Storytelling: 6 Essential Questions

Are there rules for writing a screenplay? I don’t think so. Or rather: there are a LOT - all sorts of theories and ideal structures - and most of them offer SOMETHING helpful.
But in the end you need to figure out how to write YOUR SCRIPT.
And I believe that means asking yourself QUESTIONS.
These 6 questions are the most important that I know for figuring out how to turn a chaos of ideas and feelings into a dramatic story.
- - - - -
This channel is here to help you learn to write for screens - ANY kind of screens, from Hollywood tentpole to streaming series to DIY indie.
Want to know more about me? Want to work with me, one-on-one? Script reading and consulting, project and process consulting: go to WRITINGFORSCREENS.COM.
Credits Motion Graphics: Xander Brennan, xanbrennan.com
Credits Music: musicfornothing.com
Additional Music:
www.bensound.com/royalty-free...
www.freesound.org/magixmusic

[@writingforscreens]

Hey everyone - this is VERY IMPORTANT: these questions are not a TEST of anything! They don't "prove" anything is good or bad. If they don't always work for you, DON'T WORRY. They are just TOOLS!! They're just to help you with your own writing process! Use them IF they make it easier - and IGNORE them if they DON'T!

[@daneoman1000]

I would disagree that’s its about the people, it’s about the CHARACTERS (Wallee, woody & Buzz, TARS are not people) but story is superior, great 6 steps, agreed.

[@writingforscreens]

@@daneoman1000 Thanks! (Characters, people, animals, robots, bugs....whatever you call them, I just think we follow them and care about them.)

[@catthewondahokulea6515]

Thank you for the awesome tips and the hard work!

[@writingforscreens]

@@catthewondahokulea6515 Thank YOU for watching and commenting!

[@enshk79]

Characters are part of a good story. Cant have a good story with bad characters. Period. (My opinion. Totally subjective)

[@JenniVander]

These questions get straight to the heart of storytelling. I'm finding this very useful for my novel writing.

[@writingforscreens]

Thanks, I'm really glad you find them helpful! I do think that the same problems and principles show up in a lot of different forms of storytelling, it's terrific to hear that you're having that experience.

[@filmcourage]

Glenn, congrats on 1000 subscribers! It is so awesome to see all the hard work you have been putting into this channel pay off. Keep it up!

[@writingforscreens]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! It's all because of you, honestly - your endless efforts to give everyone a voice and some help. You're the ultimate connectors :)

[@JacobPatrick1]

@@writingforscreens Ahh

[@jolaajtak7861]

@@writingforscreensIt's kind of true. : ) I just came because of the interviews with Film Courage.

[@fellowcitizen]

Thanks for introducing me to this channel, and to Shannan's 🐾

[@JustTooRiskyMedia]

3 years later, he's at 19.2k subs.

[@KeenX72]

I 've always wanted to write a compelling story, but I've never know what makes one good. I've tried reading and watching as many great stories as I can and just emulating them but nothing I've come up with really stuck. Eventually I decided to sit down and actually research what makes for good storytelling, and now I'm coming up with much better stories. In fact, I even used these 6 questions to write this comment.

[@writingforscreens]

Yay! Thank you. (How did it end? I hope it ended happily :) )

[@miriamrobarts]

@@writingforscreens They did write how it ended: "and now I'm coming up with much better stories." Sounds like a happy & optimistic ending to me.

[@writingforscreens]

@@miriamrobarts Yes! Thank you :)

[@guitar300k]

wow, it's a good story, I didn't even notice it

[@writingforscreens]

@@guitar300k Haha - yes indeed!

[@SuperAudience]

Love you man! From watching your speech in film courage, KZbin suggested this gem. Thanks so much for an exclusive video about these 6...

[@writingforscreens]

So great to know these ideas are useful to you! Inspires me to keep making more.

[@littletodger7008]

Bang! Got it on one. Do these simple things (well, not so simple that they don't contain worlds) and you will write stories - and you will never have writer's block. Much gratitude Glen.

[@writingforscreens]

And gratitude right back for watching and taking the time to respond! You have no idea how motivating it is for me to know that my attempts to make sense of this stuff is connecting with others.

[@Silverbolt74]

I've been stuck for months due to my anxiety. Thank you for breaking it down like that. I'm excited to start writing again.

