Hi everyone, I'm Sam. I'm from Oregon, USA. I'm 36 and have 3 kids. I've always enjoyed writing, mostly long winded love letters and unpretentious peotry lol. However I have written a few stories, and a couple scathing customer comments. I have zero experience with screenplays however which is what brought me here. So far I've read a few scripts and started outlining my own. So in closing this rambling introduction I look forward to reading more and possibly posting one of my own to be dissected, critiqued, and possibly even enjoyed by a few.

Hey Sammy. Nice to meet you. Been doing this myself about a year and a half. Before that, knew nothing at all about it.

I recommend Save the Cat, by Blake Snyder; but don't treat it like a bible.
Also Story by McKee.

I also strongly recommend reading recently optioned scripts. Learn from the pros. Best way I can suggest to get those: visit Scriptshadow's blog. Join his email list. Can't really say more on that, but you'll find your way to 4 to 7 pro spec scripts a week. It really helps.

Good luck!

Hi Sam,

Welcome aboard the S.S. S.S.

There are a lot of good people on here to help you hone your craft.

My best piece of advice is to get some screenwriting software.  Celtix is free and will save you a lot of negative comments on improper format.  Format isn't carved in stone, but there is a basic standard to abide by.  

Read some scripts on here, comment, and you will see others return the favor when you post something.

Have fun writing.

Jordan

Best of luck Sammy....And I look forward to reading some of your work.

Dena

Hey Sammy,

Welcome to SS! It’s a fantastic place to learn and hone your craft of screenwriting. All the best and look forward to reading some of your work.

Steve

Welcome Sammy... Hope you enjoy all the aggravation and frustrating that comes along with screenwriting ... actually that's just me.

Mark

Hello Sammy,

Welcome to SS, as the others have said its a great place to learn.

One good tip given to me was use the Portal button - its shows what is active.

All the best.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. Spending a lot of time reading other people's scripts, and threads relating to proper structure and format. As for my own script I'm far from posting anything yet.