8 Writing Groups on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the best social media networks for connecting with like-minded peers. Below are some of the top groups I have identified for writers.

Finding the Main Event

Recently on the ScriptNotes podcast entitled My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend’s Screenwriter, Mike Birbiglia, a writer, director, performer, and creator of "Sleepwalk With Me" shared a very good insight about creating a story. Often, in writing, the suggestion is to start with your ending so that you know where you are going.

Mike said:

...is finding a main event that the whole film or play builds towards. And if that main event is interesting enough, all you have to do is build backwards to it so that secretly, as a writer, your little trick is that you know that no one has any idea that where you’re going is pretty fascinating.

5 Ways to Increase Writing Productivity

Donna Gambale, Philadelphia-based YA writer, shares 5 opportunities to brainstorm on projects  to keep it fresh and allow you to progress more rapidly when you sit down to write.

1. Driving
2. Doing Chores
3. Falling Asleep
4. Cooking
5. Waiting

The full list of opportunities is described in the Writer's Digest article 5 OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE YOUR WRITING PRODUCTIVITY (WITHOUT ACTUALLY WRITING)

The Cure for Writer's Block

Give yourself permission to write...garbage

13 Top Screenplays available for Download from the Studios

Download PDF versions of the screenplays of some of the past years best received films.

Finding Story Goals

In setting out the plot, we need to think about the main character.
What does the character want? What is the character's goal, the long term goal?
The character is striving toward something. It should be a measurable goal, achievable goal, though difficult.
The character's goal is something that the character is passionate about.

So I started banging my head trying to find the story goal that I would use. It is hard to get it out. Then I started looking at these lists to pick one.

• How to Create a Plot Outline in Eight Easy Steps
• The Story Goal: Your Key To Creating A Solid Plot Structure  
• Plot Goals Seeing Is Believing

Story Goals vs Plot Goals: There's a difference between story goals and plot goals. Story goals are the larger thematic goals that usually describe the character growth or the idea behind the tale. They're more conceptual, and work as a guide in determining the types of plot goals your protagonist will encounter. Plot goals are the physical things your protagonist does to achieve those more lofty story goals.
Story goal: To find love again after a bad breakup. (this is what the story is about)
Plot goal: To go to the museum and talk to cute guys. (this is one thing the protagonist does during the story)

From Goal - Conflict - Stakes. Why You Need All Three 

 

Do you have more ways to find a story goal?

4 Terrific Places to Share Writing and Critique Work

Here are some of the forums I have found to share writing and critique peer works.

• Scribophile
• Triggerstreet Labs
• StoryWrite
• Talentville

What sites have you found for sharing your writing and offering critiques.