[@writingforscreens]

I'm so glad to hear that it's helpful. Small steps, keep exploring - you'll find your way!

[@shinebrightlywithmalaika]

I always come back to these questions with every new story I start or idea I mull over to see if it's got traction. To me, these questions are a much simpler approach to the 3-Act Structure and they help to delineate from the story objective and scene objective.

[@writingforscreens]

I am SO glad to hear they are helpful! Thank you so much for this comment - and for coming on the livestreams :)

[@gustavocoronel4893]

Thanks! Greetings from Argentina

[@monkspot561]

Hi Glenn, Film Courage brought me here. I'm a novelist who loves learning from screenwriters. You got to the pith. Thank you for putting this together. Not only was it super informative, but really motivational as well.

[@writingforscreens]

So glad to hear that! Working on more of them. Really grateful to have you let me know it's worth doing.

[@yateoi]

Was having a hard time getting into the writing flow for a project. I'm giving this a try. Thanks for the class!

[@writingforscreens]

I hope it helps! Remember: the point is to get your heart and head into the story WITH the character. It's not a checklist to check-off and set aside. Find YOUR way to tell YOUR story :)

[@BJ-fj6jw]

BRILLIANT SIR, YOU HAVE SHARED A CORE PIECE OF WHAT MOST WOULD SELFISHLY GUARD WITH THEIR LIFE... I HAVE WATCHED THIS VIDEO IN UTTER AMAZEMENT. I LOVE IT WHEN PROFESSIONALS CONDENSE WHAT WE CALL MAGIC AND UNFATHOMABLE INTO A HANDFUL OF CONCRETE ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS. YOU HAVE COMPRESSED THE RAW MATERIALS OF STORYTELLING INTO A SOLID DIAMOND. I BELIEVE WE ALL FEEL THE WORTH OF WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN TO US - WITH INFINITE GRATITUDE. THANK YOU!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much!

[@meredithkurz6134]

Glenn Gers , you're a good teacher. Thank you for this. We wonder and wonder what the heck's wrong with a scene (I write short stories - doesn't matter - every story is scenes) and you offer us questions - not formulas - not guaranteed - just asking the right questions. Appreciate it.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much!! I am grateful that you "get it": all any of us can do is gather tools and tricks and try them out, and keep figuring out our own path. I'm glad to hear my teaching helps!

[@boswor]

I don't know how to say it, but at some point in my life, I found that this skill is the greatest skill one can acquire, without exaggeration. I really don't know how to thank you, Mr. Glenn. I wish you a happy life from the bottom of my heart❤.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you SO much - I am really happy to hear that sharing the result of my own creative struggles can help.

[@HowDoU_Sleep]

Damn. I’ve not been writing for a while bc I lost my direction with my passion project, but now that I’ve watched this… let’s just say that I have hope. 🙏Thank you🙏

[@writingforscreens]

I'm so glad to hear this!! Hope is good. Keep exploring, keep working on it, small steps.

[@authorsatoshi9148]

I just subscribed. I have Witten 700k words but I stopped a couple of months ago because of Tinnitus. It's just hard to focus with ringing in the ears. But a few days ago, I decided to write again instead of falling into depression and I accidentally stumbled on this channel. For me, the video literally ends "Writer's block". Thank you so much Mr. Glen.

[@writingforscreens]

Wow - thank you so much for this message! I am very very sorry to hear about your tinnitus; I am sure it is very debilitating and painful. I hope that my videos can help you work, and to work WITHIN your reality - which hopefully will continue to improve. Best of luck, and thank you again.

[@timothymaggenti717]

First this is brilliant, secondly, you are brilliant, and thank you very much. I have been trying to figure this out for way too long and you summed it all up in what 8:02 WOW. Well that was finally eight minutes of my life that matter the most. Thank you so much.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank YOU so much! When you create anything, even a how-to video, you're just guessing on whether it will "work" - there is nothing more amazing and gratifying than to hear from a stranger that your work "worked" for them!!

[@herberthowardjones9982]

Wisdom desperately needed, thanks.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!!

[@blue_evolution_studio_official]

Thank you very much for sharing these important questions with us

[@writingforscreens]

I'm very glad you find them helpful!!

[@rich9785]

Thanks Glenn.. you’re a champion!!

[@lizlefae]

Thank You for this tool! I hope to use it effectively!

