How To Write A Screenplay When The Weather's Nice

How To Write A Screenplay When The Weather’s Nice

July 8th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting

Screenwriting has a way of dominating entire afternoons. You sit down in the morning and before you know it you’re in the zone and time ceases to exist.

I believe to truly be passionate about something it has to be fun.

What’s the point if it’s not any fun?

This works both ways because you can never be really focused on your latest screenplay if you aren’t happy.

It’s a cycle that I make sure to pay close attention to. I struggle to focus if my head is else where.

So how do you write a screenplay when the weather is nice?

Don’t!

Why not head out and take a break for the afternoon? I’m not suggesting that you spend every nice day outside ignoring your need to write but once in a while doesn’t hurt.

I call them RECHARGE DAYS.

Sometimes the easiest way to take the pressure off is to step away for a bit and enjoy a gorgeous day.

The way I see it, you’ll regret not going out and living like a regular human being.

A while back, I was stuck on my most recent short screenplay. It was an incredibly frustrating week.

Read: What to do if your screenplay isn’t working.

So instead of forcing myself and the story, I stepped away and enjoyed a weekend outdoors. I came back recharged and ready to get back to work.

I had decided that setting that particular script aside would be the right move as it gives me more time to develop the story.

Then I began work on a new tale which is going extremely well so far.

Taking the time to live away from screenwriting always gives me an appreciation for the craft. I couldn’t wait to get back to it.