How to Write Without Writing

Taking time away from your screenplay has value

When I’m working on a screenplay or an idea for a story there is always downtime. Last year I worked out several ideas for short film scripts during my daily walks. I would think about a story idea and images would start to arrive. I would think through the major beats of the script.

After these walks, I would sit down and much of the script was worked out and ready to be put on paper.

When I work on a feature length screenplay I outline up to the midpoint. I have character bios, I know what my major themes are, and I create a beat sheet up to the middle of the story. Once I have those pieces in place I start writing scenes. I usually draft between two to four scenes. This works out to eight to ten pages. When I sit down to write, I’m not worried about how many pages I will write in a day. I’m focused on writing the next scene and the next scene.

After an hour or so I take a break. I review the beat sheet and keep in mind what I will be working on the next time I sit down to write.

During my down time those ideas play out in the background. When it’s time to work on the script again I review the beat sheet and I start writing.

I believe a lot of what we do runs in the background. Stories play out in the subconscious. Time away from the work makes it feel fresh when it’s time to sit down to write.

I’ve used free writing to get words on the page and it can be a useful tool when you’re starting out. If I push it too much the writing feels forced. I have a regular job and other commitments so when it’s time to write I need to focus on getting words down on the page. I don’t really feel like I get writer’s block any more. I procrastinate. All writers learn all of the ways they can put off writing. But there are times when not writing consciously can help the process when you’re ready to sit down and write.

Cleaning is great if you’re dealing with writer’s block. You may not have anything written, but all the dishes are done and the floor is clean. It’s all about doing a mundane activity while not focusing on anything else. I’ve also gotten script ideas and worked out script ideas during workouts.

Time away from trying to write can be as valuable as the time spent sitting down to write.

I plan on making a spooky micro short, a creepy short, and a horror / thriller feature this year. To make these films happen, I need you, your friends, and your creepy cousin. Filmmaking will happen in Chicago. If you would like to support this horror slate, please connect: lance@hungeranddread.com

Next week’s blog: Write Fast, Agonize Later

Check out last week’s blog post: Filmmaking is Madness