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7 Ways To Write A Plot Outline

Why You Should Outline Bang2writers often ask me the “right” way to write a story – whether that’s as a novel or a screenplay (or something else). As far as I’m concerned, **any** way is FINE — just as long as you finish! One thing that I DO advocate however – whatever medium you’re in – is writing an outline. (And yes, I DO follow my own advice … I’m writing an outline for the plot of my next novel RIGHT NOW in fact!). Sure, there ARE those lucky writers who find plotting novels and scripts easy to do, unconsciously and… Read More »7 Ways To Write A Plot Outline

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INFOGRAPHIC: How To Write Screenplay Selling Documents

How To Write Screenplay Selling Documents As any long term Bang2writer knows, I’m a big fan of planning. But yeah, I get why *you* might not be. Planning can be boring. You don’t want to do it. You want to DIVE INTO your draft. But, look. Even if you ARE one of those uber-lucky people who can plot instinctively, you’re still going to *have* to come up with the goods at some point in the process. Money moguls and agents rarely have time to read entire screenplays (yes, really!), which is where things like “scriptments” and “sizzlers” really come into their… Read More »INFOGRAPHIC: How To Write Screenplay Selling Documents

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On Writing: Why Planning Beats Seat-Of-Your-Pants Every Time

I’ve worked with a lot of writers Most of them hate planning. Most of them want to dive head-long into a draft. They don’t want to think about target audience. OR to road test their concepts. They don’t want to write outlines, beat sheets or treatments. And they certainly don’t want to write novel pitches! But what if I told you that planning could not only help you avoid a world of pain … it could help you write a BETTER DRAFT?? Yup!!! Read on … I get it, I really do There’s something quite thrilling about writing by the… Read More »On Writing: Why Planning Beats Seat-Of-Your-Pants Every Time

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How Does Exposition Work? AKA 9 Common Exposition Qs Answered

All about Exposition I’ve been talking a lot recently with Bang2writers about exposition and its place within their stories, whether novel or screenplay. As I’ve heard some common misconceptions, I thought it useful to put exposition under the microscope and really consider WHAT exposition is and HOW we can use it, framed as questions to answer. Enjoy! 1) Isn’t exposition a **bad** thing? No. Exposition in all stories – whether novels or screenplays (or something else) – is 100% necessary. Exposition is basically just the background information a reader or viewer needs in order to be able to understand the… Read More »How Does Exposition Work? AKA 9 Common Exposition Qs Answered

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11 Expositional Clichés That Will Kill Your Story

Exposition: it’s a cheeky little b*****. Whether novelist or screenwriter, we all need it: too little background info will mean no one has a clue what’s going on … But equally, how much is TOO MUCH? Well, check out these expositional superclangers from the spec novels and screenplays I read: 11) Random Flashback … [… Pssssst Screenwriters! See also: dream sequence; intercut; plus all about montages].  Do you really need this? REALLY? Now, look. Flashback (and indeed flashforward) – when used correctly – is a brilliant device for novels and screenplays. It can be dramatic and intriguing. But when used badly, it… Read More »11 Expositional Clichés That Will Kill Your Story

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5 Steps To Writing A Novel: A Beginner’s Guide

Some great steps from Cressida today for those of you considering writing a novel for the first time. Thanks Cressida and good luck everybody who takes on the challenge! NOVEL FACTS The word “novel” is derived from Italian word “novella” which means “new”. The history of novel writing can be traced back to the medieval period, when novella was a more popular form of fiction writing. Novel has been a popular genre of fiction writing since its inception. This style of writing has been adopted by the likes of H.G Wells and Isaac Asimov. Check out The B2W Novel Writing Pinterest… Read More »5 Steps To Writing A Novel: A Beginner’s Guide

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7 Steps To Road Test Your Concept

You MUST road test your concepts BEFORE you start writing. I can’t emphasise this enough. Too many writers conceive half-baked ideas and then try and run with them regardless … Then wonder why they hit roadblocks and go down various insane detours. Don’t spend aeons trying to make a draft work when it’s simply a doomed exercise, because you haven’t done the foundation work. But how to road test your concept? Try these 7 simple steps: 1. Write a logline/ novel pitch 25-60 words, describing the characters and the situation they find themselves in. Remember those all important 3 Cs.… Read More »7 Steps To Road Test Your Concept

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5 Ways To Approach Your Rewrites (And How To Know When It’s Done!)

All About Rewrites Rewrites: for some, this is where the joy of creativity is set alight, the chariots of fire stampede, ablaze with inspiration! For others, rewrites are more akin to having your fingernails slowly removed in a dingy room under a dim bulb. I probably fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes about rewrites. But wherever you fall, rewriting is the reality of writing, whether we like it or not. I thought I’d take some time out from the 15th draft of my most recent work in progress to offer some pointers on how to keep your chin… Read More »5 Ways To Approach Your Rewrites (And How To Know When It’s Done!)

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10 Lies Writers Tell Themselves, Pt 1: The Writing

Lies, Lies, Lies  Lies we tell ourselves as writers have a direct impact on our potential success. Don’t believe me? Fine, let’s put this idea under the microscope … Ten years ago, I was a young single Mum working out of my kitchen. I’d just finished uni; I had a few scripts in my portfolio, but I had no money – so little, in fact, I couldn’t even take the literary agent’s assistant job offered to me in London or indeed the otherwise unconditional MA offer I’d also received. In other words, the odds were against me and there were some… Read More »10 Lies Writers Tell Themselves, Pt 1: The Writing

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7 Ways Of Developing Writing Ideas

  All About Developing Writing Ideas All of us hit setbacks in our writing sometimes. When we do, it can be a good idea to try out techniques other creative people use to keep their work moving. Here are a few techniques I use when I’m stuck at the ideas-developing stage, not sure how to turn ideas into a story. 1) Use The 10-3-1 Method 10-3-1 is used by designers at Apple, and it goes like this. Instead of taking just one initial idea and developing it directly into a product, designers work on 10 different ideas, being as imaginative… Read More »7 Ways Of Developing Writing Ideas

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Women & Writing # 4: Sally Abbott, TV Screenwriter

Delighted to have the brilliant Sally Abbott on the blog today to tell us about her work as a TV screenwriter in continuing drama – amongst other things! Sally is a real powerhouse and has been involved in all SORTS of things over the years and this summer dips a toe in feature filmmaking too. She offers some fab insights into the industry and writing that I really agree with, but I won’t spoil it for you. Read and enjoy! 1) If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be and why? Obsessive – which is a polite… Read More »Women & Writing # 4: Sally Abbott, TV Screenwriter

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Bang2write Resources

FYI, there’s now dedicated B2W Resources AND Free Downloads pages at the top of this blog, under the banner! Or click > HERE I get lots of questions about One Page Pitches, such as how “best” to lay them out, what to put in them etc, so have created a new resource at The B2W Required Reading List. Download The One Page Pitch Reference Guide as a PDF here … And as a .doc here. Here’s another 6 Tips on writing a one page pitch for your script or novel. Other B2W resources that may be of interest: The B2W… Read More »Bang2write Resources

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