[@Mr.Monta77]

I think this channel offer amazing value.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much! Comments like this really matter.

[@Aysquare]

Wow! Thank you so much for this, you are a LIVE SAVER

[@writingforscreens]

Thank YOU so much for reaching out to comment! I really appreciate it.

[@micahstarr8606]

To start, I have to thank you so much! Seeing your interview with Film Courage pop up onto my screen feels akin to divine intervention. I've wanted to write for so long and have been playing scenes in my head for a number of ideas, but have only been able to sustain inspiration for short bursts (I've always blamed this on my mild bipolar issue, lots of ups and downs), but knowing that this is not unusual is like letting out a breath I've been holding for way too long. Your videos are so helpful and are making me feel as though I may actually be able to someday complete a story or two. You are a miracle sir, your words have helped to inspire and encourage me, and I know I'm only one of so very many who feel this way. Thank you again for all you are doing!

[@writingforscreens]

I'm very glad to be helping. Art IS difficult - it's not something most people do, so they don't know how to understand/advise. There's a lot of good info out there, from artists, for artists - and from bipolar people and experts! The main thing is: small steps, and look at yourself and the world honestly so you can figure out what really works, what's really possible, and what really matters. It's rarely what people-who-don't-create-stuff think. Small steps, over time. Keep doing it, and you'll learn as you go...which is what we all have to do :)

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

That was very generous of you and much appreciated!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!

[@TheLuconic]

Omg, this formula is jot only gonna improve my writing but also help me with good kinds of filler. Because my story is too bare bones and not enough meat. Thank you!!!! This solves my chapter crisis.

[@writingforscreens]

Hooray! So glad to hear that it's helpful.

[@exili]

Glenn I’m grateful for your channel and the insights you share; looking forward to learning from you!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much - great seeing you on the Livestreams!

[@Lake_Filter]

I love watching your videos at the start of my writing sessions. I often find gems about the obstacles I am currently having, either the possible solutions or simply just a better understanding of what the core of my problems are. Thank you for making these kinds of content.

[@writingforscreens]

I'm so very glad to hear that these videos work this way for you! It's exactly what I hoped they would do!

[@realitymyquest]

Thanks so much Glenn for this helpful and succinct guide on story development!

[@writingforscreens]

Really glad it's helpful! Thanks!

[@abhiraaid]

This is so powerful. Thanks for sharing this Glenn

[@writingforscreens]

You're welcome, I am glad it is useful!

[@samhhaincat2703]

Thanks for this. I've been watching a bunch of "writing" videos and you're the first person who doesn't sound like a pretentious, annoying know-it-all and actually sounds encouraging.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much! It's really encouraging to hear this. I think many teachers have something to offer, as long as you take the bits or ideas that help and disregard the pretentious or annoying stuff :)

[@Bosonfriendly]

Good stuff. Sometimes its just the basics we need to learn/fix/be reminded of. Thank you for doing that for me and others. Respect!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!

[@anthonypizzoferrato5363]

Grateful for your words of wisdom, they are truly a RX for any story or complete thought.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!

[@cporrasramirez]

I have spent a lot of time looking for these answers to how to write a story and I feel like it takes a huge weight off my shoulders to know that there is content like yours that allows me to easily understand it and that I can tell stories. Thank you.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much for this beautiful message - please do keep exploring your creativity!

[@ShivKachiwala]

So much I learned and so many things got clarified by asking these 6 simple questions! Kudos to you! Great help. Thanks a lot!

[@writingforscreens]

Very glad to hear this - thank you for watching and commenting!

[@amunkhot]

Thank you for making these videos. Clearest guidance for when you’re lost.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!

[@patataeve]

Just found your awesome channel, thank you so much for sharing all this knowledge and wisdom!!!!

[@writingforscreens]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@RodMartinJr]

Saw one of your interview clips on Film Courage and loved it. Subscribed. As a lifetime writer, even with a few screenplays under my belt (though not sold or optioned), I always enjoy the learning process.

[@writingforscreens]

Thanks so much! Working creatively and learning all life long - whether or not you "sell" - is a marvelous and healthy thing to do!

[@deathpresent101]

My mind is blown and inspired! Time to start writing, thank you!

[@writingforscreens]

Yay! Thank you so much!

