Great Rewrite Advice

Anyone having trouble reconnecting with their story when emabarking on a rewrite needs to listen to the latest Scriptnotes podcast from John August and Craig Mazin. My current rewrite has been hanging around for far too long, needing a proper kick up its arse and the advice in the new Scriptnotes podcast is great stuff.

It might not work for everyone (there are a gazllion different cups of tea out there for different tastes out there nowadays) but I think it's sound advice from working practicioners of the craft.

I encourage anyone who hasn't already to subscribe to their podcast.

Scriptnotes 140: Falling back in love with your script.

'Tis a tonic, I tell ye!

The Art of the Rewrite*

Read previous draft as much as you can.

Take metaphorical sledge hammer in hand.

Smash the damn thing to pieces.

Look at the bits left that still make sense.

Watch for fat and dispose of it.

Add new bits if necessary.

Rebuild from the ground up.

Read it over.

Keep sledge hammer handy if need be.

Drink plenty of tea.

Rinse.

Repeat.

*The following should not be construed as solid advice but more of a venting process.