How to Solve Writers Block When Scripting
Tips for the Writer Who's Stuck in the Story
Many script writers often start off scripts with a complete story in mind. Often times writers will assume the story will transfer from thoughts to the page seamlessly. A few pages in however, those same writers find themselves stuck in the mire of writers block. Here are some time tested techniques for when the pages aren’t flowing.
Use the Character Interview to get Over the Hump
When a story seems to be bogged down, try using a technique called the character interview. Create a list of twenty questions to ask the main characters. Be sure the questions reveal character traits. Why are they doing what they’re doing in the story? Answer the questions as the characters and the writer will likely reveal more of their personality in the interview. If possible, portions of the character interview can even be used in the story.
A great example of the character interview being used in the story is found in the movie The Incredibles. At the opening credits Mr. Incredible, discusses how nice it would be if the world could just “stay saved” for a while. Also Elastagirl, remarks how foolish it would be for her to “settle down” right now. Fast forward into the movie, and their lives are quite different. Mr. Incredible is now wishing to live as a superhero again. Elastagirl herself is enjoying the “settled down” life.
The writers at PIXAR used character interview to contrast the former and present lives of the characters.
Be Sure your Character Drivers are not Holding you Back
Often, writers are stuck in the story because the character drivers simply are not strong enough. A character driver is something that moves the main characters towards their actions. Stuck in writers block? It could be because the characters don’t have anywhere to go.
In the film Amistad, just when it seems Baldwin has positioned himself to win the case, President Van Buren appeals to the Supreme Court. This is the driver that forces Baldwin to continue building his case and ultimately brings about the climax of the movie. If the President does not appeal, then it is likely Baldwin easily wins the case and the movie loses much of the struggle.
Be sure the character drivers are forcing the characters into their actions. If need be, create drivers that didn’t exist before. Creating new drivers will often serve to lift you from writers block.
Remember Narrative and Flashback as Useful Storytelling Tools
If the story is proving difficult, try making a list of all the various tools of writing. Perhaps narrative or flashback can be used to help lift the writer’s block. Narration is used to fill in many cracks in the film The Shawshank Redemption. The character Red moves the story along by his narrations, filling in gaps when needed.
In the same vein, flashback is often used to fill in blanks or holes in the story. If one particular story is causing writers block, try a flashback or two. Go into the past of the main characters, perhaps there are story drivers or other vital information yet to be unearthed.
Mundane Tasks can Allow your Mind to Work on the Story and Prove an Effective Cure for Writers Block
If none of the above tips are working, it may be best to walk away from the pages for a time. Forcing a story out of writers block can prove disastrous. Many cases of writers block can be cured by mundane tasks. Use an everyday task or chore to let your mind process and re work the script in your unconscious. It may seem as if putting the script down and washing a car is a form of giving up. Yet it is in these mundane moments many writers have found inspiration.
Overcoming writers block can be frustrating, but with the right tools you can find your way out of the mire.
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