[@Mattnova_116]

This is better understood than your "Film Courage" video. Thank you.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!

[@mattmanpro]

Very cool. As you say in the description, there are so many paradigms, theories, etc. and while none of them are "the answer", they're all pushing on parts of the essential thing we're all trying to find. I love hearing all kinds of methods like this and looking for the overlaps. Thank you!

[@writingforscreens]

Yes: every artist has to find their own path - so there's no way to say what will be useful. Different things for different people at different times. Glad you feel like my ideas are part of what helps!

[@kurisuchiinu1206]

I saved this and will keep coming back to this whenever I feel I'm stuck. It makes me think of my work. Thank you!

[@writingforscreens]

I'm so glad to hear this! Keep trying, small steps.

[@Corrans]

Thank you for this video and putting this info out into the world!

[@writingforscreens]

So glad it's helpful! Thank you for commenting!

[@sassybackpacker1526]

I really have no idea why KZbin threw me this video, but I love it! I'm planning on building my KZbin channel and this is excellent for thinking how to present my videos and my bigger story of which I am the main character. Thanks!!!!

[@writingforscreens]

Interesting use of this idea! Thanks!

[@chrissheridan33]

Great advice - clear and to the point! Thank you.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!

[@Toonmoonsoon]

Finally someone makes it easy to follow. That is genius. I love it.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!!

[@Search4TruthReality]

After reading many books on screenwriting and story, this short video helped stitch things together. Thank you for sharing.

[@writingforscreens]

Hooray! I am happy to be a part of the big picture: that's what any "how to" should be. The picture is for you to put together as you need it. Thank you.

[@darrallc]

Thanks for this! Helped clarify and distil the narrative drive of a short story I was writing. Very much appreciate you putting this video out. :)

[@writingforscreens]

That's great, I'm so glad it's useful!

[@quagernag]

I found your channel from film courage video that was recommended and I’m liking it! I’ve been thinking alot of my own writing style as comics artist and trying to find better tools to get stuff out of my head to paper and this seems really great, clean, almost too easy sounding method of putting things in order. Like drawing you should always remember the basic fundamentals what ever you do.

[@writingforscreens]

thank you, I'm so glad you find it helpful! I do think process ideas often cross over between different creative pursuits. Don't worry about it being too easy - it always gets harder and more complicated within the simplicity :)

[@robinmcfarland3226]

I find the questions excellent to kick off a story, character, and plot, but also beneficial as a review when checking the script to search for any weak areas that might need shoring up, because the questions take the story full circle. Thanks!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you for telling me this - I am really glad to hear it's a useful tool for you!!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Excellent video, Glenn! You hit the nail on the head with a character WANTING something. That makes us naturally want to know if they're going to get it.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!!

[@aroset]

Thank you so much for breaking this right down. This information is so beautifully succinct and cuts right down to the core. 🙏 ❤

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you! It really mens a lot to me to get this comment, you've named exactly what I worked to accomplish and it's wonderful to find out it connected with you.

[@maxhuk]

Such a valuable resource! Thank you!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!

[@guillaumegladieux9839]

Brilliant and inspiring. Thank you !

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you, that's very nice of you to say!!

[@Oscar_Lagrosen]

Hands down the best advice for storytelling I’ve ever heard, no doubt Thank you so much Glen!! Whenever I am better at storytelling, I’ll cred this video and you Storytelling is super important to have success for new creators

[@writingforscreens]

Thank YOU, what a great comment to read - as you know as a creator, it means a lot.

[@mattliglese5862]

Excellent, this process is enlightning ☀️! Thank You

[@writingforscreens]

You're very welcome!

[@lanyamatthews8033]

Thank you for taking the time to record this. It's so helpful. I'm an actor and at the beginning of my writing journey. Watching this has given me something to bounce my ideas off of. You are appreciated 🙏

[@writingforscreens]

I'm so glad to hear that these videos are useful! I believe actors make wonderful writers, because they know how to think about the life and needs of the character as the center of any drama. Keep creating!

[@LesandaMooreAuthor]

Amazing video. It took me years of research to learn what you just explained with 6 questions. Simplicity at its finest.

[@writingforscreens]

Wow - thank you!!

[@francoanzalone4061]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and putting it in layman terms!

