Books Quote by Jane Goldman
“If you're writing a novel, you can afford to see where the spirit takes you, but in terms of structure and engineering with a screenplay, you have to be quite pragmatic; otherwise, it will run away from you.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Craft of Screenwriting, Jane Goldman, 2015
Screenplays need a clear, pragmatic structure to keep the story on track, unlike the freer flow of novel writing.
In simple terms: Screenplays require tight structure; novels can be freer.
Key Takeaway
Apply disciplined plotting to scripts.
Themes
creativity
structure
discipline
writing process
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
instructional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- screenwriting workshops
- film production
- story outlining
Key Concepts
Narrative architecture
plotting
genre conventions
Questions to Reflect On
- When does structure become a constraint?
- How can you balance spontaneity with planning?
A Different Perspective
Strict structure may stifle creative spontaneity.
![“I've quit writing screenplay [adaptations]. It's too much work. I don't look at writing a novel as work, because I only have to please myself. I have a good time sitting here by myself, thinking up situations and characters, getting them to talk - it's so satisfying. But screenwriting's different…” quote by Elmore Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/396/elmore-leonard-3471_adaptation_i-ve-quit-writing-screenplay-adaptations_2640851.jpg)
