Chapter 1: The Importance of Story Preparation

As I gear up for my "From Concept to Outline" workshop, starting July 8, 2024, I want to share a special offer on my book, The Protagonist's Journey: An Introduction to Character-Driven Screenwriting and Storytelling, which has achieved Amazon's #1 Best Seller status in Film and Television.

It's essential to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all method for writing. Each writer has a unique style, and every story requires a tailored approach. Nevertheless, I believe that the significance of preparation in writing cannot be overstated. Whether it involves brainstorming, character development, research, or outlining, engaging in preparation thoughtfully is crucial before you reach that pivotal FADE IN.

In essence, preparing your story is akin to breaking a wild horse—it's a necessary process. While I understand the desire to dive straight into writing, which can help overcome the primary hurdle of simply starting, it's vital to balance that impulse with the need to find your story.

Prep-writing lays the foundation for successful page-writing.

Some writers may resist any form of preparation, opting instead to type FADE IN immediately. This is perfectly acceptable if it suits your creative flow. However, I have observed that writers who neglect to identify key plot points before beginning often struggle to complete their scripts. Without clarity, confusion arises, leading to dwindling enthusiasm and, ultimately, frustration and failure.

Moreover, even if a writer makes it to FADE OUT, the absence of thorough prep work often results in subpar drafts. Without adequate preparation, the opportunity to explore diverse narrative avenues is lost, limiting the potential of the story.

It's also important to note that aspiring professional writers must develop the ability to produce stories efficiently. When faced with a contract that specifies a ten-week delivery timeline, having a solid prep strategy is invaluable. Otherwise, you may find yourself at a loss when the deadline looms.

If you're interested in writing for television, preparation becomes even more critical. In one-hour dramas, for instance, writers typically outline narratives for entire seasons before assigning scripts. Much of the writers' room time is dedicated to breaking stories, which is essential for a successful outcome.

That said, there is no singular method for everyone. If a complete outline stifles your creativity, feel free to forego it. However, you must find a way to understand your story, and engaging in prep can facilitate that process. This way, you can focus on the more enjoyable aspects of writing—such as crafting dialogue and building character interactions—without the burden of trying to piece the story together in real-time.

I've witnessed many writers transform their perspectives on preparation. Those who initially believed prep would hinder their creativity often find it liberating after working with me. I have received numerous testimonials affirming this transformation.

After collaborating with over 1,000 writers—from novices to seasoned professionals—I've developed a six-stage process in my prep workshop that mirrors the approach detailed in Part III of The Protagonist's Journey. If you're curious about a proven method for story preparation, consider joining my workshop, which starts on July 8.

The beauty of this approach is threefold:

1. You will enter the writing phase with confidence, having already established your story.
2. You can dedicate your creative energy to character development, themes, and pacing, rather than wrestling with plot structure.
3. By dedicating six weeks to preparation, you will likely reduce your overall writing time and increase your chances of completing your draft.

Here are a few testimonials from past participants:

"'From Concept to Outline' is a course I wish I had known about a couple of years ago. I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone embarking on their first script or any script." — Camilla Castree

"This has been an outstanding class. I've taken courses from other sources that didn't meet expectations, but here, I've gained so much more than I anticipated." — Daniel O'Donahue

"I entered Scott's Prep class unsure if I would ever finish a script; I left with the tools, confidence, and inspiration to complete a first draft in just a few months. Incredible!" — Jessica Sada

Don't miss out—spaces are limited to ensure I can provide personalized feedback on each writer's assignments. Only five spots remain!

For those who enroll in the 2024 session of Prep: From Concept to Outline, I’ll send a personalized, autographed copy of The Protagonist's Journey. This offer is valid in North America.

To learn more or to register, visit here.

Chapter 2: Embracing Your Characters

The heart of effective prep-writing lies in cultivating curiosity about your characters. Engage with them, learn their histories, and explore their personalities. This in-depth understanding will organically shape the story as you progress through the prep stage.

I encourage you to truly "break your story in prep."

Discover six simple tricks that can help you overcome writer's block and reignite your passion for storytelling in this insightful video.