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Top 5 Concept Mistakes Writers Make

Concept IS Story Concept aka ‘premise’, ‘controlling idea’, ‘seed of the story’. Whatever you want to call it, that concept is the FOUNDATION of your story, whether you’re writing a novel or screenplay. Contrary to the popular belief amongst ‘aspiring’ screenwriters on social media that it’s ‘the execution that counts’ (newsflash: it’s NOT), concept is actually the MOST IMPORTANT BIT. Why? Because if your concept does not sound interesting from pitch level UP, then no one will invest their time or money in your work – whether they are agents, producers, publishers, viewers or readers.  It’s not rocket science!!! Concept… Read More »Top 5 Concept Mistakes Writers Make

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Everything You’ll Ever Need For Writing Great Heroes

All About Heroes Heroes are the number 1 archetype for any writer … They’re the protagonist ‘everyone’ wants to write. The archetypal hero appears in all religions, mythologies and epics of the world. He is an expression of our personal and collective unconscious, as theorised by Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell and Christopher Vogler. What’s more, all archetypal heroes share certain characteristics. See how many of these you can recognise from your own favourite heroes: Traditionally male (and straight, plus able-bodied; in the world of movies, generally white too) Born into danger, or royalty (or both) Leaves family or land and lives with… Read More »Everything You’ll Ever Need For Writing Great Heroes

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6 Important Writing Reminders From THE SHAPE OF WATER

Right now, diversity is the name of the game in storytelling, so it’s no accident a movie like THE SHAPE OF WATER won ‘Best Picture’ at The Oscars last week. (Whilst Jordan Peele’s GET OUT was technically more ‘deserving’ of the so-called diverse tag, it is still a genre movie … Whereas historically, The Oscars have always been more appreciative of drama movies, even ones with sci fi elements like TSOW). I won’t pretend THE SHAPE OF WATER was my favourite movie of the year because it wasn’t, but there’s still plenty for writers to learn here. Let’s go: 1)… Read More »6 Important Writing Reminders From THE SHAPE OF WATER

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6 Things I Learned From Debbie Moon, Showrunner on WOLFBLOOD

The new year might seem like old news now, but there’s still a whole load of brand new writing opportunities for us to check out … Whether you’re planning on submitting your spec to an agent, or entering a few competitions –buckle up, read on and make some notes! Today, we’re lucky enough to have screenwriter and showrrunner Debbie Moon share her top 4 tips on how YOU can create a spec script that will stand out in any submission pile. Debbie is a television writer AND author, but she is also known as the creator and show-runner of the hit… Read More »6 Things I Learned From Debbie Moon, Showrunner on WOLFBLOOD

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Everything You Need To Know About Character Archetypes

All About Character Archetypes One of the most-searched Google terms leading writers to B2W is ‘stereotypes versus archetypes’. These two terms are mixed up so often … ESPECIALLY in film reviews by clueless critics, grrr. So it’s no wonder writers have trouble keeping track of them as well. Stereotypes relate to ‘the simplification of an idea or person’ (hint: that’s usually bad! Though not unless it’s on purpose … ie. for comedic effect).  However, archetypes are a GREAT place to start with our own characters. After all, we can’t subvert characters and twist them, without knowing what has gone before!… Read More »Everything You Need To Know About Character Archetypes

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5 Ways To Stand Out In The Script Pile

One of the top searches on B2W is ‘How to get an agent or manager’ – so if this is you? Then make sure you check out this brilliant initiative from Coverage Ink! They’re a US company that offers quality screenwriting reports – I should know, ‘cos B2W reads for em (and so, incidentally, does B2W sistren Write So Fluid). What I love about Get Repped Now is that it’s a win-win situation for writers: get that feted CONSIDER, a bona fide literary manager will check out your writing … But even if you don’t,  you get a detailed script report… Read More »5 Ways To Stand Out In The Script Pile

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How To Avoid Stereotypes When Writing Diverse Characters

How To Avoid Stereotypes If you Googled how to avoid stereotypes, you’ve come to the right place. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll know September 2017 saw the launch of my new B2W book, Writing Diverse Characters For Fiction, TV and Film (Creative Essentials). Marginalised characters have been a focus of B2W for years, so it made sense that I finally pull all my resources and experiences with this important element together, in one handy guide. So, from talking to the Bang2writers, a common cry is: ‘I want to write diverse characters … but I’m SCARED of getting it… Read More »How To Avoid Stereotypes When Writing Diverse Characters

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2 Important Lessons LIFE (2017) Can Teach Screenwriters

Mild Spoilers So I watched LIFE recently. I love a good space movie, not to mention a creature feature, so creature features in space tick all the boxes for me. Add Jake Gyllenhal *and* Ryan Reynolds?? BINGO. So, here’s my thoughts on this movie and what it can teach screenwriters in the way of a script report. Ready? LET’S GO: What’s Working The screenwriting/directing team behind this movie also brought us Deadpool and Safe House, so needless to say we’re in pretty safe (arf) hands here. These guys know their space movies, especially Alien and we’re treated to some excellent gore… Read More »2 Important Lessons LIFE (2017) Can Teach Screenwriters

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THIS Is Why Your Writing Career Is In The Crapper

Feel Like Your Writing Career Is In The Crapper? Very often, Bang2writers send me S.O.S emails and messages about their writing career being ‘in the crapper’. They will feel they are ‘getting nowhere’ and can’t see how to improve their lot. They may also express incredulity *their* stories are not getting any traction … Especially when they believe the likes of Hollywood or Big 5 publishers produce a load of crap. Bang2writers, we gotta talk! You may have noticed (!) that B2W is about what NOT to do when it comes to writing … That’s because there is no ‘right’… Read More »THIS Is Why Your Writing Career Is In The Crapper

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How To Create A Memorable Antagonist

What’s a story without a masterful villain? A boring thing that gets no one’s attention, right? Great stories are based on conflicts between good and evil, meaning that a memorable antagonist is just as important as the story’s protagonist! But how exactly do you create an outstanding antagonist? Check out these tips  to understand the essential characteristics of a memorable antagonist. The imperfection of a perfect villain Name few of the most powerful antagonists you can think of. Is there a violent and psychotic gangster, a murderer, or sociopath among them? Are some of them a simple guy next-door ?… Read More »How To Create A Memorable Antagonist

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7 More Cheesy Epic Fails To Avoid In Your Writing

Storytelling can be brilliant, but certain elements of storytelling GET OLD very quickly. Sometimes, the device itself is at fault; other times it’s HOW it’s used. This is why we need to be storytelling experts, to keep things fresh and ‘real’. We need to examine the various devices, cliches and fails – as well as those stories that do it WELL. So here’s 7 more epic fails for you to chew on … enjoy! 1) ‘Hello …?’ This is when someone ‘hears’ something … and calls ahead. Err, NO! Suspense and anticipation are really important, especially in the Horror and… Read More »7 More Cheesy Epic Fails To Avoid In Your Writing

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15 Cheesy Writing Fails To Avoid In The First 10 Pages

Cheesy Writing Fails We all know we have to avoid the cheesy writing fails to get ahead. As all screenwriters know, the first ten pages can be make or break … But now novelists – both self-published AND trying to smash their way out of the slush pile – are finding they have to hit the ground running too. Readers and viewers are more media literate than ever and they simply WILL NOT ‘wait’ for the story to start! When the beginning of your work is SO important, it simply doesn’t make sense to include scenes or elements we’ve seen a gazillion times… Read More »15 Cheesy Writing Fails To Avoid In The First 10 Pages

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