May/June 2012 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Website of the Week
Writing Website of the Week
Published author Roz Morris' website covers a lot of topics about writing--some serious, some for fun. Either way, it's a site that's worth a few minutes of any writer's week. (I recommend following her on Twitter too.Nail Your Novel 
*Not affiliated with our 101 Best Writing Websites feature.
Script Notes
“Script Notes” explores the craft and business of writing for film, television and new media. TV producer Chad Gervich takes a look at the latest Hollywood developments and what they mean for writers. He’ll also incorporate interviews and advice from some of the industry’s top players, from agents and execs to writers, directors and producers.
Two and a Half Men: Giving Characters Tangible Wants & Conflicts
I often talk in my TV-writing classes about the importance of giving characters TANGIBLE wants, obstacles, conflicts, etc. In other words, we sometimes give our characters internal objectives and obstacles– like the … Read more
Formatting Questions? Try This…
I’ve gotten a lot of formatting questions lately, everything from how to do slugs and shot headings to the correct way to show different sides of a phone conversation. I’ve emailed some … Read more
Defending Josh Olson
When I was in grad school at UCLA, one of my professors always said one of a writer’s most important skills was the ability to see things—without judging—from different characters’ perspectives, especially … Read more
Dear Kay and Josh…
First of all, huge thanks to Mary for her comment pointing out Kay Reindl’s Seriocity blog post “ripping me a new one!” (Kay wrote a response to my response to Josh Olson‘s … Read more
BOOK REVIEW: The Invisible Cut
I was chatting with my friend Mark the other day, a playwright who’s recently started writing and directing his own short films. He’d sent me the latest cut of his new short, … Read more
Josh Olson Is Wrong
A few days ago, I posted a link to screenwriter Josh Olson’s Village Voice column, “I Will Not Read Your Fucking Script,” in which he rails against an aspiring screenwriter who asked … Read more
MOVIE TALK: 9
I’ve seen a lot of movies this week, but 9, the new animated movie produced by Tim Burton (The Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Night Watch, Day Watch), is … Read more
Some Seriously Glourious Basterds
Okay, I know I’m a little behind the bandwagon on this, but I FINALLY got around to seeing Inglourious Basterds tonight, and I have to say… THAT IS AN AWESOMELY BAD-ASS MOVIE. … Read more
Why Leno Will Fail… Maybe?
Jay Leno‘s new not-the-Tonight-Show-version-of-the-Tonight-Show hits the airwaves Monday, and Hollywood is anxious to see how this will play out for NBC. It’s been a huge controversy in the world of television… with … Read more
6 Quick Movie Reviews
Every once in a while, the stars align in little ways that turn out to be AWESOME… like when A) you’re off work for a week, and B) your parents are in … Read more