[@writingforscreens]

So grateful to know it's connecting! Been right there with you, trying to figure it out, and this stuff is just how I explained it to myself :)

[@Kryssthealien]

Thanks a lot for the tips. Love the out-takes as well, 😂

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!!

[@karnawrites8666]

Much gratitude to you Mr. Glen and Film courage that brought me here. You just make it look so easy. Subscribed! Keep up the good work!

[@writingforscreens]

That you so much! It's never really "easy" - but it can be fun and a source of joy...and that helps when it's not easy :)

[@aventurellauk]

I saw one of your interviews on Film Courage and I immediately knew that I should subscribe to your channel. I just want to thank you for the valuable information that you so generously give out in your videos. I am incredibly grateful for all the knowledge and experience that you choose to share and for how encouraging and motivational your videos are. These are just what I need to push through and overcome my fears of failure. I know now that I am on the right path. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@writingforscreens]

You're welcome! Thank YOU so much for sharing this with me.

[@shupri]

I deeply appreciate and applaud you, Glenn Gers. What a teacher! Such clarity and sincere help thats all for free?? Every video of yours is amazingly insightful - I have learned a LOT. Thank you immensely!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much for letting me know that these ideas are useful! This is truly the most important reward I can get.

[@JavierBonilla78]

This is a great video Mr. Gers, I already answered all 6 questions, so that's means the story I want to tell and myself are on the right path. Thank you so much!

[@writingforscreens]

That's great! Keep asking questions, that's the name of the game.

[@ServingKant42069]

you have no idea how much your videos has helped my writing process

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you SO much for telling me - that really is wonderful for me!!

[@elisebeaufeaux8261]

I love the outtakes. Super helpful video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge freely you have no idea how grateful I am to find such a resource online!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much! I am really happy to hear that it's helpful, and very grateful you took the time to comment.

[@demonio9401]

This was very eye-opening. Thank you so much.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank YOU, I am very glad to know you watched it and it was helpful!

[@TheFilmLook]

Your video on Film Courage sent me here and, my god, I love your channel! I'm happy I was able to answer the 6 questions!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much! I hope the questions stay useful - remember that's the point: to be useful tools to help you to make choices and to think of actions and lines and scenes. If they help, great. If they don't - toss 'em aside! Best of luck on your work :)

[@clrgray]

There are clear and concise descriptions of the first three questions, even memorable ideas, but the "What do they do about that?" and "Why doesn't that work?" questions did not get as much attention. Few specifics about those two.

[@writingforscreens]

Fair enough. I might've been getting tired! Or worried about tiring-out the audience. It happens :)

[@heeeyangie]

amazing tips, thank you for share your knowledge!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you for telling me it was helpful!!

[@mrcloudlion]

Seriously, Thank you! I am adding this right away, to my list of tools when creating scenes and plots.

[@writingforscreens]

That's exactly how I like to think of it - as just a tool, to use if it helps and set aside if not!

[@mrcloudlion]

@@writingforscreens Great! I already liked and subbed. I have to catch up now.

[@carpetsrugsandupholstery]

WOW thank you so much what a lightbulb moment, I'm very excited and mi creative mind has just exploded

[@writingforscreens]

Love this comment, thank you! Exploding creative minds is my whole ideal job description!!

[@aroset]

Also I saw you hadn't dropped a new vid in 5 months. I hope you pick this up again because you have a great teaching ability.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much! I have 2 or 3 left in editing but mostly I'm done with the short "Lesson" videos - it's over 50 and they truly do say what I wanted to say...(I talk about that a bit here: LIVE Screenwriting Class: “Farewell 2023 - Some Thoughts, Some Advice” - kzbin.infolNKtAF3AP-I). I'll now be doing weekly Livestreams where I talk about whatever's on my mind that week, and when I finish my novel I will try to cut those up into smaller "topics covered" and work on making them all more find-able somehow...so many things I want to do!

[@bozzwtf]

subbed for outtakes - so good.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much!!

[@omnipop4936]

(5:20) I immediately thought of Roy Scheider's character in 'Jaws' (1975), and the situation he found himself in at the end, and the actions he had to take to get out of it.

[@ParmyBaddhan]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge to help me write my story. It's very much appreciated.

[@writingforscreens]

So glad it's helpful! Thank you for the encouraging comment!

