Does this happen to anyone else, or am I just strange... Okay, I know I'm strange, but I was wondering if this happens to anyone else...

Right now I'm 20 some pages into the screenplay. I have the thing plotted out in my head as to how I want it, but then I have to stop writing to work or whatever.

When I do get back to writing, I start reading from page one as a way to throw myself back into the script, then I end up rewriting the scenes I already have down, and only end up with one or sometimes two new scenes added.

Yes I know what you are talking about.

The thing that helped me with that problem was to write my script scene by scene.  Now I'm not talking about every EXT or INT shot, but usually a whole scene that fits together by either location or time.  After I finish the scene, I stop writing.  Regardless of it's length.  Even if it was only 2 or 3 pages, I stop.  This allows me to focus in on one thing and if I feel I need to make changes in the scene I will.  This will keep you from changing your whole screenplay everytime you read it, because it's human nature to want to add or delete stuff after you read it becase I think the brain constantly has things flying around inside that you want to put on paper and if you read something that you want to change, you most likely will.  

Try to finish writing your script completely before you start doing some heavy changes to the writing.  If you keep trying to change your story or plot you are just going to piss yourself off and you will never finish.

Hope that helps.  

Oh and you are not wierd haha.  Trust me.  You have a valid question.  Some of these questions I see makes me think there are some chimps on this board.  

I do the exact same thing. So much so I often will only read a page or two to get back into it, to keep myself from doing that. Whenever I do that I... well, I end up writing 600 page zombie trilogies. Nothing wrong with the process, except when I do it.  

Thanks for the good advise, you guys.
One scene per sitting sounds good. It's a more realistic view on how to write,  especially when there's limited time to do so, and always interruptions that make me lose my train of thought.
And starting to read only a couple pages before writing, I'll do that in the morning when I pick it back up again, but I don't think I can write a 600 page zombie trilogy.  

Thanks again,
Cindy

I usually read all of my previous work prior to starting a new session.  Sometimes I do change things or add scenes, but I think it's a pretty effective way to proof nonetheless, as there's always something that gets missed.

Some writers use index cards, say 90 or so per 90 min script.

Write your SLUGLINE or scene headings on top of the card and a brief description of the action on the card. Having a pinboard to pin the 90 or so card on is also a good idea so you can pin the index cards on the board, lay them out and have a look at the overall sequences and structure of your screenplay..

You could use paper, don't need to use actual index card. Slice the paper in quarters and use that.

Apparently Terry Rossio & Ted Elliot the screenwriters behind The Pirates Of The Caribbean use this method. http://www.wordplayer.com/

Both Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter have index card views which emulate this in their software.

The software publishers Write Bros, the people behind Movie Magic, have a package called StoryView 2.0 it can import ASCII text and or stuff from Movie Magic. Great thing about this program is you can write outlines directly in this package then export it for whatever software package you use to write screenplays with, RFT, ASCII or Movie Magic or whatever.. StoryView enables you to see on a graphical timeline how your story looks with the 3 ACTS, the various sequences and your scenes all on this timeline..

http://store.write-bros.com/products/sv/index.aspx

I realize the program is expensive but this is great for planning your full screenplay because you can see the complete thing displayed on the timeline.. If you split your story in 3 ACTS, then construct your SEQUENCES, and then split these sequences into scenes, you can see where you’re going..

If you can’t afford StoryView just now then I’d definitely consider this package in the future.. Despite the price tag it is a  revelation to work with..

Kevan

Quoted from CindyLKeller Right now I'm 20 some pages into the screenplay. I have the thing plotted out in my head as to how I want it, but then I have to stop writing to work or whatever.

I only can make it to ten pages, and then I just want to rewrite it over again. I think I'm just weird.

Mike,
That's what I've been doing, going back and fixing and adding missing pieces that should have been there to begin with, but then I would get stuck.

Kevan,
I took time today to reflect on why this may be happening. I mean the story is there and all, the three acts and turning points hand written on paper along with ideas for scenes, but I didn't know the characters as up close as I should have before starting to write. So I did that today.

