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9 Unusual Writing Tips From @TEDTalks Speakers

TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talks have been known to move and inspire people through a vast array of topics. One of its most moving themes may yet be on writing. Some of the most prolific writers also prove to be engaging speakers, and have shared important tips with aspirants on the stage. Here’s a compilation of amazing TED speeches from renowned authors all over the globe: 1) Everybody has creativity In a society fixated on ‘genius’ and being unique, Elizabeth Gilbert shares how everybody has the capacity for such creativity. Aspiring young authors should feel comforted by the fact that… Read More »9 Unusual Writing Tips From @TEDTalks Speakers

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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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A Look In The Spec Pile: 5 Winning Screenplays (@ShoreScripts Screenwriting Competition 2015)

B2W was asked to be a judge for the Shore Scripts Screenwriting Competition this year. Bang2writers talk highly of this competition, plus Shore Scripts wrote a great post on last year’s entries for this site, so I was happy to accept. As a judge, I didn’t read ALL the submissions – just the final five, all winners. All five are good scripts, plucked from a pile of 1800 screenplays and scored for their concepts and craft. My job as judge then was to read those winning scripts and decide which ORDER I feel they should come in, 1-5. First up though,… Read More »A Look In The Spec Pile: 5 Winning Screenplays (@ShoreScripts Screenwriting Competition 2015)

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How To Write Action Set Pieces In Your Thriller Screenplay

All About Movie Set Pieces More and more Bang2writers are attempting epic storyworlds, flamboyant characters and super stunts in their screenwriting. This is welcome progress as far as I’m concerned … As I’ve said many times on this blog, I enjoy big budget action movies and no one does them quite like Hollywood. However, there does appear to be some confusion amongst new action screenwriters on what *exactly* a set piece is. Here’s a dictionary definition: Set Piece, noun 1) A scene, action, or the like, having a conventional form and functioning as part of the structure of a work… Read More »How To Write Action Set Pieces In Your Thriller Screenplay

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Watch Out For These Five Top Writing Mistakes, courtesy of Grammarly

First impressions count Yet novelist or screenwriter, there ARE common errors writers make when submitting their work to readers, agents, filmmakers, producers and publishers. It’s all very well saying “the story is everything” – and you’d be right! – but at the same time, if your poor writing CRAFT gets in the way of that, HOW is your story going to shine??? The good news is, it’s never been easier to fix the top writing mistakes novelists and screenwriters make. Check out this brilliant infographic from Grammarly which puts the most common errors in the spotlight, having worked with nearly… Read More »Watch Out For These Five Top Writing Mistakes, courtesy of Grammarly

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How To Package Your Screenplay For Investors And Money People

All About The Package The Package is basically a set of notes that goes out with a feature screenplay. The Package is usually sent by a producer, either to help make the film or for some other reason (ie. secure distribution). As far as I know, there is no “industry standard” for these documents. That said, I’ve found they usually run between 5 and 10 pages, though I have seen much longer. Examples of the package are notoriously difficult to get hold of (oooh matron!). However, like spec TV series bibles, if you see -n enough of them like B2W does!… Read More »How To Package Your Screenplay For Investors And Money People

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6 Marketing Tactics You Should Be Doing

An outstanding post from Luke this week to inspire you on marketing yourself, your scripts, films and/or books online – number 4 is genius! Thanks, Luke! Enjoy … I’ve always been terrible at marketing. The worst. But I have to say, with so many amazing resources out there, I’m getting better. ‘I just wanna write, man.’ ‘I don’t wanna sell my soul.’ ‘I’m an artist dammit!’ ^^ Words I’ve probably said at some point. I used to believe that marketing was an evil little lump on the shoulder of creativity. I just wanted to sit in my bedroom (laboratory) and… Read More »6 Marketing Tactics You Should Be Doing

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5 Transmedia Lessons Learned from “Loves Of A Cyclops”

“Transmedia” is the latest buzzword in the industry, but many Bang2writers still aren’t really sure what it means! Luke is talking to the team behind Loves Of A Cyclops this week to shed some light on this great opportunity to get your work out there and create a following for your project … Enjoy! Loves Of A Cyclops is a short film project … sort of. It’s also a photograph collection, a series of audio snippets, an immersive experience in web design and modern aesthetics, and a ball of quirky fun. it’s a great example of what Transmedia can be.… Read More »5 Transmedia Lessons Learned from “Loves Of A Cyclops”

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5 Reasons Why Theatre Is A Writer’s Best Friend

If you’re feeling frustrated about rejections or getting a “way in” to the industry, then today’s short but VERY sweet post from Carla offers some GREAT food for thought on getting a foot in the door via writing for theatre … Also, make sure you check out the new playwriting award from Theatre503. Enjoy! Theatre is a great way to get your work out there and there are some fantastic opportunities for emerging writers. Over the past two years I have been developing a play with Theatre503, a new writing theatre in south London and found the experience invaluable. Here… Read More »5 Reasons Why Theatre Is A Writer’s Best Friend

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5 Reasons Bullying Happens At School

Today, my youngest ever Bang2writer, Harri (just 12 years old!) is talking about his new book and why he thinks kids get bullied at school and how bullies are created … This is a great opportunity for adult writers to see school from a kid’s perspective – I found number 5 particularly useful, I’d never thought of this being a useful way of avoiding bullies! So make sure you check out the post and Harri’s sites and profiles — and buy his book! Enjoy! It’s About Being “Different” … 1) Talents For example, if you’re particularly good at something like… Read More »5 Reasons Bullying Happens At School

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6 Ways To Make Hollywood Fall In Love With Your Pitch

Pitching is just like being the nervous suitor asking for a date. Is she or he going to like you? Do you have an exciting or intriguing personality? Do you have passion? This is where initial appearances do matter. Here are 6 ways to make sure you go home with them at the end of the evening. 1. Google, Facebook and IMDB them. i.e. Do your research. How promiscuous are they? How many projects have they done and what genres do they like? Pitching horror to someone who does comedy is a sure way to go home alone. 2. Don’t… Read More »6 Ways To Make Hollywood Fall In Love With Your Pitch

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5 Top Tips On Visuals For Your Novel From Hollywood Blockbusters

I love RJ’s ideas here, especially the notion of a “mental back pocket” and using “ordinary” places and experiences to evoke EXTRAORDINARY detail in your novel! Nice on RJ … Enjoy! What makes the pages of an action thriller turn into a treat for the mind’s eye? It is a question that has a one word answer: visualisation. My name is RJ Mitchell and I am the author of a Glaswegian crime thriller series which has just seen its third novel “The Longest Shadow”, published on November 21, by Fledgling Press of Edinburgh. I am an ex-cop from Glasgow and my… Read More »5 Top Tips On Visuals For Your Novel From Hollywood Blockbusters

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