[@crimsonwolf9572]

I needed to hear this, thank you! I never knew I wanted to be a writer until I realized I cared more about the characters and what happened to them, than their video games, It feels odd writing this as I never in a million years would have thought that's what I wanted to be, I thought just becoming a comic book artist was enough.

[@writingforscreens]

Well, I think becoming a comic book artists IS enough, if you like being a comic book artist. But if you ALSO like becoming a writer: you can! I'm mainly just very glad that my videos are helping you sort out what you like, and encouraging you to explore and try things.

[@crimsonwolf9572]

@@writingforscreens im not sure what to say ,so I will say thank you for the information.

[@writingforscreens]

@@crimsonwolf9572 I hope that didn't come off as critical or negative in any way! I only meant that I like to think inclusively, and didn't want the joy of one discovery (of writing) to diminish the joy of another (comics) :) Best of luck, keep exploring and creating!

[@miriamrobarts]

Re: "I thought just becoming a comic book artist was enough." Well, you need something to draw. Even one picture (or one frame or cell) can & should tell a story. You just discovered that you want to write your own stories instead of illustrating other people's stories. (Even if you illustrate someone else's story, you are still adding pieces to it by how it is drawn, what colors you use, etc.) • • ❈ • • I came to this video because I'm trying to think of an idea (or story) for an illustration (in response to a prompt). I like drawing, but I have a hard time coming up with interesting ideas. • • ❈ • • A video I've seen by Will Terry explains that illustration needs a good story. He said when you draw something, it's like you're saying, "Hey! Hey, everybody! Come look at this!" So you need to make it worth it, & tell them something interesting. I can't remember the exact example he used, but it was something like: If your picture says, "Hey, everyone! A girl walked her dog." No one will care. You need to add something else. The video said it needs to tell a compelling story, or if it's something that simple it needs to be extremely well made (for example: a picture that is simply beautiful & nice to look at that you'd hang on a wall, or an image on a greeting card).

[@elborrego4916]

What a beautifully craft video This was really helpful! Thanks!

[@writingforscreens]

Thanks for the support!

[@jonfrey6893]

The outtakes were awesome and entertaining Glenn :)

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!!

[@shanethewatcher6163]

Extremely useful! Greatly appreciated

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!!

[@riviloo]

This was such a big help, amazing video!

[@writingforscreens]

I'm so glad to hear it's helpful, thanks!

[@nscoby9311]

I greatly appreciate your teaching here as an aspiring writing. I like to write short stories so far I've written two but I've never asked myself these questions in my writing process. I will immediately begin asking myself these questions on my next short story.

[@writingforscreens]

I am so glad to think these tools can be helpful! Keep writing! You're not just an aspiring writer: if you're writing something, you ARE a writer.

[@pilarvera6985]

Glenn, I don’t know how to put into words my gratitude! I have this amazing idea for a fantasy-romance novel, I did some story structure and I’ve been thinking about the details for more than a month now. But every time that I have to actually write it… I can’t! Nothing comes out. I begin to feel very lost and don’t know how to start. It’s awful. Every time I end up so anxious and discouraged, thinking things like “who the hell do I think I am?” “what did it make me believe that I could write a novel?” But I found your interview with Film Courage and you can’t imagine how relieved you made me feel. Everything you said felt pretty accurate to my experience trying to write. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your knowledge. It means a lot for people like me that can’t afford to go to college and just have a dream but zero experience and opportunities.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you! Small steps. Do what you do, the best you can, and keep learning and exploring. Don't worry too much about publishing and rewards -- just try to make it as good as you can right now. And if you keep doing that, each small step: it and you will keep getting better and better. There has never been a time like this for "outsiders" to do creative work and even get it out to an audience. That's a whole OTHER journey, that you can only take when the work is good. So just enjoy the process, make work you like, and keep learning. You will find SO many resources on line...some will help, a lot won't -- so just take what helps and throw away the rest! Best of luck! Have fun!

[@Koujujutsu]

Thanks so much! I've been wanting to write a small comic strip for sometime and i finally did last night. I remembered this video from a few weeks ago. So I'll use these tips to evaluate and fix my draft. Thanks so much!

[@writingforscreens]

You're entirely welcome - I'm so glad it's helpful! Thank you for telling me.

[@ShaunMcMillan]

So helpful and useful, thank you!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank YOU for watching and commenting! Please let me know in comments if there's a topic you would like me to get into.

