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7 Simple Things ALL Writers Should Know

Thanks to the internet and the plethora of advice around (like on this blog!), anyone can become a writer. But this doesn’t mean writers’ lives have become easy. Writing still requires dedication, persistence, and hard work! So, whether you’ve just decided to become a writer, or are a seasoned veteran – or somewhere in-between! – then remember these 7 crucial things: 1) The Basics ALWAYS Matter It might be tempting to simply start writing. However, this could be a mistake in the long run. While some writers think typos and grammatical errors are insignificant, readers actually pay attention to these… Read More »7 Simple Things ALL Writers Should Know

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5 things I Learned From DOC MARTIN Screenwriter Julian Unthank

In a world of Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies & endless choices on Netflix, TV offers far more to the sophisticated audience who in turn EXPECT a certain quality and standard of writers nowadays. Here’s where screenwriter Julian Unthank comes in to help us at Bang2Write. Julian has worked on shows such as ITV’s Doc Martin, The Bill, New Tricks and Robin Hood, plus his short film Love at First Sight starring John Hurt shortlisted for an Oscar in 2011. I was lucky enough to speak with Julian and have him share his top 5 tips on how YOU… Read More »5 things I Learned From DOC MARTIN Screenwriter Julian Unthank

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3 Things I Learned From Literary Agent Fiona Kenshole

It’s not very often you get to hear it straight from the source EXACTLY what producers, publishers or literary agents are looking for. However, I was lucky enough to sit down recently with Literary Agent Fiona Kenshole who shared more than a few great tips for Bang2writers! Fiona was a guest of InDevelopment, a network of professionals who work in film and TV script development. InDevelopment meets regularly for drinks and discussion about the craft of developing, script editing and producing fiction for the screen and is organised and hosted by script consultant Sarah Olley. Fiona has over twenty years… Read More »3 Things I Learned From Literary Agent Fiona Kenshole

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How To Build Your Writing Career From Zero

Starting At Zero So you’ve decided to become a writer, but it feels like you’re at zero … You have no idea where to start! It might seem like a difficult to journey to pursue but don’t let the fear of the future scare you out of doing it. Sometimes you just have to cast your net and take a chance! Here are some of the tips I used to build my own writing career from zero … 1) Build your social skills It is known that many writers are introverts and love working by themselves. There is a whole world… Read More »How To Build Your Writing Career From Zero

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5 (More) Things I Learned Pitching In Hollywood

The ‘X Things I Learned’ series is becoming a REALLY great source of insider and ‘behind the scenes’ info — if you want to share the insights you’ve learned out in the industry; on a course; when you met a famous writer — or something else! – then please do get in touch. Us Bang2writers want to hear all about it! In the meantime, here’s another perspective on pitching in Hollywood for you. If you recall, Tim gave his POV 3-4 of years ago, so here’s KT with her own nuggets of wisdom. Enjoy … Whether you’re pitching in London… Read More »5 (More) Things I Learned Pitching In Hollywood

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What Is The Difference Between Horror And Thriller?

One of the most searched-for terms on this blog is, ‘What is the difference between Horror and Thriller?’ (Or, ‘What is the difference between Thriller And Horror’)!  This isn’t surprising, because as anyone who’s heard or read pitches knows, many spec screenwriters will specify ‘Horror/Thriller’ as their genre. But repeat after me, Bang2writers: THIS IS A VERY BAD IDEA. Here’s Why Of course mixed genre pieces exist, but they are the exceptions, NOT the rule. Put simply, if a writer says their screenplay is a ‘Horror/Thriller’, 9/10 they are mistaken. This means the literary agent, producer, filmmaker or script editor… Read More »What Is The Difference Between Horror And Thriller?

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5 Epic Problems Nearly Every Writer Has When Drafting

Drafting is DIFFICULT As every writer knows, drafting is difficult. As a script reader and script editor I help writers with drafting … and have discovered over the years there are 5 issues just about EVERYONE struggles with. Yes, even pro writers!! Enjoy — and pass it on! 1) Overdoing symbolism/ theme Every writer has a ‘message’, because writing is in itself a communication. I’d argue all of us want to SAY something, or PROVE something. It’s an innate part of being a writer. I’d bet real actual money on it. However, that message (or whatever you want to call… Read More »5 Epic Problems Nearly Every Writer Has When Drafting

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Pixar’s 22 Steps To Ultimate Storytelling Under The Microscope

Pixar’s Storytelling is GOLD As any veteran Bang2writer knows, I normally don’t stand for so-called writing rules — but these are different! Pixar have shown, time and time again, their stories and characters will stand the test of time. Their knowledge of story is EPIC and every writer can learn from their movies and shorts, whether they actually *like* them or not. This is why Pixar’s 22 Rules For Phenomenal Storytelling went viral when it appeared online and continues to be the gold standard for ALL writers, screenwriters or not! I love Erika’s short and pithy additions and alternative views… Read More »Pixar’s 22 Steps To Ultimate Storytelling Under The Microscope

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10 More Writer Fails (And How To Avoid Them)

Two of the most searched Google terms on this blog are, ‘writer mistakes’ and ‘writer fails’, so I thought I would take a look at you actual WRITERS and what you might doing to kill your screenplay dead. Ready?? Brace yourselves you lot … ‘cos here’s how you’re MURDERING your chances! 1) By … Waiting for inspiration Novelist W. Somerset Maugham said (though some attribute it to Peter De Vries and other writers) “I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.” I love this quote (whomever said it) because it gets straight to… Read More »10 More Writer Fails (And How To Avoid Them)

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5 Lessons I Learned Pitching

As an unrepresented writer (and even one WITH an agent!), it’s essential to do your own groundwork to get your first foot in this business … And there’s no bigger step you can take than pitching your own material, the baby you’ve nurtured so tirelessly since its conception! It should be noted that every pitch you ever perform will be different. No two execs are ever the same. However, there’s some universal insights that will greatly benefit you. These following lessons relate to a project of mine, The Nth Degree, which is an espionage thriller with a sci-fi twist. This… Read More »5 Lessons I Learned Pitching

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How NOT To Pitch Agents: 21 Tips For Writers

How Not to Pitch Agents If you want to pitch agents, you have come to the right place. One of the most oft-hit articles on B2W is 29 Ways NOT To Submit To An Agent by BFLA’s Carole Blake. So, with LondonSWF around the corner, I thought now was a good time to invite another agent to give her tips … So please welcome Jennifer Johnson-Blalock! Jennifer is a lit agent in New York and is offering her top tips on how NOT to pitch at conferences and pitchfests. There’s some stellar advice here on how to pitch agents, so… Read More »How NOT To Pitch Agents: 21 Tips For Writers

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Crowdfunding 101: Top 10 Tips

Whether you’re crowdfunding for your movie or short film on Kickstarter; your book on Unbound; a charity on JustGiving – or something else! – you would do well to check out the mahvellous Zee from FNAFilms’ top tips on crowdfunding today. FNA ran a very successful campaign for its debut feature The Stagg Do, so it’s safe to say they know their stuff. Over to you, Zee! Don’t underestimate how much hard work goes into a crowd funding campaign. You can’t set up a campaign and leave it. Build it and they will NOT come, unless they know about it.… Read More »Crowdfunding 101: Top 10 Tips

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