Posted by sean at 206.30.92.135 on February 23, 2000 at 11:31:18:
In Reply to: Screenwritings Are Whiners posted by Soundcow on February 23, 2000 at 01:25:26:
: Kevin, I'm currently finishing off Syd Field's "Screenplay" book, and I was wondering whether or not you go into the screenwriting trance when you're making scripts: becoming distant, somewhat moody, coming upon obstacles to the writing, lingering when it comes to finishing it off, etc.
I keep meaning to read that book ... for what it's worth, when I write, I wait a while to figure it all out before I put anything down on paper (except, sometimes, general notes) in order both to avoid becoming moody when I hit an obstacle (I've got a script that I hit an obstacle on 90 pages in; that was two years ago ... it sucks, but I liked it at the time, and got really frustrated that nothing would work in there) and to save time on actual writing. But once I have it all together (usually that one thing pops into my head), I'll focus entirely on writing. So the distant part is definitely right, but I think you have to, 'cause if you're really personable while you're writing, you'll keep being distracted by people.
(Of course, it's also a first draft, and a lot of the dialogue is very loose, 'cause I'm not sure exactly how I want it said but I know what I want, if somewhat vaguely sometimes.)
That's my two cents. I never claimed to be a good writer or anything, so take it for what it's worth.