I feel I am becoming a better writer everyday. Every day I find new ways to make shit better in my writing. And I've heard so many times that no matter how good you are at something, there is always more to learn. So when do we draw the line? When do we go over our work and decide it's time to take the next step?

Every time I finish a re read of one script in particular, I find myelf nit picking. I have had VERY POSITIVE feedback from all angles, even professionals. But, I'm not happy with it, yet. Will I ever be happy with it?

Has anyone had this problem before?

Oh yes. I think you're always thinking of ways to make a script better. Best is when you think you're done, then something else comes to you that you think will make it better. Happens all the time. Not sure if there's ever a time when you can truly say you're done. You can go on nit picking forever.

I guess you have to draw the line somewhere and just let it go. But of course, remember it's all about story. I don't think a producer/director is gonna analyze your script the way you do. They're gonna look to story first. And, of course, if your writing pops, well formatted, etc. Important stuff yes, but none more so than the actual story.

Steve

Everyone is different and have their own way of doing things. Personally, I HATE rewriting, with a passion. I like to write. So, for me, I do not obsess over the script. As soon as I type FADE OUT, I start to plan the next script. This of course, leaves me with a bunch of first draft scripts. But, as I have become a better writer, I find that my first drafts are usually decent enough to post without embarrassment.

I've seen people polish and polish their scripts until they do shine. Sometimes taking a year or more for one feature only to become very discouraged or even depressed when they learn that after all that time spent on one script, there's no one out there that's interested in the script. Regardless of the shine.

My own view - time is your friend. I almost never find inspiration for re-writes when I am first done. However, if I let it stew for a month or two it is almost like looking at something new. However, I do use an organized process for the re-write. I kind of take it in this order:

1. Re-cleaning Scene Headings

I take a pass at all of the slugs to see if I could have been more efficient by including additional information in the heading. Something like if I have a scene INT. CAR followed by a scene EXT. Car - then back to INT. CAR - would it be better just with one slug INT/EXT car. Or something like

EXT. ROAD - NIGHT

A car travels down a rural country road with it it's lights off.

Could be changed to

EXT. RURAL COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT

In other words - is there stuff I have in the description that could be in the heading.

2. Typos and Grammar (scrub, scrub, scrub) - I search the doc for my most common errors.

3. Look at each scene - did I get in as late as possible and out as early as possible.

I know all of the above are pretty mechanical and well known exercises - nothing new. But just doing them does get the creative juices going and help lead to getting to the more creative stuff.

4. Dialogue - I look at each line - (a) did it have the impact I wanted or does it just kind of lay there.  (b) is it needed - is it better told through action? Also look at dialogue for tone consistency - i.e., would the character really say that?

5. Scene Purpose/Plot points. I pay special attention to any scene longer than 2 pages and critical attention to any scene longer than 3 - because IMO if you are going to keep a reader there that long it better be damn good - so I almost look at these scenes as if they were a short.

The most difficulty I have is with the story itself.  I have a hard time changing the bones of a story at the fact of the matter is that may be where the weakness lies. i.e., what if I flipped my male lead to a female, etc. What if he/she were poor rather than rich, etc.

This is long winded - but for me - the only way I get myself to tackle re-writes is to start with the very mechanical stuff and progress to the more creative stuff.

I'm similar to Dave

But I also have trusted fellow writers give feedback, privately for Features, on SS for shorts.

I do the spelling and grammar thing using Grammerly as it's not my strong point and I also use this to look for obvious improvements https://yourscreenplaysucks.wordpress.com/7-deadly-sins-of-writing/

I think at that point I'm ready to try and get it out there...BUT I never consider it finished until it's Optioned/Sold... I will review on an ad hoc basis and tinker away forever.

Anthony

You have to figure out for yourself where to draw the line. Every writer has a different relationship with their own writing, so I don't think there's any simple answer.

I will say the closest thing to a gauge is the feedback on your script. Major, overarching problems will be reflected in the majority. You'll notice patterns in the comments you receive. In past experience, I've found as I'm able to improve my own scripts, the comments become more personalized and subjective, and the patterns start to dissipate.

There's a great book called "Rewrite" by Paul Chitlik that goes over a systematic way of approaching your rewriting, in multiple passes where each pass has a specific goal. It's not for everybody, but you might pick up a tip or two. One I like is, "Keep rewriting until it's no longer better, just different."

It also may be a good idea to let your script breath for a little and take some time away from it. Come back with a fresh pair of eyes. Helps a lot actually and allows you to go work on other projects and refine your craft even more.

I've said a few times before but my writing method sort of circumnavigates the rewrite road.

I write by hand in a notebook (with a real biro OMG lol). This is far more effective than simply sitting at the computer or on mobile app and trying to create from scratch.

After I've done the script in the notebook, when its time to copy onto the computer on the software, it may be months later (or years lol). As you go along, reading what you wrote, many times you rewrite little bits as you go, so the new bits are better than your previous writing. Then when the script is done, you can go back and fix any grammar issues and tinker ever so gently with stuff. If its a comedy you should never linger on lines trying to make them funnier. Spontaneity is the key to good comedy. If it ain't funny the first time, don't use it.

Quoted from stevie I write by hand in a notebook (with a real biro OMG lol). This is far more effective than simply sitting at the computer or on mobile app and trying to create from scratch.

I like my save my writing hand for other things such as cleaning dishes and hanging out laundry.

Quoted Text If its a comedy you should never linger on lines trying to make them funnier. Spontaneity is the key to good comedy. If it ain't funny the first time, don't use it.

Good point. I don't think I could write a comedy anyway. It would be way too "politcally incorrect"

I'm glad I don't write by hand any more. Maximum I could do in those days was 7 pages of A4 before my hand started to ache. Now, I'm no longer stopped by wrist ache. My brain simply shuts down instead.

I should add, that back then I was writing short stories, so 7 A4 pages was approximately 2-3000 words.

Old farts