Screenwriting: Dealing With Time Constraints

June 1st, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting

When it comes to screenwriting, I tend to spend more time developing ideas then actually filling up the pages.

There are many reasons for this. First and foremost, it’s easier to develop because you can do it anywhere. Whether you are riding a bus or staring at the ceiling before falling to sleep, there is always work that can be done.

There comes a time when every screenwriter has to sit down and type. It’s unavoidable. You can’t call yourself a screenwriter if you aren’t writing screenplays.

XTRA | Writing About Screenwriting… Instead Of Screenwriting

I haven’t written much lately because of my directing commitments to The Climb. It’s a valid excuse. There’s no reason to focus on a new script when you have a shoot approaching.

We wrapped production a month ago.

Why haven’t I started writing yet?

I have a theory. I’m the type of writer who gets going and then completely loses track of time. More and more, I find it hard to sit down and write knowing I only have a couple hours or less.

Anyone else have that problem? It’s like I’m mentally blocked. Sometimes, it honestly feels like there is no point to even started if my time is limited.

Should I think like that? Is it just an excuse?

After a lot of thought, I think I’ve developed a solution to my problem:

Get over it!

It’s time I took my own advice… It’s time to started banging out the shorts and finish my latest feature once and for all.

I’ve dealt with the idea of finding time to write before. This post merely serves as a reminder that it’s an ongoing battle when you are an amateur screenwriter. You have to stick with it and FIND a way to write. You have to learn to balance your life so you can write the screenplays you love.

It’s referred to as a passion for a reason. You have to feed that passion.

XTRA | Shut up, sit down and write screenplays