[@m0L3ify]

Thank you! I've been trying to formulate a basic plot for a book idea I have and this helped me immensely!! ♥

[@writingforscreens]

I'm SO happy to hear this! Enjoy your process, do your work, make your path!

[@artemipatev9456]

Hello, I came from Film Courage, just with this video you taught me a lot already! Thank you

[@writingforscreens]

Glad you came to check it out! Thank you, so much!

[@maisey2363]

Thank you Mr Gers ...BEST CONCISE information in a nutshell that is articulated well, with fun examples ...but the outtakes are the best ^^))

[@writingforscreens]

So glad it's fun and useful!

[@mickeyaugrec7560]

4:56 'If your objective is important and your obstacles are substantial [ ]' is the crux for me. Love your vlogs, apply the processes / tools actively - thanks 1,000,000 Glenn!

[@writingforscreens]

So glad to hear that I am being useful in doing this! Thank you!!

[@cfhall54]

This is pretty awesome! Thank you

[@writingforscreens]

Thank YOU!

[@kylebilezerian687]

I was stuck for a while trying to come up with a meaningful and logical plot and I was ready to give up. Then I found this video and answered the 6 questions and after a few minutes I was able to plan out an entire plot that both makes logical sense and also follows an interesting story with plenty of conflicts and a few twists. Now I just have to write it :). Thanks, Glenn.

[@writingforscreens]

So glad to hear this!! You can write it! Small steps, over time, enjoy taking the steps and making the little bits.

[@diegooland1261]

Thanks, this is very good. Easy to understand and I can see this playing out in so many movies that just pop into my head while thinking about the six. I get stuck on five. My obstacles aren't very strong, or even worse, someone else in the story solves the obstacles for the main character.

[@writingforscreens]

Great! Remember these are just tools to help you work though your story - not a "right or wrong checklist." Every writer with every project will come up with different answers - and they might even change during the process. All that matters is if it helps you think of scenes and characters and get something written!

[@ozdigg9254]

Haha Wow. Clear, concise, authoritative, insightful, inspiring. Thank you. :))))))

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much!!

[@miriamstanley3982]

This was a very helpful video. Thank you for posting.

[@writingforscreens]

You're completely welcome, thank you so much for letting me know it's useful to you!

[@elpatoempatado2404]

I began writing a story a few weeks ago, so I guess I'll try to answer the questions with some of the characters in mind. Thanks!

[@writingforscreens]

You're welcome, I hope they help! Remember: they're not a test, they're not rules - they're just ways to start thinking and asking questions. The answers - YOUR answers, whatever feels right to you - are what matter.

[@Annayasha]

This is really good! Thankyou for sharing

[@writingforscreens]

Thank YOU for watching - and letting me know it works for you!

[@maximusalemon4682]

Hola amigo Gleen. Thanks a lot for the guidance with this six questions for structure a history, I find it very useful. It is like the conceptual design of an entire fiction world.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you so much! The most important thing is - use it when it it helps, forget it when it doesn't!!

[@savinathina]

Amazing video! Thank you very much!

[@writingforscreens]

Thank YOU for watching and commenting!

[@orlandosantos2366]

Thank you Mr. Glenn, as a veteran going to therapy and med., I'm trying to help my son get back on his feet, he just finish up his time in the U.S.Marines Corps, & he's fighting a real bad depression and anxiety now under medication and therapy, and that's who I come a cross your video., you got no idea how much you are helping us with a simple video. Keep doing this with out knowing how many people benefit from them, because at the end you always going to be BLESSED.

[@writingforscreens]

I am so very glad to hear that my video helped, Orlando! I am truly heartbroken that you and your son have been struggling, and hope that the support, medication and therapy can help him find his way out of the dark time. I do believe that having a project or task can help fight depression and anxiety, and that working through your feelings and experiences in storytelling can be healthy. I hope that you and your family can keep living, one day, even one hour at a time - making small steps, exploring, trying, and enjoying the good moments - no matter how rare they may be sometimes. They do keep showing up, if we keep trying. Thank you so much for your kind comment.

[@Valkalyn_Serpenz]

this is a great video, It got me thinking about my own project and the characters in it. I like that is got me thinking. thank you.

[@writingforscreens]

Thank you!!