Anyone living in Los Angeles who has opposable thumbs is required to write a screenplay. — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
Many writers struggle with exposition in their novels. Often they heap it on in large chunks of straight narrative. Back story – what happens before the novel opens – is especially troublesome. How can we give the essentials and avoid a mere information drop? Use dialogue. First, create a tension-filled scene, usually between two characters. Get them arguing, confronting each… — James Scott Bell Copy Share
“The exclamation point is a loud party-goer, demanding attention. Overdone, it can be annoying.” — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“At this point in the story, the character looks at himself. He takes stock of where he is in the conflict and––depending on the type of story––has either of two basic thoughts. In a character-driven story, he looks at himself and wonders what kind of person he is. What is he becoming? If he continues the fight of Act II,… — James Scott Bell Copy Share
The thing I do at the beginning is a "voice journal," a free form doc that is the character speaking to me. I just… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“Dwight Swain, the great writing teacher, once said that the secret of excitement is to go deeper into your characters. Create more backstory, more… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
Think of it as the Doorway of No Return. The feeling must be that your lead character, once she passes through, cannot go home… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“A good story transports the reader to a new place via experience. Not through arguments or facts, but through the illusion that life is… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
The most important rule: Do not, I repeat, do not censor yourself in any way. Leave your editorial mind out of the loop. Just… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
My philosophy on writing books is that if you learn only one new thing, or even get a new take on something you already… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“At some point you’re going to have to formulate your copy, and if you do it early, it will keep you from writing a… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“Transformation is about change, and change needs to be proven. People can talk a good game. Someone can say he's sorry for stealing and… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
