Pro Writer ‘Rules’

In The Spotlight: Kirsten Smith’s Top 10 Writing Rules

All About Kirsten Smith Kirsten Smith and her co-writer Karen McCullah are trailblazers in the Rom-Com genre. They are the screenwriting duo behind classic teen movies Legally Blonde and 10 Things I Hate About You, to name just a few. But just what is the secret behind their success? What are the rules, tips or best practices they swear by?Smith in particular has been open with her advice for screenwriters. Here’s what she has to share … Enjoy! 1) Conflict is key “Conflict, conflict, conflict between characters. Although we try to avoid it in life, it’s essential to embrace it in… Read More »In The Spotlight: Kirsten Smith’s Top 10 Writing Rules

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In The Spotlight: Jordan Peele’s Top 10 Writing Rules

All About Jordan Peele Jordan Peele is one of the hottest writers in Hollywood today following the meteoric success of Get Out and Us. Starting out in comedy and now mastering horror, Peele has an original, distinctive style. But just how does he do it? Check out his tips here. Enjoy! 1) Write For Yourself “First off, write your favourite movie that you haven’t seen. Don’t worry about whether it is going to get made. Write something for yourself. After you have that draft, then worry about what you need to do to sell it.” 2)   Learn from the classics “It’s… Read More »In The Spotlight: Jordan Peele’s Top 10 Writing Rules

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In The Spotlight: Shonda Rhimes’ Top 10 Writing Rules

Learn From Shonda Rhimes! So, B2W is the first to say there are no writing rules … But there ARE things we can learn from the best writers working today. TV writing goddess Shonda Rhimes is obviously one of them! So whether you call them ‘rules’, ‘best practices’, ‘guidelines’ or something else, she has plenty of great writing advice for us. B2W’s new intern Alice has rounded up some classic Shonda for us to consider in honing our craft and getting our own writing off the ground. Enjoy! All About Shonda Rhimes Shonda Rhimes is one of the most successful… Read More »In The Spotlight: Shonda Rhimes’ Top 10 Writing Rules

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In The Spotlight: Elmore Leonard’s Top 10 Writing Rules

Elmore Leonard’s book, 10 Rules For Writers was published in 2010. But it’s a summary of that book, Top 10 Writing Rules has become one of the most popular shares and memes amongst online writing groups. No doubt you will have seen this list and been tagged in it many times! (As any veteran Bang2writer knows, I prefer to call them ‘best practices’ rather than rules, but whatevs). Regardless of what you call them though, it’s not difficult to see why the summary of Elmore Leonard’s tips does the rounds so often. It is a short and to-the-point list, plus any… Read More »In The Spotlight: Elmore Leonard’s Top 10 Writing Rules

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Top 10 Rules Writers Love To Hate

Okay, okay I hate rules as every Bang2writer knows … But there ARE phrases and adages that seem to pop up, over and over. So I decided to put 10 under the microscope and work out if they’re TRUE or FALSE – do you agree? Enjoy! 1) Show, Don’t Tell First, the biggie. As I’ve written before, this has become a feedback ‘catch all’  – writers can’t even be sure if it’s relevant to them, especially when feedback-givers so often don’t qualify it! So it’s no wonder writers hate this so-called ‘rule’ with a passion. I know I do! That… Read More »Top 10 Rules Writers Love To Hate

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5 Reasons Why “The Rules” Will Kill Your Writing DEAD

Every single time I write about there being NO writing “rules”, yet more writers come rushing out the woodwork with counter-arguments on why there ARE. Look, I understand. When someone says you can do WHATEVER YOU WANT, it can feel weird and scary. Human beings are pack animals, so it makes sense to stay with the crowd doing what is considered “common sense” rather than forging out on your own and doing your own thing. BUT YOU MUST! Here’s why: 1) A great-looking page does NOT = great craft YES, grammar and punctuation and spelling are all important. Yes, good… Read More »5 Reasons Why “The Rules” Will Kill Your Writing DEAD

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On Writing “Rules”: 8 Things I Remember

One thing that never goes away is the mythical notion that there are “rules” to this writing lark. In fact, I got so annoyed I had a little rant on Twitter, which you can read HERE (I know, me ranting is a surprise: I am a retiring little wallflower and all). Look. All I (or anyone) can offer is what we’ve seen work. In return, we also have to remember there’s always going to be someone who does the exact opposite (and it’ll STILL work!!). But this got me thinking … what would MY top tips, pointers, advice (even RULES! :P) be?… Read More »On Writing “Rules”: 8 Things I Remember

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