blocked because they’re trying to be perfect … but perfectionism is a disease! Like the infographic suggests, avoid it by trying free writing. This is when you set a timer and… Read More »11 Awesome Tips To Beat Writer’s Block

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How To Watch And Break Down A TV Show Episode

Watch & Learn Lots of my Bang2writers say they’re going to watch TV shows ‘for work’ … but then don’t do any work! They just enjoy them. Tsk. Naughty writers! But seriously, you CAN watch whatever you like *and* learn from these produced TV shows at the same time. I’m going to show you how to do this, using the free B2W plotting worksheet, which you can download HERE. By the way, you can watch stuff if you’re a novelist too! Everything I know about novel writing, I learned from watching movies and TV shows. Similarly, you can watch different… Read More »How To Watch And Break Down A TV Show Episode

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8 Steps To Analyse A Successful Story

To Analyse: A Definition Bang2writers have been asking me how to analyse a story to help their writing. It’s something I recommend, because it gets us into the analytical frame of mind. This in turn helps us think about our own stories and what they need. You can read all my #B2WReviews here.  But how do we get into this mindset? It’s worth remembering that emotion and anticipation go together. This means, the more you know (or thinkyou know), the more likely you are to be disappointed by a story. It’s just the way it goes. Disappointment can breed negativity and that’s rarely productive for… Read More »8 Steps To Analyse A Successful Story

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INFOGRAPHIC: Why Writing Can Be Therapeutic

Therapeutic Writing If you believe writing can be therapeutic, you’re not alone. As writers we can often be very tough on ourselves. We strive to meet deadlines or send out pitches. We scrutinise every piece of work,wondering if we will ever  get published/produced, or reach our readers and viewers in the ways we wish. But how often do we throw off the shackles of our own or others’ expectations and just write whatever we feel like writing? What if we could write for self-reflection and contemplation rather than writing for others? Would that be too indulgent? Therapeutic writing allows us to explore… Read More »INFOGRAPHIC: Why Writing Can Be Therapeutic

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How To Write Fast Like A Pro

1) Set a DEADLINE ‘I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by,’ said uber-author Douglas Adams, but seriously? If you want to get stuff done – and done FAST – set yourself one. I always advocate looking ahead at the calendar, breaking down what’s possible in what time and having THREE deadlines: one ‘likely finish’; one ‘hopeful finish’ and one ‘unlikely finish’. Try it! 2) Work out your BEST TIME I work best mid-morning till lunchtime on my own writing. This is because first thing in the morning I’m doing admin and social media… Read More »How To Write Fast Like A Pro

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Top 10 Words That Will Kill Your Writing DEAD

So I read screenplays for a living, plus I spend a huuuuuuge part of my life reading FOR FUN (wtaf!), so I’ve discovered there are certain words that crop up again and again and again which threaten to TORPEDO writers’ narrative efforts. I call these ‘crutch words’ (quiet at the back). Crutch words are those we may rely on in EARLY DRAFTS, which we need to seek out with a torpedo of our own and DESTROY in the edit process. Whether you’re a screenwriter or novelist (trad or self published), look out for these suckers … 1) ‘Suddenly’ The actual… Read More »Top 10 Words That Will Kill Your Writing DEAD

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How To Boost Your Writing Confidence To New Levels

  Got No Confidence In Your Writing? If you have no confidence in your writing, you’re not alone. LOTS of writers lack confidence, including professional creatives. Yes really! Being a writer might be challenging, as creative people very often worry their work is not good enough. Lacking confidence can be immobilising and may influence the quality of your writing, too. But instead of focusing on your lack of confidence, check out these simple ideas and exercises. They are designed to boost your confidence and make your creative genius shine. 1) Use writing prompts Many creative people know that writing prompts… Read More »How To Boost Your Writing Confidence To New Levels

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How To Improve Your Focus As A Writer

Many writers have unspoken struggles. One of them is staying focused. There always seems to be things that compete for a writers’ attention rendering them completely unable to focus. But good news! You can improve this – and here’s 8 simple steps how. Ready? Let’s go … 1) Set An Achievable Goal The ability to set a goal and doing all it takes to reach it has a great impact on your overall focus. You can start by setting a goal of writing 500 words every morning. This is an achievable goal. If done every day, one could even comfortably… Read More »How To Improve Your Focus As A Writer

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10 Quick Tips To Get You Inspired

When writing is your passion but you just don’t have that inspiration coming through, it’s time to look around. There are many things surrounding us every day that could inspire and motivate us. If you are stressed out, it may be difficult to see. Even the best writers sometimes find themselves without an idea to write about. But we live in a world full of information and inspiration. Let’s look at some tips for finding it and getting you inspired!  1) Look at blogs I love blogs because they are personal and intimate. You are able to get into the… Read More »10 Quick Tips To Get You Inspired

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Top 5 Proofing Mistakes Writers Make

Proofreading is an essential practice when it comes to writing. It’s that final check to make sure spelling and grammar are correct because misspelled and misused words can destroy the quality of your work. Even the best writers need to edit and proofread. Often, when we proofread our own work, the mind does not catch the little mistakes because it was that same mind that wrote them in the first place. This is why it is important to find a second party to read your writing. However, not all of us have proofreaders on hand, which is why we must… Read More »Top 5 Proofing Mistakes Writers Make

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6 Weird Ways To Approach Your Writing

Every writer has his or her own obstacles that impair their work. The common word used to describe this miserable feeling is the author’s block. In most cases, this springs from the author’s state of mind. If you don’t feel well, you can’t write well. Writing is not about finding the right words. It’s all about dealing with your emotions and desires. If you’re stuck at your last chapter and can’t get that novel done, here’s a helping hand. Check out these 6 (weird) ways to approach your writing: 1.    Don’t Stay in One Place Changing the location might help… Read More »6 Weird Ways To Approach Your Writing

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