ET,
I know what it's like.

Cindy

You appear to have written quiet a few scripts already, I've seen them listed in your signature.. Did you experience the same phenomena going back after 10 pages?

Are you using the HERO'S JOURNEY model for a structure?

Set up your sequences using those elements of the HERO'S JOURNEY so your hero character has definite locations to go forward in a linear story. This should get you past the 10 pages and beyond.

Have a nemesis character come in early on.. i.e. a Protagonist or enemy if you like who will challenge your HERO through the story at given points or sequences.

A good idea is to give your main HERO character a flaw.. Make this flaw the stumbling block which prevents the character from achieving his or her goals. Then introduce an ALLY character who helps your HERO overcome his or her flaws.

If  don’t already know this stuff then have a look here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero%27s_Journey

A reasonable account of Joseph Campbell’s ‘Monomyth’ structure.

Use the sequences in the Monomyth to help you construct your story.. Write separate events for the sequences for the quest of your hero then join the scenes together..

Have a plan of how your character is going to get from page one to page 10, use this a separate sequence in the screenplay. Next, sequence two is page 11 to 20, sequence three is page 21 to 30.. I’m only using this as an example, this is not set in stone.. Then do the same for the following pages. Use 10 pages (rough estimate) to create a sequence by following the sequences of the Monomyth.. If you don’t have enough pages to fit each sequence of the Monomyth then trim them down by one of two pages so each sequence is 8 pages in length for example. You need to end up with either 90 pages divided between the sequences of the Monomyth  or 100 pages.. Its up to you..

This should help you to write a first draft. Once you have that first draft you can start to eliminate the fat and work towards making your script leaner and polish stuff in your later drafts..

There are some links on that Wikipedia page to other resources regarding THE HERO’S JOURNEY..

This at least will give you a path you can stick to on your writing journey without turning around and starting at the beginning again.. Forget what you write in the first 10 pages and write stuff as sequences.. Have them planned and this should help..

Kevan..

Kevan,
Thank you so much for your help. I hope others who are having difficulty writing something take a look at your last post.
I've had this problem before with scripts, then I end up just letting them die. Not this one though.

I am writing this one to follow the antagonist through her journey, and the protagonist has his own reason for doing what he does and ends up challanging her.

Here's the basics of the story...

The antagonist... A young woman in her late twenties has to learn to fend for herself after her divorce. It's hard for her because during her marriage she never had to work, and now that she is on her own she is struggling, and filled with self doubt. This woman is a neat freak, too.

The protagonist... A twisted individual in his thirties. He's married, has five kids, reads a lot of porn, and works as a valet at the hospital. The guy is a stalker who likes to video tape women.

The antagonist ally... A stong-willed woman, her aunt. The aunt is in her 50s. She is a widow who isn't book smart, but street smart and knows what it takes to get by, but she is in a bad way herself, with her newly broken leg.

Well, the story has changed quite a bit. I'm actually to page 70 now, and know exactly how to finish it. A couple more days is all I feel I need for the first draft, then I can lay it down for a week.
Whoo Hoo!

Hey, I missed this the first time around for some reason.  I know what story you are talking about here, and I am intrigued by your choice for the antagonist's ally.

A mature, strong-willed, street-smart woman?

You don't actually know anybody like that, do you...

Hey bert,
Good to see you.

The characters are coming along quite nicely. I kind of went sort of along the lines of my mother when I wrote in the aunt. My mom is really something, old fashioned, but she knows what's up.

The younger girl is around someone else I know quite well. She doesn't make good choices when it comes to men.

Anyway, the protog, or the one who we think is the protog, ends up being an ally. It all comes out in the wash, so to speak.

Should have it done this week at the very latest.

Hey Cindy

Good to hear from you..

Glad you're screenplay first draft is nearly completed..

Well done on your hard work..

Really looking forward to reading this..


Kevan

Kevan,
Now I'm not sure if I want to post it up on the board or not... I have two people interested in it already.   So I really need to get it done.
I could e-mail it to you, though.
Cindy